War Rises at the Frontier, Staining Yin and Yang

The letter arrived abruptly, transforming into a paper crane. This was clearly a Divine Ability technique. Strangely, the crane entered the Qi-Blood Grand Formation of the military camp but was not suppressed by the Qi and Blood. It still floated to the central command tent and, amidst the flashing swords, unfurled and landed in front of Xiao Lan.

Despite the obstruction of Lu Jiang, Yuan Xing, and others, it was to no avail.

"No wonder you couldn't stop this letter," Xiao Lan said, calming her shock after reading its contents. She took a deep breath and then asked, "Do you know who wrote this letter?"

"Who wrote this?" Lu Jiang frowned. "Could it be the top scholar in the imperial examination?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone else in the tent became alert. They had all noticed Xiao Lan's unusual behavior while reading the letter. Even someone as composed as Xiao Lan would have her hands trembling unconsciously, which spoke volumes.

"It is indeed Qiu Xiuzhuan. You should all take a look." Xiao Lan replied, handing over the letter. The generals immediately swarmed over and surrounded the letter, followed by exclamations of surprise.

"The Left Wise King is dead?"

"The Rouluo State Preceptor and some other Venerable have been suppressed? And some Palace Master was severely injured and will not recover for ten years?"

"Could it be the Ultimate Martial Venerable and the Lord of Ice Palace?"

"Was this letter really written by the top scholar?"

"The top scholar's Military Canon. We, who were closest to him, have all been influenced by it and benefited from it, which shows his ability. However, to wipe out 30-40% of the Hu people's fighting force in one fell swoop is a bit..."

"This letter even instructs the Marquis to launch a timely cavalry attack on the Left Wise King's Tribe, which seems rather arbitrary."

"You say the top scholar is arbitrary? How laughable! You've even written a Military Canon? We were at a disadvantage before because that Hu Military School Order. Now that he's dead, we have the top scholar to back us up. The balance of power has shifted!"

"Whether they are truly dead is still unknown. This news is far too exaggerated; you must know, those people are no ordinary individuals!"

"Would the top scholar be lying? How could someone who studies Military Canon be the same as an ordinary person? Just because we can't do it or dare not even think about it doesn't mean he can't do it!"

"If what's written in the letter is true, now is indeed the perfect time to send troops!"

"Even if it's a good opportunity, acting rashly could disrupt the court's plans. Aren't they planning to join forces with the water to attack the Rou?"

"A general in the field may disobey orders. If we miss this opportunity, we don't know how many soldiers' blood will be shed to destroy the Left Wise King's Tribe. You must know that after several years of development by the Left Wise King, this tribe is among the strongest in the entire Rouluo!"

The generals spoke and argued, each expressing their own opinions—a common occurrence in the central command tent. But as they talked, all eyes turned to Xiao Lan—

No matter how much they argued, even if one person convinced everyone, the one who truly made up the mind and gave the final decision was still the Dingchang Army and the Marquis Maishan.

Sensing the gazes of everyone, Xiao Lan pondered for a moment, then turned to seek Elder Xu's advice.

"Didn't Your Excellency send out scouts? I believe we'll have results soon. Whether or not to send troops then is entirely up to Your Excellency, but..."

Elder Xu then changed the subject. "Regardless of the conclusion, we must welcome the top scholar back. After this matter concerning the classics, even if we violate the imperial edict to send envoys to Three Rivers, I doubt anyone will say anything."

"That makes sense." Xiao Lan nodded.

Before long, several scouts returned one after another, and after the news was relayed, He Kuang was sent to the central command tent.

"The Grasslands monks and the retainers of the Five Army Commandery clashed in a forest..."

"The Left Wise King's Tribe Left Wise King nowhere to be seen, and there are vague signs of disarray within his ranks."

"There are signs of troop movement within the Left Wise King's Tribe; several riders are heading towards the depths of the Great Desert!"

As the news spread, the noise in the central command tent gradually subsided, and everyone showed strange expressions before turning their attention back to Xiao Lan.

Marquis Maishan narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Sending troops is no small matter. If the information is wrong or the judgment is flawed, not only will we lose troops, but we may also create a gap in the entire defense line of the Northern Frontier.

This not only tests the decision-maker's judgment, but also their courage and decisiveness!

A thousand-mile dike can be destroyed by an ant hole. A military governor like Xiao Lan actually bears a huge responsibility. One wrong move and the whole thing is lost, but if he seizes the opportunity, he can achieve a lifetime of military exploits!

After a few breaths, he suddenly smiled and said, "Gentlemen, we have gained quite a few insights recently. Why don't we experience them properly on the battlefield!"

Upon hearing this, the generals understood and put aside all their worries and speculations.

"We are at Your Lordship's beck and call!"

As soon as the order was given, commands were relayed throughout the barracks, and before long, a troop set off from the camp!

"Young Master, since you can send a letter to Marquis Maishan, why not just mention the plague and the Wounded Soldiers' Camp together? Wouldn't that save effort? Why go through the trouble of having someone else deliver it?"

Deep in the Grasslands and deserts, amidst swirling sandstorms, two people walked slowly. As Qiu An walked, he raised a question.

Although he was reincarnated in Tang Lai's body, his soul was long gone. Instead, he was a logical system composed of Incense Faith. After arriving in Prosperity Capital, he underwent several adjustments by Qiu Yan, and he underwent a subtle transformation. Qiu Yan was very concerned about these changes.

Qiu Yan brought Qiu An along on this trip north, actually with the intention of observing the situation from a closer perspective.

Upon hearing Qiu An's question, Qiu Yan's heart stirred, and a thought arose in her mind. Instead of ignoring it, she calmly began to speak with him, "Sending a message directly to Marquis Maishan will only make the Dingchang army take notice, but if we go through the Governor-General's Residence's Office, the message can reach all the major military towns in the Northern Frontier."

"So that's how it is. In that case, young master intends to influence the entire Northern Frontier and gather the attention of Military School?"

"It's not about influencing the Northern Frontier, but about gaining a deeper understanding of Military School," Qiu Yan said as he walked, his eyes gleaming with various thoughts. "My will connects two Order, both belonging to the realm of Military School. Order is the foundation of Human Path and deserves in-depth understanding, but it also needs a foothold. Military School is my foothold."

The two walked and talked, with the Ginseng Baby still hanging on Qiu Yan's desk, surrounded by Eight-Character Ancient Seal Inscription.

The Ancient Seal Script seemed about to approach, but at the last moment it retreated, unable to resist sending a telepathic message to Qiu Yan: "Qiu Yan, this ginseng is too much of a hindrance. Why don't you let it come down first? I'd also like to examine the book you wrote and see how it compares to Old Man Zuo's, and then I can offer you some guidance."

The childish voice reciting the Eight-Character Ancient Seal Inscription had barely faded when the clear, resounding sound of the Jadebreaker Sword Technique emanated from the longsword at Qiu Yan's waist.

"That sounds nice, but isn't it all about finding some insight, verifying oneself, and thus solidifying one's soul to be reborn as a true being?"

Having his thoughts exposed, the Eight-Character Ancient Seal Inscription was somewhat annoyed and retorted, "You make it sound so nice, but didn't you have the same plan while you were following Qiu Yan?"

"While I, Jadebreaker, also wish to borrow Qiu Yan's power, I know that one must first establish one's own path before pursuing external forces. Unlike you, who are so reckless, even your own insights are imposed upon you by others. They are merely the Sage's limited understanding of fire, which I doubt you have even grasped..."

One Sword and Eight Seals started arguing, and the onlookers were used to it.

However, recently, whenever the two argued, there was always a sarcastic remark from Doghead. But today, that Doghead remained silent, following closely at Qiu Yan's feet. Every now and then, he would look up at the book "The Essentials of the Military Classics," his dog-like eyes revealing fear.

On the same body, the cat head next to the Doghead also looked fearful, its gaze shifting back and forth between the <Essentials of the Military Classics> and Qiu Yan's face. It looked cautious and dared not utter a word.

Inside the bundle Qiu Yan was carrying, a palm-sized Incense Burner was vibrating, releasing chaotic thoughts that struggled to break free, but were suppressed by True Qi and rendered useless.

Just then, the sandstorm subsided considerably, and an oasis appeared ahead. In the distance, one could see a patch of water plants in the oasis, with several wild animals running among them, and several riders chasing after them, occasionally firing arrows.

The surveillance was swift and accurate, able to catch a prey in just a few moments, sometimes even pinning it firmly to the ground.

"It seems there's a tribal encampment ahead." Qiu An glanced around; with his eyesight, he could easily see through the layers of branches and grass to the distant tents.

Qiu Yan nodded, raised his sleeve and waved it, putting the ginseng, Ancient Seal Script and other items into his sleeve. Then he strode over.

"This moment of experiencing the Human Path of the Grasslands should begin now."

Qiu An nodded, took out several bandages from his pocket, and with a flick of his wrist, wrapped the Left Wise King's certificate he was carrying, then followed closely behind.

The two figures quickly arrived at the oasis, and amidst a few exclamations, they began to make contact with the people of the Grasslands.

On the other hand, the army that had Dingchang had already entered the Grasslands, and a message was quickly transmitted to Prosperity Capital via the Military School's Beacon Divine Ability Path.

But halfway there, someone grabbed a fragment of information from mid-air, then used a black and white beam of light to fly rapidly southwest.

A few days later, the man arrived at a high mountain.

This mountain is strange; it stands in broad daylight, yet the mountaintop and valleys are shrouded in darkness. At the summit stands a seven-tiered pagoda, with a black and white flame flickering at its tip.

Clap clap clap!

Amidst the rustling of clothes, the person who had intercepted a fragment of information nimbly ascended the mountain, finally stopping in front of the tower.

Above the tower's gate were two large, crooked characters. "Yin-Yang." As the person stood still, the gate opened by itself, releasing a chilling aura, along with a soft, ethereal female voice.

"Qu Ziyi, have you reminisced with Qiu Yan? Did he truly obtain Sage's legacy, which is why he can attract the Hundred Schools Aura?"

ps:

Thank you to "Wan Xia Xia La" for the donation!

Thank you to "ae8610", "Mosquito Prince", "Never Vote", "Soul Eater", "Wingwind Sword Dance", "Millennial Dream", "Su Luoyu", "Great Desert 123", "Love of Time and Space", "Soul Guard", "Twenty Moons", "Shi☆ve Vegetable Bird", and "Yun Yun Yun" for your monthly votes!