Twin Dimension Yin-Yang Mirror: Attaining immortality through the martial path
Chapter 729 - 571: Fire Manipulation + - 572: Two Phases of the Wind and Sky

Chapter 729: Chapter 571: Fire Manipulation + Chapter 572: Two Phases of the Wind and Sky

Chu Changxing’s upper body was sent spinning through the air, his eyes catching sight of sword light washing over, plowing a path tens of yards long before stopping.

The neatly formed cavalry squadron behind him was cleaved open with a wide gash, flesh flying amongst the carnage, instantly severed.

Agonizing pain surged to his heart, spirits dissipating in his final moments.

He suddenly recalled the words of the old monk before his departure: "If I were you, General, at this moment, I would flee on horseback without a backward glance..."

Ignoring the advice of the elderly leads to imminent losses.

His heart at this moment is full of regret.

But alas, there is no chance for a do-over.

Smack...

Chu Changxing fell among the dust and pools of blood, faintly hearing the thundering hooves approaching, soldiers riding furiously under the moonlight.

Two figures stood aloof on the hillside to the left, watching from afar, neither sad nor joyful.

...

"Facing the sudden and fierce sword strike that killed seventy to eighty men and horses in one blow, yet still able to maintain their fighting spirit and quickly reform their battle formation for a charge, the quality of these cavalry soldiers is quite remarkable," said Zhou Ping’an, silently watching the Black Armored Cavalry regrouping on the valley road.

Lin Huaiyu nodded in agreement: "Indeed, they’re nearly as good as our own Personal Guard Cavalry, which we trained at great expense. No wonder the Phoenix Platform’s Tiji Cavalry are so fearsomely reputed."

Nearly as good, which means they’re still lacking something.

This is hardly surprising.

The two thousand Personal Guard Cavalry handpicked and trained by Zhou Ping’an were not only well-fed with generous rations and meat, but also received elixirs like they cost nothing.

Furthermore, they have been taught the Primordial Sword Technique that is most suited for warfare, and when it came time to lead the troops, their authority was significantly boosted by the use of a Tiger Talisman.

Enjoying frequent empowerment of spirit and physical strength from the Tiger Talisman had its perks, and although they returned to their original strength once the talisman’s powers were withdrawn, the experience of having a greatly enhanced Cultivation Realm and strength ahead of time was invaluable to these soldiers.

Even those with mediocre natural talent, after such experiences, would surely make breakthroughs if they trained according to those sensations.

After a few months passed.

It’s not that all had reached Blood Renewal, tramping to the standards of Great Yu’s Imperial Army, but among the two thousand cavalry, almost sixteen to seventeen hundred had reached the Blood Exchange Realm. Placed in a small town, they could be considered minor masters.

Barely enough to open a martial arts school, teach students, and make a name for themselves.

So, when Xiang Tieniu led the charge with the two thousand cavalry following, a single assault was enough for the remaining four hundred plus Tiji Cavalry to collapse. More than two hundred fell, and the rest, in desperation, fled in all directions.

The escaping were one by one hunted down and slain by the Personal Guard Cavalry.

The more cunning hundred or so dismounted, threw away their weapons, and submitted to fate, thus sparing their lives.

"Let’s go."

After a few glances, Zhou Ping’an no longer paid attention to the Personal Guard Cavalry cleaning up the battlefield.

Although Xiang Tieniu was simple-minded, he had grown progressively through several charges and the experience of slaughter, not only spiking in Cultivation Realm but also becoming a fierce general on the battlefield and much steadier in disposition. With him leading the Personal Guard Army, these two thousand cavalry were enough to deter all enemies and protect Golden River.

Not to mention, there were still five thousand infantry within the city.

Any small force intruding into the territory was simply courting death.

"Unless Xiao Yuanfang from Yunzhou or the Northern Garrison heads south in person, there’s no need to worry about the safety of the counties," Lin Huaiyu commented.

"This time, by annihilating this Tiji Cavalry and killing the Phoenix Platform’s commander Chu Changxing, we’ve completely made our stance clear, standing in direct opposition to the Imperial Court..." Lin Huaiyu let out a long sigh, a tinge of worry visible on his face.

In the past, massive troop training, pacifying refugees, allocating land, and capturing territories.

Even after seizing the land of three counties, the senior brother never truly flew the banner of rebellion but developed silently, arranging county officials according to the Great Yu Court’s regulations.

Even in external propaganda, it targeted corrupt officials and evil gentry and never involved any wording against the court’s dereliction, nor did it flaunt slogans such as Recreating the Universe or overthrowing Great Yu.

At least there was some leeway left.

In other words, if the court had been very generous, or if they couldn’t intervene, it might still be possible to grant an appropriate official position to stabilize the situation with Ping’an Army in Jiangzhou.

There might even be discussions about placating them.

But from the Imperial Court’s side, there was not the slightest intention of offering amends, instead, they sent soldiers from Phoenix Platform and planned to eliminate the senior brother directly.

This has completely torn off any pretense.

Killing and capturing the five hundred Tiji Cavalry and Chu Changxing is a more severe act than the previous engagement with the Imperial Army in Pinghu County.

Previously, the court may not have really considered the Ping’an Army a significant force.

After this incident, they will surely no longer harbor any illusions.

The next time they act, it will inevitably with massive forces and a thunderous strike.

"There never was much room to maneuver."

Zhou Ping’an seemed utterly unconcerned.

He understood the worries of Lin Huaiyu. After all, he was from this world, and even those with high ambition and strong resolve would still harbor some reverence towards the dynasty and the Royal family.

As for himself, he was more interested in the notion of ’the Emperor’s turn rotates, this year it comes to our house.’

The Great Yu Court, the Xiao Imperial Family, in his eyes, are worthless.

If they could govern the world well, ensuring the people’s peace and happiness, he might have more respect for them.

But letting things devolve to such a mess, he felt that this court was largely unnecessary.

Let alone no officials coming forward to discuss placation, even if they did, he would drive them out with a beating.