Breaking the Array (Part Two)

Xu Yuan looked at the kneeling man before him and used the power of the Saint's Remnant Soul to lift him up:

"Colonel Wang, I am not a noble person; I only did what I could."

Upon witnessing the other party's ability to remotely lift him, a mere fourth-rank official Body Fusion, Colonel Wang's pupils constricted slightly, but he quickly smiled in relief.

"Young Master Zhou, you are too kind. You have no connection with Shengshan County. If you hadn't come to remind me, I would still be confused about what happened. Even when the city falls, I probably wouldn't have guessed that the Myriad Wanxiang Sect was behind it all."

"Being willing to make an attempt for my Shengshan County is enough."

What some people take for granted and consider worthless, others consider invaluable.

Xu Yuan didn't mince words with Colonel Wang and went straight to the point:

"What I just described represents the most ideal scenario. Colonel Wang, you'd better prepare for the worst."

As he spoke, Xu Yuan pointed to the Illusion Mist Array on the dome:

"If I can't find the control point after breaking the formation, or if the control point is destroyed by the Wanxiang Sect after I find it, the formation will most likely continue to go out of control."

Colonel Wang remained silent for two seconds, then a helpless smile appeared on his lips.

"Young Master Zhou, just do your best and leave the rest to fate."

Xu Yuan looked at the deep helplessness in the other person's eyes, hesitated for a moment, and said in a low voice:

"When the Demon Beast attacked, did you notify the surrounding counties?"

Colonel Wang hesitated for a moment, then nodded:

"Of course we've notified them. Does Young Master Zhou intend to seek help?"

Xu Yuan replied matter-of-factly:

"If you can't control this Illusion Mist Array, then you'll have to seek help from the surrounding counties. With your current military strength, it's impossible to hold off such a large tide of Demon Beast."

A moment of silence,

Colonel Wang's expression was somewhat complicated, but he still said:

"Young Master Zhou, asking for help is useless."

Why?

"Apart from some important passes, the border cities in the Wanxing Mountain Range are already struggling to survive each spring during the Demon Beast tide, so it's unlikely they'll send troops to rescue them."

Xu Yuan refuted Colonel Wang's judgment:

"Colonel Wang, I'll send you another piece of intelligence."

"The total number of Demon Beast that attack Spring Tide each year is almost fixed. This year, there are more Demon Beast in Shengshan County, so the number of Demon Beast attacking the surrounding towns will naturally decrease."

Every year, tens of thousands of border soldiers die or are wounded along the 100,000-mile-long border defense line of the Wanxing Mountain Range, while hundreds of thousands of various Demon Beast are also killed.

Each border town would report specific data after the war, and the Prime Minister's Estate could easily conclude after summarizing this information that, except for some special years, the total number of Demon Beast tides was almost always the same each year.

"But what if the Myriad Wanxiang Sect is secretly colluding with the Demon Race?" Colonel Wang had no doubt about how low the Wanxiang Sect's bottom line was.

Xu Yuan shook his head:

"This is leverage against the sect. Unless they're stupid, the Wanxiang Sect would never hand over something like this to the Demon Race race. At most, they would just use something like ' Beast-Luring Incense ' to change the direction of the Demon Beast tide along the way."

"Colonel Wang, I need your token to request reinforcements."

Colonel Wang hesitated slightly, then took out a token carved with a lion-heart tiger from his pocket and handed it to Xu Yuan with both hands.

Xu Yuan glanced at it; the token carried wisps of Spiritual Qi, and the words "Flourishing Mountain" were engraved on its surface. It was clearly no ordinary item, but he did not accept it.

"What does Colonel Wang mean by this?"

The military mobilization tally—can you just give that away casually?

Colonel Wang smiled slightly and said in a low voice:

"Other counties probably wouldn't believe what happened in Shengshan County just from letters. But seeing this tiger tally will make the local prefect realize the seriousness of the situation. Moreover, if you fail, this tiger tally will naturally be unnecessary."

After a moment's hesitation, Xu Yuan chose to accept the command token:

"I also need a letter from you."

"Nature."

Colonel Wang smiled slightly, then clasped his hands in a slight fist salute to Xu Yuan:

"I wonder if our Shengshan Border Army has any other way to help Young Master Zhou?"

"Help me?" Xu Yuan asked in surprise.

Colonel Wang smiled slightly, "Shengshan County certainly cannot accept your kindness for nothing."

As he himself just said, the Young Master Zhou in front of him was not related to his Shengshan Border Army, so his willingness to help Shengshan County was already a favor.

Having received such a great favor, I must repay this kindness regardless of whether we can overcome the crisis.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan instinctively wanted to refuse, because he didn't think that such a remote border town would have what he needed. However, in the end, he said softly:

"I came to Shengshan County to purchase medicinal herbs. I wonder Colonel Wang your Shengshan Border Army has any herbs with the Soul-type properties?"

"Soul-related medicinal herbs?" Colonel Wang raised an eyebrow.

"If not, then forget it." Xu Yuan had no hope.

"Yes." Colonel Wang grinned.

After saying this, he called his adjutant over and whispered a few words to him. The adjutant then leaped towards the city's warehouse.

Watching the other person's figure disappear into the darkness, Colonel Wang smiled at Xu Yuan:

"I've already gone to fetch it from my adjutant, Young Master Zhou, please wait a moment."

Xu Yuan glanced at the city's commercial district and asked, "But I don't see any shops in this city selling this kind of medicinal herb."

Colonel Wang smiled helplessly:

"They are indeed rare in shops. The reason our Shengshan Border Army has some reserves is because we obtained them by chance."

"Finding a bargain?" Xu Yuan.

Colonel Wang explained in a low voice:

"If you really want to sell first-hand precious medicinal herbs, you'd better not go to the shops, but rather look at the street stalls."

"Many low-level martial artists and chivalrous groups don't know the value of ginseng. There are many people who buy Dragon-Saliva Ginseng as ordinary wild ginseng. Many of the precious medicinal materials that our Shengshan Border Army gets are picked up by these people."

As he finished speaking, a hint of helplessness appeared in Colonel Wang's eyes.

Xu Yuan remained silent.

Fifteen minutes later,

The adjutant returned, carrying a large cloth bag on his back. When he laid it on the ground, it immediately revealed more than a dozen jade boxes of different sizes inside.

Xu Yuan glanced at the number and was somewhat surprised by it, but he quickly understood.

Shengshan County, as a border town, is undoubtedly poor, but the total resources available to individuals are undoubtedly abundant.

After a moment's hesitation, Xu Yuan selected a few jade boxes and whispered:

"Then I shall accept."

Colonel Wang smiled slightly and said directly:

"Young Master Zhou, these are all yours."

Xu Yuan's eyes narrowed.

Colonel Wang Wang's smile was genuine as he clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, "Young Master Zhou, to be honest, I originally intended to resell these soul-related medicinal herbs at a high price to subsidize the soldiers, but I doubt I'll have that opportunity again. You may take them all if you wish."

Xu Yuan hesitated for a moment, then took out two flawless crystals from his Sumeru Ring and presented them to Colonel Wang.

As soon as these two crystals appeared, the surrounding Source Qi instantly became denser.

However, Xu Yuan did not stop taking things out. He took out several sealed wooden barrels from his Sumeru Ring, and the sound of water shaking could be heard inside.

"What is this?" Colonel Wang's pupils contracted slightly.

Xu Yuan liked to take advantage of others, but he didn't like taking advantage of people like Colonel Wang.

"Consider these medicinal herbs— Source Crystal, Spirit Liquid —as my payment."

"But," Colonel Wang's eyes showed some interest, yet he still didn't immediately agree, "These medicinal herbs aren't worth that much."

"Colonel Wang."

Xu Yuan interrupted, emphasizing each word. "You should know what those of you who remain inside the formation will face next."

"..." Colonel Wang opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

He understood the meaning behind Young Master Zhou's words.

At this juncture, their attack on the Illusion Mist Array by the Shengshan Border Army was practically a declaration to the Wanxiang Sect: "We already know about your plan to massacre the city."

It goes without saying how the people of the Wanxiang Sect would react.

Next, the Shengshan Border Army, who are protecting the people, will face a frenzied attack from tens of thousands of ferocious Demon Beast.

Under such circumstances, the City Protection Array of Shengshan County was undoubtedly their lifeline.

The City Protection Array has two sources of power: one is the Source Qi of heaven and earth. When the formation is not activated, a special formation will gather and store the Source Qi. The other is Source Crystal and Spirit Liquid, which are heavenly materials and earthly treasures condensed from the Source Qi heaven and earth.

Wealthy cities like Jingjiang Prefecture would typically have a large reserve of Source Crystal for emergencies, but judging from the dilapidated Shengshan County, it's highly unlikely they have any Source Crystal at all.

With only the remaining 20% of energy that had been tampered with, the City Protection Array would probably have to shut down after operating at full capacity for a few days.

If Xu Yuan and his group can successfully kill the Wanxiang Sect expert controlling the formation, it will be fine. However, if they need to call for reinforcements, it will take at least ten days for them to come and go. Without the City Protection Array, the Shengshan Border Army will not be able to hold the city.

Xu Yuan raised his hand and presented the two Source Crystal he had obtained from Xu Changge forward again:

"Take it. City Protection Array mean more energy, which is always good."

Colonel Wang took a step back, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and was about to kneel down before Xu Yuan again:

"Young Master Zhou man of great righteousness."

Xu Yuan used his Saintly Soul Power to support it again and waved his hand:

"Alright, let's prepare to break the formation in an hour. I need to make some preparations here."

Colonel Wang nodded seriously and was about to leave, but then paused slightly and, in the silence, said softly:

"Young Master Zhou, may I ask your name?"

Xu Yuan's eyes held a hint of amusement. "What, are you going to build a shrine for me too?"

"..." Colonel Wang remained silent.

Xu Yuan waved his hand and smiled:

"I'm in the intelligence business, I don't need these things."

Colonel Wang has left.

As the lord of a city, he needs to coordinate and manage many things.

A cold wind blew through his long hair as Xu Yuan stood atop the city wall, gazing at the distant array of mist, his eyes filled with melancholy.

Time passed second by second.

In the silence,

The Saint's Remnant Soul suddenly rang out in Xu Yuan's heart with a mocking voice:

"When did you become so righteous, kid?"

The sudden sound startled Xu Yuan, who chuckled softly and asked in return:

"Deeply understanding of righteousness?"

"Giving a few Source Crystal and a few buckets of Spirit Liquid is considered being truly generous?"

"You don't have to give it to me at all," the Saint's Remnant Soul said in a low, chuckled voice.

Xu Yuan shook his head, his tone very calm:

"You think I lack this kind of thing?"

"Not lacking." The Saint's Remnant Soul.

Xu Yuan looked in the direction where Colonel Wang had just left and said in a low voice:

"I actually admire people like Colonel Wang. He could have broken out of the siege, but for the sake of the people of Shengshan County, he chose to stay and defend the city."

"A desperate defense of the city"

"For me, Source Crystal and Spirit Liquid mean nothing, but for them, they are indeed life-saving things, the lives of 400,000 people."

"Having more people like Colonel Wang is a good thing for the Great Yan, at least for Great Yan people."

"Besides, this can also be considered cleaning up the mess for my foolish stepsister."

"So the answer to this kind of multiple-choice question is obvious, isn't it?"

The voice of the Saint's Remnant Soul was ambiguous:

"I thought you'd be more cold-blooded."

"I'm not some old codger like you who doesn't even have blood left. My blood is still warm," Xu Yuan retorted sarcastically.

The Saint's Remnant Soul chuckled:

"Young Xu, whether you're hot-blooded or not, we're all the same kind of people."

Xu Yuan remained silent for a moment, then did not deny it:

Maybe.

"Don't talk about me, Old Man Luo, have you finished refining all those soul-type medicinal herbs?"

He gathered soul-related medicinal herbs to replenish the soul power of this Saint's Remnant Soul.

The Saint's Remnant Soul briefly sensed the situation and whispered:

"He's almost fully recovered."

Xu Yuan looked at the well-organized military formation below and whispered:

"Then let's wait for Colonel Wang to send someone to inform us."

As he spoke,

Xu Yuan asked in a leisurely voice:

"To be honest, what happened in Shengshan County this time really broadened my horizons. Hundreds of thousands of people!"

"Hey, Old Man Luo, for extraordinary powerhouses like you, aren't ordinary people no longer considered members of the same race?"

The Saint's Remnant Soul did not answer directly, but instead asked:

"Young Master Xu,"

"What do you think these Demon Beast that attacked the city and went to their deaths are to Ancient Abyss's Demon Race clan?"

The Great Yan army's battalion had a strength of 5,000 men. The border troops of Shengshan County had a total of two battalions and one army, with a strength of exactly 10,000 men. However, years of fighting had meant that the Shengshan Border Army were no longer at full strength.

The military's high cohesion and efficiency were fully demonstrated in a crisis.

The city's various caravans, martial arts groups, and escort agencies were summoned to discuss the replacement of the Demon Beast at the exit of the Illusion Mist Array. The city's defense equipment and supplies were transported from the warehouse to the city walls. Special crossbows for city defense were distributed, and refugees from outside the city were arranged to enter the city in batches.

Within an hour, the Shengshan Border Army in Shengshan County operated like a highly precise instrument, carrying out orderly and methodical operations.

Time passed by in seconds.

Caught completely off guard, a ten-zhang-long, phantom-like spear materialized without warning above the military formation outside the city, then slammed into the thick fog with lightning speed. In the instant the giant spear phantom swept past and intertwined with the dense fog in mid-air, the Illusion Mist Array formation was torn open, revealing a three-zhang-wide opening. Looking out through this opening, the bright moonlight was clearly visible!

Then, a black-clad figure wearing Veil Hat swept through the air like a fleeting white horse, precisely passing through the narrow path and disappearing from sight.

Within moments of the figure disappearing, the torn wound quickly healed again.

No, that's not it.

The instant the mist in mid-air dissipated, the number of ferocious Demon Beast bursting out of it doubled!

Standing atop the city wall, Colonel Wang gripped his longsword and shouted:

"Shengshan Army, form ranks and prepare to meet the enemy!"

Sorry, still two updates.