Commandery Princess Anyang, Riding a Sedan, Aiding My Anyang, Infiltrating Jade City!

The leader of the Black Armored Corps was named "Li Jinkui," a burly man with a fierce face. When he encountered Li Xian fleeing, he didn't suspect anything. But a few powerful words from him thwarted Li Xian's escape plan.

Li Xian resigned himself to his bad luck. He had noticed from the moment he arrived that the valley was deep and the passage was very narrow, and that every ten or so steps there was a guard in Black Armored Corps. Escape would be extremely difficult. Now that he saw that the situation was settled, he decided to make the best of it and calm himself down to find out what was going on.

The Black Armored Corps patrolled the valley. Li Xian followed behind Li Jinkui, heading deeper into the cave entrance.

The light was dim, and the footprints were scattered. This place was clearly chosen hastily. However, the natural terrain created an invisible predicament. Escape would be extremely difficult.

Deep inside, a man was imprisoned. He was nearly fifty or sixty years old, severely injured, and bound by an iron net, unable to move. This man was named "Xu Cheng," and his clothes were made of expensive silk.

Li Jinkui said, "This man betrayed the Commandery Princess and deserves to be torn to pieces and humiliated to death. But he was the Commandery Princess in life and will die as Commandery Princess ghost. It is not up to us to decide his fate."

Li Xian thought to himself, "These Black Armored Corps must be part of the forces of some Commandery Princess Anyang. They were Black Armored Corps the mountain just now to find this person. They dragged me into this mess without my knowledge. I've had quite a few adventures along the way, but if things go wrong, I'll really be devastated."

He then added, "But if we're talking about bad luck—for ordinary people, a natural disaster or a man-made calamity only happens once in their lifetime, and they're doomed. I've already been quite lucky. Since I've encountered a dangerous situation, I should calmly reflect instead of blaming fate."

In an instant, a plan formed in his mind. He secretly used his "Sole-Self Heart Technique" and "Mind-Intent Transmission" to communicate with the doctor. He wanted to know the current situation, but he couldn't ask questions in person for fear of revealing his weakness.

He then used Mind-Intent Transmission to provoke the doctor into asking questions. He only needed to listen in to find out the reason. He carefully considered the words he used to communicate, so that the doctor, in a daze, would ask him questions indirectly.

Then the doctor, distracted and unaware of his surroundings, suddenly cried out in alarm, "No—don't kill me! I don't know anything!"

Li Jinkui strode over, sizing up the doctor. He said, "This lad was struck by the Gale Palm, yet he was captured by the Clearwind Camp. Interesting, very interesting."

Li Xian, with his keen observation skills, could now perceive that while the black armor appeared identical, there were subtle differences in the details. This allowed them to distinguish their identities. Even if outsiders infiltrated, without the ability to discern these differences, they would find it difficult to hide and would soon reveal their identities.

Li Xian possessed exceptional eyesight and keen observation skills, able to discern subtle differences. He secretly memorized these details, distinguishing each other despite not knowing their identities. Thus, it became clear that Li Jinkui, based on the details of the black armor, had mistaken Li Xian for the original owner of the body.

Now that he recognized the helmet, he couldn't be easily fooled. If Li Xian spoke carelessly and his words didn't match the helmet's owner, his identity would inevitably be exposed.

However, Li Xian and the helmet master were not actually acquainted. He had only heard the helmet master grab the doctor and curse and beat him a few times. His voice was rather deep, so it was somewhat easy to imitate.

In that instant, Li Xian quickly thought. He had been surrounded and plundered by the Black Armored Corps, and at first he was peacefully reading casual books, unaware of the undercurrents. The physician, the helmet master, and the others had suddenly arrived from the north.

The helmet-wielding officer was in charge of the northern battle formation. Li Xian thought to himself, "It must be one of the soldiers who, after capturing the doctor during a raid, underestimated the enemy and, feeling humiliated, angrily gave chase."

Li Xian said, "I know I was wrong!"

The helmet-wielder's reckless pursuit of the enemy was a grave mistake in battle. Li Xian's actions were perfectly timed. Li Jinkui, without suspicion, asked, "What mistake did you make?"

Li Xian said, "This person's Gale Palm was my doing, and I even had to go through a lot of trouble to capture him—for a while—"

He temporarily withdrew from the battle.

Li Jinkui frowned, then angrily kicked Li Xian in the shoulder, saying, "You deserted the battle lines without permission! If you were on the battlefield, I could chop off your head! Have you caught me?"

Li Xian said, "To my shame, I haven't—I haven't caught one."

Li Jinkui cursed, "Bah! You've completely disgraced us! You've even abandoned the battle, and you haven't even captured a single doctor!" Li Xian said, "I had already captured one, but suddenly—"

Li Jinkui retorted, "Stop talking! I can't be bothered to listen to your sophistry."

His tone softened, and he said, "But you are honest enough to admit it. Even if you hadn't said anything, you wouldn't have escaped my notice. The fact that you spoke up proves that you possess something more important than military discipline: loyalty! Military discipline can be trained, but loyalty is hard to prove. Strength can be increased, but loyalty is hard to cultivate."

"Furthermore, you haven't committed a major offense. Tonight wasn't a military campaign; it was merely an official matter for the Commandery Princess. This matter can be considered a big deal or a small one, so let's let it go for now. But if there's a next time, I won't let you off so easily!"

The Black Armored Corps searched and surrounded the mountain, starting from the foot and gathering at the summit. They then took a headcount, noting how many men each squad had captured, including those who were wounded, deserters, or dead.

Li Jinkui had vaguely heard about this matter and had a general understanding of the basics of military strategy. However, he was very busy with other matters and needed to welcome the Commandery Princess. Therefore, he had not yet taken the matter to the weighing station. Hearing Li Xian speak frankly and openly, and that what he said was true, he naturally had no doubts.

He could hardly have imagined that in such a short time, someone had infiltrated the army and dared to admit their mistake.

It should be noted that the Black Armored Corps wear masks. To distinguish one another, one must rely on the details of their armor. Outsiders, unaware of this, if they were to infiltrate the army, would be as if suddenly face-blind, unable to tell one another apart. They would think, "If I can't tell others apart, others can't tell me apart either." With their minds relaxed, they would speak recklessly, fabricating stories and lying to their hearts' content, believing there was no way to verify their lies.

Why would I take the blame and create unnecessary trouble for myself?

Little did they know that military discipline was strict, and any deviation from it would be immediately exposed.

Li Xian's prediction was correct. At that time, the master of the original helmet found the doctor. According to military regulations, he should have received a considerable reward. However, the doctor knew martial arts and suddenly resisted, launched a counterattack, broke free from his grasp, and fled into the depths of the forest.

The helmeted warrior was unwilling to give up, thinking he could catch up quickly. So he forcibly gave chase. At this moment, another Black Armored Corps, on the orders of his squad leader, chased the helmeted warrior back to the battle formation.

Thus, this is the scene that Li Xian witnessed: two Black Armored Corps chasing the doctor. The army was strictly disciplined, and even with a large number of people, it was very difficult to deceive or take advantage of the chaos. Even if one succeeded temporarily, one would soon be exposed.

Li Xian handled the situation very well, but there were still loopholes. He didn't want to stay long; he only needed to deceive them for a while before finding an opportunity to escape.

The doctor's screams and pleas for mercy caused all the captured men to cry out, kneel, and kowtow, begging for their lives. The original helmet master, whose identity had been replaced by Li Xian, had his acupoints numb and silenced—knowing his predicament and having heard Li Xian's words, he knew he had gotten away with it. He was terrified and wanted to shout and struggle, but he blended in with the other captured men and was completely indistinguishable from them.

Li Jinkui sneered, "Kill you? Why would we kill you?" The doctor asked, "Since you're not going to kill us, why—why are you arresting us? What exactly do you intend to do?"

Li Jinkui said, "Very well, very well. This matter isn't exactly a secret. Since you asked, I'll tell you. It'll be good for you all to hear it together and prepare yourselves in advance."

He glanced sideways at Li Xian. Li Xian understood and, seeing several round stone stools in the cave, moved them behind Li Jinkui. Li Jinkui nodded and said, "Your eyesight has certainly improved." He then sat down with a flourish.

Li Xian listened intently, for only by knowing their intentions and desires could he respond flexibly. Li Jinkui drew a dagger from his waist, its cold light gleaming and chilling him to the bone. He gently toyed with the blade and said, "Not only will I not kill you, but I will also grant you an fortuitous opportunity. An fortuitous opportunity to achieve great things."

Li Xian thought to himself, "What utter nonsense! You act only for your own benefit, and speak only of the nation. The lives of others are simply at your mercy."

The doctor was momentarily confused. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Could it be—could it be that you want us to be conscripted into the army?"

Li Jinkui said, "They're not that different. Both are good deeds for the country and the people. However, the military is harsh and cold, and in the heat of battle, life hangs by a thread. Sometimes a wooden arrow, a cold knife, or a dagger can take our lives. All the military merits and wealth we've accumulated in life will vanish. Our beautiful concubines and wives at home will have to remarry. Would you be willing to be in such a situation?"

His dagger swept across the necks of the crowd. With a mere thought and a slight exertion of force, he could take their lives. Though their heads were covered with black cloth, they could still feel the chill of the blade. They trembled all over, afraid to move.

Li Jinkui sat back down on the stone bench and used a dagger to scrape off the mud from his boots.

Everyone fell silent, knowing that times had changed and stability was no more. Joining the army meant certain death. But they dared not voice their reluctance, fearing that Li Jinkui would use this as an opportunity to punish them and make an example of them.

Li Jinkui said, "I said I wouldn't harm your lives. This is a time to speak freely. If you have any thoughts, then say them!"

A farmer said, "I—I don't want to. I have an elderly mother at home, and my wife is pregnant with a child. If I join the army now, what—what will I do? I beg the general to have mercy and spare my life." He then hurriedly kowtowed.

Everyone spoke up, expressing their strong reluctance to be forcibly captured and forced into military service.

Li Jinkui nodded and said, "I knew you wouldn't be willing. Actually, the reason I invited you here wasn't to have you join the army. There are other things you're meant to do, things that will benefit the Great Wu. If you succeed, your descendants will be famous and your family will be honored!"

Li Jinkui said, "Have you ever heard of Jade City?"

A middle-aged man said, "Jade City? I've heard of Jade City. I've heard it's where immortals live. No! It's a place that even immortals want to live!"

Li Jinkui said, "That's right, we intend to arrange for you all to deeply infiltrate Jade City and become members of Jade City!"

After a moment of suspicion, everyone applauded with joy upon hearing this, their fear vanishing completely. Li Xian frowned, knowing there was more to the story than met the eye; it was definitely not simple.

The physician asked, "Please speak plainly, General!" Li Jinkui replied, "Jade City occupies the land of Great Wu, yet it is not under Great Wu's jurisdiction. Over the years, how many rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures, gold, silver, and valuables have been sent to Jade City? Jade City's extreme prosperity comes from sucking the blood of countless people."

"Jade City, Jade City —truly a city of sin! What is the point of such a city existing? It should have been destroyed long ago. However, Jade City benefits from its unique terrain and the perilous landscape, making it extremely difficult for external enemies to breach. If this city is to be destroyed, it must be destroyed from within first."

"Therefore, the Commandery Princess needs you to act as undercover agents, infiltrating deep within Jade City. When the time comes, someone will contact you to offer your lives and blood for the Great Wu. When Jade City falls, you will deserve credit. Wouldn't such a meritorious act be wonderful?"

"Isn't that a thousand times better than us? As the saying goes, a great man can value Mount Tai as much as he would a feather, or he can value a feather as little as he would a mountain. Rather than live a mediocre life, it is better to dedicate oneself to a great cause."

The doctor, his face ashen and utterly distraught, exclaimed, "So that's how it is! So that's how it is! Then why us?"

"If we're going to use infiltrators, wouldn't it be more effective for you soldiers to carefully cultivate and train them?"

Li Jinkui said, "You should thank him for this." He pointed to the dying Xu Cheng. The others were wearing hoods, so they couldn't see what he was doing.

Li Jinkui said, "This man is named Xu Cheng. He was once a spy carefully cultivated by the Commandery Princess and infiltrated into Jade City. Over the years, the Commandery Princess poured gold, silver, and connections into him, promoting him to an important position in Jade City. However, this man was greedy and ungrateful, and after being corrupted by Jade City, he betrayed the Commandery Princess."

"He took advantage of his unique position in Jade City, believing we couldn't do anything to him, and indulged in pleasure and debauchery there. Little did he know that besides him, the Commandery Princess had several other people she could use in Jade City, who were constantly monitoring his movements."

"Hmph, how can those who betray the Commandery Princess be let off so easily? Although Jade City is prosperous, he cannot stay here forever. He had important business to attend to when he left Jade City and was hunted down by the Commandery Princess. He was seriously injured and fled here."

"We searched the mountain in search of him, but when we encountered you all, we invited you into our cave abode and treated you with the utmost hospitality."

Li Xian thought to himself, "So that's how it is, so that's how it is. No wonder they immediately put on hoods when searching the mountains. Since they're infiltrating the city, it's best if neither side knows what the other looks like! If I had known this, I would have paid to stay at an inn. When traveling the world, if you don't have enough money, you'll always have a lot of trouble."

The doctor asked, "But—but it wasn't explained clearly why we were specifically ordered to infiltrate Jade City as undercover agents. Our abilities and skills are just average. Even if we manage to infiltrate Jade City, I'm afraid it will be difficult—difficult to achieve anything."

Li Jinkui said, "Jade City is too prosperous. Xu Cheng holds an important position, he is merely a tiny needle inserted into Jade City, a mere ripple. Have you ever seen a ripple overturn a great river? Of course not."

He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture toward the sky and said, "Commandery Princess Anyang is a master strategist, possessing wisdom that surpasses even the heavens, foresight, and connections that reach the heavens. She knows full well that destroying Jade City is no easy task. A man like Xu Cheng, who can manipulate the tides, is needed."

"Even seemingly insignificant drops like yours are indispensable. Laying out your positions early is crucial; if you have the ability to climb high, that's ideal. If your abilities are limited, simply lie low for a long time; you may still be useful later. A plan to breach a city doesn't take a year or two; ten years is acceptable, a hundred years is possible—there will surely be a chance to succeed."

Li Xian thought to himself, "This Commandery Princess is definitely a very cunning person. If I encounter her, I must be extremely careful!"

A sense of despair settled over everyone, and they were at a loss for words. The doctor asked, "Then—if we remain in Jade City, will we be able to venture out in the future?"

Li Jinkui laughed and said, "Jade City is so prosperous, everyone yearns for it, why are you all going out?"

The farmer said in a panic, "But... but... I still have my elderly mother at home."

Li Jinkui said, "Great ambitions inevitably involve sacrifices. Once you enter Jade City, if you have the ability, you may marry new wives and have new children. I will not stop you."

He paced back and forth, saying, "If I'm not mistaken, there are ordinary Clay Embryo among you, and a few martial artists who have entered the realm. But they are all Rogue Person, with neither power nor wealth behind them, and most of them are from out of town."

"If not, why would we need to camp in the wilderness? There's a small town nearby; we could easily settle there. People like you are best suited to be undercover agents, acting as a drop of water, quietly growing stronger and working diligently. I've told you a lot now, and you may find it hard to digest, or even resent us. But that's alright; your lives are safe, and you'll have more opportunities to earn merit by following orders in the future."

Don't overthink it, just process and accept it.

He turned and left, leaving only the sound of people sobbing in sorrow. Suddenly struck by misfortune, he was forced to leave his home and hide in Jade City, where he would never be able to leave, living in constant fear. He was truly pitiful and tragic.

Li Jinkui arranged for Li Xian to guard the cave entrance. Li Xian naturally agreed and continued to conceal his identity. He looked at the sky and saw the night gradually fading away, the warm sun rising in the east, and the night quietly passed.

Li Xian had already surveyed the terrain and knew that escape would be difficult. He silently counted the Black Armored Corps; there were approximately a thousand of them.

They were all elite soldiers, clad in strong armor and wielding sharp blades. Moreover, their formation was extremely sophisticated. Li Xian's skills and abilities were already considerable, but facing the crowd alone and breaking through the formation by himself, he would find it difficult to gain the upper hand.

He thought to himself, "At noon, during the shift change break, I'll take the opportunity to relieve myself. Once I'm mostly out of the way, I can—"

--

Suddenly, I fled at full speed. The formation, though powerful, is no match for human agility. I only need to wait until they can no longer form a formation and cannot surround me, then I have an 80% chance of escaping.

He already had a plan in mind. Calming himself, he silently observed the soldiers' patrol routes, whether in blind spots or along the natural terrain. He assessed where he could use their strengths and where there were dangers. He also observed the soldiers' martial arts skills and their specialties.

The clues can be gleaned from numerous details.

As noon approached, the weather grew hot and humid. Suddenly, the Black Armored Corps began to stir restlessly. Li Jinkui hurriedly ran out of his tent and received the news that "the Commandery Princess has arrived." He waved to Li Xian and they went together to greet the Commandery Princess.

Li Xian's heart sank, knowing that something had suddenly changed. He could only act according to the situation and followed Li Jinkui and a dozen or so Black Armored Corps to the entrance of the valley to meet them.

Not long after.

In the distance, along the mountain road, a wisp of red appeared. It was a crimson sedan chair, of the highest rank and noble design. The top of the chair was adorned with a gilded phoenix carving, with gold and red as the main colors, and the silk fluttering, just like a red phoenix spreading its wings.

When the midday sun shone on it, the red sedan chair's shadow leaped out, suddenly appearing, bright and dazzling, making even the blue water and the beautiful scenery of heaven and earth pale in comparison.

It is said that members of the royal family are treated as superior beings. When the dynasty is strong, they are protected by the Fortune heaven and earth, and when the royal family travels, they can cause water to change its course and mountains to move. Li Xian did not know if it was true or not, but from a distance, the red sedan chair did seem to have an impressive presence. Even before getting close, an aura of nobility emanated from it.

Four beautiful young women carried the sedan chair, their skin fair and their faces exquisite. They wore palace dresses in the style of the Great Martial Dynasty. As they carried the sedan chair, they seemed to dance gracefully, their skirts swaying and dazzling. The sedan chair seemed as light as a cloud and as light as mist, and they carried it effortlessly.

The beautiful young woman was skilled in both martial arts and footwork, and her red sedan chair remained perfectly still as she traversed the mountainous terrain, rocky paths, and dense thickets.

In the blink of an eye, the red sedan chair seemed to be several steps away. With each blink, it seemed that the four beautiful maidens moved more than ten feet away. However, if one stared intently, the sedan chair seemed to move very slowly, and the maidens seemed to be dancing lightly.

The red sedan chair came from the west. Along the way, there was a narrow plank road that had been deserted for a long time. The plank road was exposed to wind and rain, and several trees had rotted and decayed.

As the red sedan chair passed by, a beautiful young woman lightly lifted the chair with her toes, seemingly riding on clouds.

This is the "Near-Far Step," a profound skill of lightness. Li Xian's heart sank. "This Commandery Princess is extremely unusual. The lightness skills of these four beautiful maidens surpass mine by several levels. If we try to escape now, it will be even more difficult."

Soon the red sedan chair approached, and a faint fragrance wafted over. Li Jinkui stepped forward and said, "Welcome, Commandery Princess!" Li Xian knelt on one knee and waited respectfully.

The four women were dressed in blue, red, yellow, and green respectively. The woman in the blue dress, with her beautiful features, older age, and highest status, said, "Rise!"

Li Jinkui glanced at the red sedan chair, hesitating. The woman in the green dress said, "The Commandery Princess was bruised and battered last night and is resting in the sedan chair. If there's anything you need, please tell me first."

Li Jinkui lowered his voice and said respectfully, "Alright, we have captured Xu Cheng as the Commandery Princess instructed, and he is currently imprisoned deep inside awaiting his fate. In addition, as the Commandery Princess mentioned, we have found dozens of potential undercover agents."

The woman in the green dress said, "You're quite efficient. If the Commandery Princess knew, she would surely reward you." Li Jinkui said happily, "Please, Miss Qing, put in a good word for me with the Commandery Princess."

The Yellow-Skirt Woman raised an eyebrow and said, "You think you can take credit for something so trivial?"

The woman in the green dress remained gentle and poised, while the Yellow-Skirt Woman was arrogant and haughty, her words like needles. Li Jinkui was extremely embarrassed, gave an awkward laugh, and dared not say another word.

The four beautiful women flashed by, and everyone felt a fragrant breeze on their faces as the four women appeared behind them. Li Jinkui quickly ran after them, while Li Xian mingled with the soldiers.

Back inside the cave, the woman in the green dress relayed the order on behalf of Commandery Princess Anyang, gathering the Black Armored Corps in front of the cave abode. Li Jinkui personally instructed the soldiers to remain completely silent, not to make a sound. Anyone who disturbed the Commandery Princess would be punished with death.

The Black Armored Corps included teams such as "Gale," "Azure Wood Squad," and "Rippling Water Squad." Li Xian belonged to Gale Squad. He observed the details, located the team, and stood still without saying a word.

The thousands of Black Armored Corps were so well-organized that a pin drop could be heard when they assembled. Li Jinkui retreated to the side of the red sedan chair and, seeing the impressive performance of his soldiers, felt a sense of pride.

The woman in the green dress smiled and said, "General Li is skilled in training troops and efficient in handling affairs. If the Commandery Princess wakes up and sees this, she will surely praise you."

Li Jinkui cupped his hands and said, "Not at all. Serving the Commandery Princess, I would never dare to be careless in the slightest."

The soldiers had been assembled for some time, but Commandery Princess Anyang was resting in her sedan chair, so they held their breath and waited quietly. They had to pull in their stomachs and straighten their chests, and their breathing had to be quiet. They had to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground and not make any unusual noises.

Everything should be done according to the Commandery Princess's wishes.

After about half an hour, a clear, melodious female voice, like the clinking of jade, came from inside the sedan chair. "Qingyao, have we arrived?"

Qingyao replied softly, "Commandery Princess, we have arrived. General Li Jinkui has already assembled the Black Wolf Army and has been waiting for us for some time."

The Commandery Princess said, "Oh? Now that you're here, why not wake me up?"

Qingyao said, "Commandery Princess, you must be tired. General Jin Kui didn't want to disturb you, so he kept quiet." She glanced sideways at Li Jinkui.

Li Jinkui, filled with gratitude, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Welcome, Commandery Princess." The Black Armored Corps echoed in unison, "Welcome, Commandery Princess!"

Commandery Princess Anyang nodded slightly, Qingyao gently lifted a corner of the sedan curtain, whispering in Commandery Princess Anyang's ear to explain the situation.

Li Jinkui said, "The traitor Xu Cheng has been captured. Please give the order for his punishment, Your Commandery Princess."

With that, he waved his hand. Two soldiers in black armor escorted Xu Cheng to the sedan chair. Xu Cheng, who was heavily pregnant, was so frightened by the sight of the Red Phoenix Palanquin that he trembled all over. He immediately knelt down, kowtowed, begged for mercy, pleaded his case, expressed his heartfelt sincerity, and was filled with remorse.

Commandery Princess Anyang remained unmoved and said calmly, "I hate betrayal more than anything in my life. This man is disloyal and unjust. Jin Kui, what do you suggest we do?"

Li Jinkui said, "I believe in beheading him and displaying his head in public!"

Commandery Princess Anyang said, "A mere beheading is hardly enough."

Li Jinkui said, "That—"

Commandery Princess Anyang said coldly, "Those who betray me shall be executed by a thousand cuts. Black Wolf Army, listen to my command, form a circle and watch the execution. Today I will bestow upon this traitor three thousand seven hundred cuts. No one is allowed to blink."

"Anyone who blinks will have to take ten cuts for him."

"Bring out those prepared Jade City spies as well, let them all see for themselves."

Those who betray Anyang will suffer a fate worse than death. Those who aid Anyang will enjoy wealth and glory—wouldn't that be easily attained?

Although the voice was clear and melodious, it was awe-inspiring, and every word conveyed an overwhelming sense of authority, with the power to decide life and death.