Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1832 - 1825: The Internal Threat

Chapter 1832: Chapter 1825: The Internal Threat

The atmosphere in Shengyuan Qilan City suddenly became tense. The Wen Family’s limited troops not only had to fend off fifty thousand enemies but also protect the capital, reaching a point of being stretched thin.

However, it was evident that some people were happy to see such chaos. They had waited who knows for how long for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If they didn’t take action now, they might not have another chance.

"Anxiang Liang, Xiamu Yu, He Yuling, Qitian Mao, thank you for your continued help all these years. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today." In a room deep in the city’s alleys, Bailong An spoke to several people.

"Your Highness of the Royal Family, we cannot accept thanks. It is our duty." The named individuals bowed, speaking with trepidation.

The four were all men, young and varied in stature, but they had one common trait—they all belonged to the aristocratic families most supportive of the Wu Family.

As the Wen Family’s influence continued to grow, the Wu Family clearly felt threatened. They attempted to intercept the Advance Team halfway, hoping to draw them to their side. Additionally, they were actively operating in Shengjing, even enlisting Bailong An, who was being pursued by the Wen Family’s Imperial Court, as their bargaining chip.

"And now, I have a beloved daughter, which is truly wonderful. This further increases our chances."

Bailong An spoke with gratification, looking at Feng beside him, who stood expressionless.

"With the Princess aiding Your Highness this time, revenge will be had and you’ll ascend the Throne." The four flattered him.

"Thanks to your efforts in distracting the city’s defenses, we otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to declare war. Rest assured, once I’m in power, you will all be generously rewarded."

"Your Majesty," Qitian Mao stepped forward, his attitude firm, "If you become Emperor Wu, I urge you to order the extermination of the Wen Family and abolish the Cabinet..."

"This..."

"Why do you hesitate, Your Majesty?"

"I’m worried about provoking the Wen Family’s backlash..."

"You needn’t worry, Your Majesty. Just give the order, and all our families are willing to raise troops and respond, march to the capital and eradicate the Wen scoundrels!" Qitian Mao said passionately.

"That would be excellent..."

Bailong An nodded slightly, his eyelids dropped, revealing an elusive expression.

"Your Majesty," Anxiang Liang also stepped forward, bowed, and said, "The three hundred elite warriors in the city are all in place. Should we enter the palace?"

"Let’s wait a bit longer..."

"Your Majesty, are you showing fear at the last moment?"

"I’m worried about the Wen Family’s defenses; they can’t possibly be entirely unprepared. I need to see bigger actions from you to provoke the Wen Family!" Bailong An explained earnestly, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Upon hearing his words, the four exchanged glances, Anxiang Liang tentatively asked, "Then, should we order the Loyalty Army to take the initiative and support within the capital?"

"That’s the right course."

"Understood, I’ll immediately start preparing!" Anxiang Liang bowed and said.

Having dealt with the four in front of him, Bailong An turned to his daughter and asked worriedly, "Ying’er..."

"I’m not called Ying’er!" Feng retorted coldly.

"Uh... Well, Feng’er... Are you confident?" Bailong An asked awkwardly.

"Whatever you want to do, I will give my all to achieve it. That’s my promise to you."

"We needn’t be so formal between father and daughter. Once we seize the Throne, you shall ascend, and I seek only justice."

"I don’t care for that!"

Feng outright rejected.

"Uh..."

Bailong An’s mouth opened, once again trapped in embarrassment, rendered speechless.

Although Feng was his daughter, he neither dared to beat her nor scold her. Having witnessed Feng’s skills, Bailong An knew how formidable she was and thus dared not offend her.

On the other hand, he felt immensely excited because, with the skill of Bailong Bang and those two princesses, Feng would definitely not lose in the duel.

In other words, Feng’s chance of winning a duel before the Throne was almost one hundred percent. If they forcefully storm the palace, success was assured.

Bailong An’s method of seizing power still adhered to the old system, namely the Throne-Transfer Duel system of Emperor Wu.

Bailong An should be grateful the Wen Family’s Imperial Court did not completely abolish this system, allowing the Wu Family and him to see an opportunity to return to the summit.

Why did the Wen Family intentionally leave such an obvious loophole? Simply put, it was to give the Wu Family hope and prevent these people from acting recklessly.

The Wen Family maintained strict control over the fate of every member of the Royal Family, which was the key reason they dared to leave this systemic flaw.

But it’s clear that even the most stringent control is prone to lapses.

Bailong Bang and Bailong An dueled for the Throne, with the Wen Family’s manipulation, Bailong Bang smoothly ascended to become Emperor Wu, while Bailong An was secretly hunted by the Wen Family’s Imperial Court.

However, they did not succeed in killing Bailong An, not even dealing with his newborn daughter, laying a grave hidden danger for what was to unfold next.

Shifting the view to the Northern Province front lines, Jiuyun Shuang’s progress was swift; with casualties of just over five thousand, he miraculously devoured the Yipa army of one hundred thousand one by one.

The hundred thousand cavalry either were shot dead or surrendered after breaking their bows and arrows. Based on post-battle statistics, more than half of the Yipa army’s troops suffered casualties, and the rest surrendered.

Thus, the threat from the Yipa’s three divisions was basically quelled, and Jiuyun Shuang could formally accept their surrender and allow them to pledge allegiance to the Dongsheng Empire.

According to the agreement, the three division leaders had to surrender and pledge allegiance within the Northern Province territory. On the way back, Jiuyun Shuang did not ride aboard the Kunzhou but instead led hundreds of followers on horseback back to the territory.

Having completed such a remarkable feat, his face was brimming with unconcealed joy, he was eager to see his father’s reaction.

Once, he took pride in his father, but now having led the army to defeat the three divisions and awe the Yipa, he felt his father should be proud of him.

Crossing the desert, about to enter the Northern Province boundary, Jiuyun Shuang looked up at the Kunzhou passing overhead, heading towards the nearest city, subconsciously letting his guard down, leading a hundred cavalry atop a nearby dirt hill to overlook the vast terrain.

The dirt hill he climbed exceeded fifty meters in height, presenting an irregular shape. Noteworthy is that there was only a single path up, surrounded by steep cliffs, very treacherous.

This dirt hill was formed by the erosion of water and wind, not far away was a vast dried riverbed, but the river had long dried up, leaving only exposed cobblestones to be seen.

Facing the fierce cold wind, Jiuyun Shuang watched the Kunzhou fleet gradually move away in the sky, unaware that as the fleet vanished into the horizon, danger was drawing near.

He hadn’t basked in his joy for much longer before his followers noticed something was amiss. Dust clouds spread from the direction of the plains, an astonishing number of Yipa cavalry galloping towards them, closing in on the base of the dirt hill in the blink of an eye, blocking their ascent.

"General, something’s wrong!" The followers spotted the danger and immediately rode up to Jiuyun Shuang, reporting.

"I see it."

Jiuyun Shuang spoke coldly, staring fixedly at the cavalry blocking his path.

"It’s the Yipa cavalry, General, their intentions are hostile."

"Set up formations to defend, find a second route, and attempt to contact General Yungui aboard the Kunzhou." Jiuyun Shuang ordered calmly.

"Understood!"

The followers nodded and quickly got busy. Some dismounted and started building shelters with nearby stones and logs, setting up rifles. Others rode around the dirt hill, seeking a second path down.

Sky rockets were fired into the sky, producing booming sounds. However, unfortunately, by that time, the Kunzhou fleet had disappeared over the horizon, uncertain if they’d noticed the alarm.

The ascent was a narrow path, winding and steep. Should the enemy attack, cavalry charge would be impossible, requiring dismounting to advance, easing Jiuyun Shuang’s defensive pressure.

"General, the defensive positions are established!" A follower reported.

"General, we circled around and found no other path, only this one." The follower responsible for seeking routes also returned to report.

"Go ask those people what their intentions are!" Jiuyun Shuang contemplated briefly, pointing down the hill.