Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior

But on second thought, even if the Black Mountain Army intends to launch a surprise attack on Qingyun County and Cang River, it would be difficult to achieve. Even though speed is crucial in warfare, the movements of an army of such scale cannot be concealed, especially when the Three Counties are currently mobilizing troops, with scouts stationed along the way.

Hence, the Black Mountain Army can only target Changfeng City for a surprise attack. Li Zhihe once said that there is a high likelihood of the Black Mountain Rebel Army’s stronghold being within the Qifeng Mountain Range, and Changfeng City is a mountain city situated right at the foot of Qi Peak.

Nonetheless, breaking through Changfeng County’s city in one night is enough to demonstrate the might of the Black Mountain Rebel Army. Besides having numerous soldiers, they undoubtedly possess many Martial Artists, including Sixth Grade ones; otherwise, they couldn’t possibly have breached Changfeng County Town.

As thoughts raced through his mind, Qingyun County Magistrate’s Office was quickly reached.

In the Magistrate’s Office hall, with the urgency of military affairs, Li Zhihe led Su Mu directly into the inner courtyard, coincidentally witnessing Tao Xingzheng donning his Official’s Hat; a light green robe embroidered with mandarin ducks adorned him, presenting him with a greater aura of dignity and nobility compared to the last meeting.

Seeing them, Tao Xingzheng waved away the junior officials that tried to block their path.

"You retreat for now."

Then he stepped forward to greet them.

"Director Li, Mr. Li, your timing is impeccable, for the matter is urgent. I won’t indulge in small talk—straight to the point."

"Changfeng County Town was overrun by the rebel army, County Captain Liu Qing has perished, County Magistrate Gong Ming and Demon Slayer Director Xu Zhen are under control, the rebel army is slaughtering extensively... The entire Changfeng County is now in chaos."

"Although the rebel army is formidable, their success in capturing Changfeng City is due to its proximity to the Qifeng Mountain Range. In my view, they remain a disorganized band of misfits. I have mobilized all the elite soldiers within Qingyun County, and once County Captain Li Qiu is brought back, we can merge forces to suppress the rebellion, striking directly at the heart."

"Leave the military operations to others; Mr. Li and you must focus on eliminating the chief culprit, Wang Xuantian."

Tao Xingzheng appeared composed, defining the current situation and providing analysis.

Currently, the Black Mountain Rebel Army is full of vigor, having breached the city overnight, but in Tao Xingzheng’s eyes, they are still a disorganized band, since they are not a regular army but rather bolstered by recruited bandits and thieves.

Tao Xingzheng incisively pointed out that the heart of the Black Mountain Army’s uprising lies with Wang Xuantian and a few other bandit leaders; indeed, Wang Xuantian serves as the soul of the Black Mountain Rebel Army. If he is executed, the rebellion is likely to crumble on its own, making it possible for a military force to swiftly annihilate the remnants.

Su Mu nodded lightly; his expertise didn’t lie in warfare, just leaving the professionals to handle it—his role was simply killing.

"Recently, County Captain Li Qiu has been running around the Land of Cyan Clouds, mobilizing forces..." Tao Xingzheng glanced at the Lin Family Siblings, "You should accompany Mr. Li and fetch Lord Li and the army back to Qingyun City. We need to unite our forces and avoid being attacked separately."

"Who will protect the lord if we leave?"

The Lin Family Siblings, clad in their traditional black and white martial robe, hesitated.

"With two Golden Orders in the city, and strong support from Qingzhou rushing in, you can go and return quickly. The rebels are all in Changfeng County now; it’s merely a precaution."

"At your command!"

The Lin Family Siblings accepted the order with a fist salute, while Su Mu, observing Tao Xingzheng briefly, also performed a fist salute.

The three promptly departed with swift determination.

As they exited the Magistrate’s Office, Su Mu suddenly sensed something and turned around to see two individuals approaching along Cyan Cloud Avenue, a step ahead of the Lin Family Siblings who also sensed something amiss.

To the north of Cyan Cloud Avenue, a man and a woman were approaching.

The man donned a blue robe, with elegant eyebrows and a proud demeanor, a three-foot ancient sword at his waist, and appeared around twenty-three or twenty-four years of age.

His companion, a woman of the same age, wore white, exuding heroic spirit with a smile at her lips, a slender Yanling Saber hanging at her waist, emitting a melodious chiming sound from the Jade Pendants they wore, their presence extraordinary.

Their gaze swept across Su Mu and the others—one sharp, one kindly yet with an underlying edge, akin to people eyeing humanoid Demon Beasts as prey.

"A man and a woman... Seems like new Golden Orders."

Su Mu could tell these two were not ordinary people, their demeanor likewise was unique, leading him to swiftly deduce their identities.

Their gazes varied—one carried a hint of curiosity, the other revealed a hint of malice, with the latter coming from Zhou Qing.

Indeed, that blue-robed man fixed his gaze on Su Mu among the three, then laughed softly, "So you’re the reputed ’Unparalleled Boxing and Stick Skills’ Li Feiyu? Sharp perception, but I wonder how much real skill you possess?"

Zhou Qing and Shangguan Ke had both noted earlier that among the three, it was Su Mu—despite not being Sixth Grade—who first sensed their approach, which led to Zhou Qing’s mocking words.

Su Mu was now assuming Li Feiyu’s identity, and even if he wasn’t Li Feiyu, he wouldn’t tolerate provocation.

Frowning, he turned around slowly.

"Your Excellency, why not give it a try?"

Zhou Qing raised his elegant brows; just as they were about to clash at the county office entrance on Cyan Cloud Avenue, a light chuckle from Tao Xingzheng emerged from the county office.

"Both Lords, Mr. Li is also undergoing the Golden Order assessment; if you duel here, you might demolish Qingyun County Magistrate’s Office. During the ongoing rebel unrest, Mr. Li is charged with critical tasks. It might be better for you to measure your strength against bandit leader Wang Xuantian on the battlefield."

"How disappointing!"

After Tao Xingzheng interjected, Zhou Qing—knowing Tao Xingzheng’s background—snorted coldly, sporting a look of letting you off just for today.