Chapter 3, The Struggle for Redemption

"Hahaha, Chen Taiji is dead, so Chen Guo is completely doomed. Qinghe Sect Master, you might as well have them surrender voluntarily!" Master Song Jia laughed.

Oh? Just like Gao Xianzhi? The young girl became intrigued.

Oh? Is he willing to help Chen Guo?" the girl asked curiously

... ...

Master, I have heard that before you became a monk, you killed many more than this. Moreover, this bloodshed is not caused by me, but rather by their own mutual slaughter! I have causes, but I am not the result!

"What? He will be complete the day after tomorrow?" The people in the great hall exclaimed in surprise.

The young girl spoke up, and naturally, the leader of the Qinghe Sect did not stop her, but merely glared at Chen Tianshan.

"Hmph, fine, Chen Tianshan, go ahead and say it, how do we win?" the leader of Qinghe said coldly

The young girl nodded and said, "Indeed, Gao Xianzhi is truly formidable"

On this battlefield, any discerning person can see that the State of Chen is doomed, but is this sudden arrival merely a bid for attention?

"Can it be the same? At that time, the Song state had just shown a hint of defeat and had not yet suffered significant damage. It was only then that Gao Xianzhi could advance like a hot knife through butter. But now, the Chen state is on the verge of collapse, having suffered a great loss of vitality. Do you think it can turn defeat into victory? It is impossible to make a meal without rice. How can this be believed?" The leader of Qinghe expressed disbelief.

Tianshan? The expression on the face of the leader of the Qinghe Sect darkened

The young girl also nodded, indicating that Chen Guo was already beyond saving

"No harm, I also want to see what this ancient sea relies on to dare boast such words!" the young girl said with a smile

Master Tang, time may be a bit tight!

"Master of the Flowing Years, what do you think of this battle?" The young girl looked at the map, playfully tapping her folding fan against her other palm as she asked with a smile

The leader Song Jiazong, dressed in white, sneered and said: "What? This map has already marked all the comparisons of military strength. The Song state is now united as one, unstoppable like a hot knife through butter. Gao Xianzhi has already slaughtered six hundred thousand troops of the Chen army, and there are still one hundred thousand soldiers at Hulao Pass. Even a mediocre general leading the troops would have no suspense in the outcome, let alone the fact that Gao Xianzhi leads the troops with such finesse! You might as well stop resisting and surrender early!"

Yes, thank you, Sect Master!" Chen Tianshan said excitedly

"Master, that Gao Xianzhi is merely a mortal! He is only at the postnatal stage!" exclaimed the leader of the Song family anxiously.

When the young girl spoke, everyone immediately fell silent

The young girl seemed a bit confused, looking at Chen Tianshan with a strange expression

Gao Xianzhi, hailed as the divine general of the Song dynasty, is indeed deserving of this title. His command of troops surpasses that of Chen Taiji, achieving victory through both conventional and unconventional means. In just a few months, he executed a series of brilliant strategies, demonstrating a remarkable ability in warfare as if aided by divine intervention. His foresight is extraordinarily exceptional, and through several daring ventures, he achieved astonishing results, decisively defeating Chen Taiji. Remarkably, this was a psychological battle, culminating in a feigned attack in the east while striking in the west, successfully breaching three strongholds. Truly remarkable!

Everyone suddenly reacted, and Chen Tianshan was astonished to find that not only the brothers of the Qinghe Sect, but even the group of people behind the leader Song Jia, were all equally knowledgeable about the ancient sea

Chen Tianshan also felt a great deal of torment, but he could only brace himself and say: "When Chen Taiji died, he recommended this person, stating that this person would surely have the ability to turn the tide, with utmost certainty. I do not think he was speaking falsely, so I went with Chen Taizi to find this person, who is called Gu Hai. I believe all of you senior brothers have met him before."

Inside the hall, there were more than twenty people, clearly divided into three factions

The girl's legs are exceptionally long, appearing taut and powerful, and are incredibly graceful. Her figure is quite well-proportioned, revealing a neck as long and white as snow, which, against the backdrop of her black attire, becomes even more dazzling and eye-catching, making one wish to take a bite out of her. She has styled her hair in a man's topknot, yet a strand of hair falls beside her face, adding an extra touch of allure. Although she is dressed in men's clothing, it does not conceal her unparalleled beauty; rather, this male attire enhances her enticing charm.

Indeed, the Lord of Qinghe is unwilling to accept this! It is not merely the loss of a nation, but rather the presence of a significant figure standing beside him. This individual has been observing the battlefield, and having suffered such a crushing defeat in his presence, it has undoubtedly left an impression of incompetence in the mind of this great personage. How could the Lord of Qinghe not feel agitated?

"Starting to cultivate at the age of thirty, he dares to indulge in foolish fantasies, perhaps in the next life!"

As Chen Tianshan entered the grand hall, he was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting so many people, including a group from Song Jiazong and that prominent figure.

"Hahaha, Chen Tianshan? What did you just say? Given the current situation, can we still turn it around?" Song Jiazong immediately laughed in disbelief.

"The disciple has come for this matter, and victory is still possible!" Chen Tianshan affirmed with a firm resolve

Chen Tianshan could only brace himself and say: "Master, it was my nephew Chen Taiji who, before his death, recommended a person, saying that this individual would surely be able to turn the tide, just like how the Song Dynasty once put forward Gao Xianzhi!"

Is it him? That person with extremely poor aptitude, yet foolishly dreaming of joining our sect?

Chen Tianshan said with a bitter smile: "No, he said he would help the Chen Kingdom turn the tide, which is fine! However, it requires the sect master to agree that after he helps the Chen Kingdom regain its strength, the sect master will assist him in achieving the Perfected Realm and breaking through to the Innate Realm! Furthermore, he requests permission to study the Innate Realm techniques at the Qinghe Sect!"

The last glimmer of hope has vanished

The leading girl in black attire is dressed in male clothing

The master of the flow of years nodded and said: "Very rare, at least, this is only the second time I have heard of it!"

The young girl beside her clapped her folding fan and said, "Since that is the case, let us watch a little longer"

While the two major sovereigns were bickering, they were actually keeping an eye on the other five individuals.

A young girl held a folding fan in her hand, gazing at the enormous map before her. The map was marked with various annotations, meticulously detailing the battlefields of the Song and Chen states.

The girl's pupils constricted, and she became serious all at once

However...! Master Liu Nian frowned slightly

You! The leader of the Qinghe Sect glared with wide eyes

Sovereign! Suddenly, a voice of urgency came from outside the grand hall

The hall master said, "This person is named Gu Hai. There had been no news of him until forty years ago, when he suddenly appeared from nowhere. At that time, he had not practiced any cultivation, and his innate talent was exceptionally poor. He only began his cultivation at the age of thirty, unable to practice internal skills, so he chose to focus on external skills, diligently training his body. He sought to join our sect, but naturally, we looked down on him. However, in the secular world, in just forty short years, he established a vast enterprise, becoming the wealthiest person in the Six Kingdoms, and he has also reached the perfection of the acquired realm!" Chen Tianshan explained.

It seems that this journey was not without its rewards, at the very least, I encountered a talented individual!" the young girl said with a satisfied smile

My opinion is the same as that of the hall master! Master Liu Nian nodded.

The leader of Qinghe looked extremely displeased

The young girl nodded slightly and did not respond

Although this place is the Qinghe Sect, it is these five individuals who stand in the primary position to the true north

The master of the flow of time let out a faint bitter smile and said, "The past is like smoke"

"Tianshan, why have you returned at this time? Has Chen Taiji been injured? How severe is the injury?" The leader of the Qinghe Sect asked in a deep voice.

The girl in black furrowed her brows slightly; just a moment ago, she was contemplating Chen Taiji's helplessness in returning to the heavens. Now that Chen Taiji is dead, the war between the two nations has come to a complete end

"Delusional, an old man from the postnatal realm thinks he can turn the tide? He must be dreaming!" Master Song Jia said with a look of disbelief.

The young girl glanced lightly at Master Song Jia and said, "There is no need to worry, he is not among your quota"

"Master of the Flowing Years, do you think this Chen State can still mount a counterattack?" the young girl asked as she looked at the map

This time, sending Chen Tianshan to Chen Country was intended to have him secretly assist Chen Country, but it still ended in defeat. At this moment, upon seeing Chen Tianshan, the leader of Qinghe Sect also revealed a hint of anger

The leader of Qinghe's expression darkened

No matter how foolish the masses may be, it is clear that in this battle, the State of Chen is on the verge of annihilation.

Upon hearing the girl's words, Master Song Jiazong's face immediately brightened: "The hall master has keen insight!"

A group of individuals in white attire were laughing heartily.

This Gao Xianzhi is indeed quite interesting, what level do you think this Gao Xianzhi is at?" The young girl looked towards Master Liu Nian.

Behind the young girl stood four individuals, three of whom maintained an expressionless demeanor, resembling guards, remaining silent. The fourth was distinct; he was a bald monk, clad in a moon-white robe. He stood there, exuding an ethereal aura, with a remarkably refined and handsome face. In one hand, he held a string of eighteen small prayer beads, gazing at the map alongside the young girl.

"Sovereign, Gu Hai has stated that as long as you give your promise, he will assist Chen Guoli in turning the tide. Your decree of promise is required!" Chen Tianshan said

"Practicing external skills to achieve the perfection of the acquired realm? Such formidable willpower!" Master Liunian expressed a hint of surprise

Oh? The girl in black, however, revealed a hint of curiosity

A group of individuals in blue robes glared at each other, and the leader of the Qinghe Sect clenched his fist and said: "Sovereign Song Jia, everything is not yet decided; how can you be so certain that the State of Chen will inevitably be defeated?"

On the right, a group of individuals dressed in white appeared to be extremely happy at this moment. A middle-aged man at the forefront suddenly laughed and said: "Master Qinghe, it seems that you have lost this battle. The three passes of the Great Chen Kingdom have fallen, utterly defenseless! Hahahahaha!"

The Master of the Flowing Years glanced at the map, nodded, and said: "Indeed, Chen Taiji is quite remarkable. In such a large-scale battle, he is able to maneuver with such ease. Even in our realm, he would be considered an excellent general, steady and methodical, extremely reliable. It should have been a one-sided defeat for the State of Chen against the State of Song, but unexpectedly, the State of Song produced a Gao Xianzhi!"

Your grandfather! said the Master of Flowing Years

... ...

"Tianshan, be quiet! Are you not embarrassed enough already?" the leader of Qinghe scolded.

The two disciples looked at the young girl with intense desire, but both understood her identity and immediately suppressed the slight stir of their hearts

Call!

My grandfather once told me that if given the opportunity, one should observe the wars of mortals. Although they possess no great power, at times, they embody countless wisdom. This battle is truly remarkable, Master, what do you think?

The master of the flow of years delivered the final verdict, and at this moment, Master Song Jiazong wore a joyful expression, while Master Qinghe's face was dark and sullen

Well then! The Master of Time said with a faint smile of bitterness

I know this has almost become a foregone conclusion, but haven't you noticed that everything has become interesting?

Qinghe Sect, Chen Tianshan, has met the hall master Chen Tianshan said respectfully

On the left side, a group of men dressed in blue robes were frowning deeply as they gazed at a giant map in the center of the hall. At the forefront, a middle-aged man in a blue robe displayed a flash of anger in his eyes.

Buzz

... ...

Although there are not many spells, every time they engage in battle, it is as if they are skilled masters dueling, exhibiting extraordinary finesse, truly deserving of the stature of a general said the young girl with a serious expression

However, a single compliment from the young girl caused the leader of Song Jia to raise his eyebrows

"The second time? Then who did you hear about the first time?" the girl asked in confusion

Having lost to Song Jiazong is already humiliating enough. Instead of reflecting on this, Chen Tianshan shamelessly claims that he can turn the tide

It was Chen Tianshan who hurried back from the ancient mansion

Master, it is only because you wish to witness a war of the secular world that it has led to the current slaughter, with six hundred thousand troops all being executed in a pitiful manner, Amitabha! The bald monk recited a Buddhist chant, as if lamenting for the soldiers who were killed.

Old Hai? That old fellow reeking of copper?

The young girl smiled slightly and said, "Go ahead, tell me, who is it!"

"The master of the hall is wise; you must have had your thoughts in mind long ago, so why ask me?" Master Liunian said with a smile

"Good! Agree to him!" said the leader of the Qinghe Sect, Zheng Zhong.

The master of Qinghe looked at the young girl and saw a hint of curiosity on her face. His heart, which had just felt despondent, began to stir once more. He had already felt embarrassed, so what was the worst that could happen? Perhaps...?

The young girl values talent rather than cultivation; cultivation can be gradually improved, but a person's wisdom has its limitations in enhancement. Such talent, how could the young girl allow it to be tarnished?

Outside the Chen Kingdom, amidst the mountains, within the Qinghe Sect, in a grand hall

The Master of Flowing Years fell silent for a moment, then shook his head slightly: "Without the involvement of sects or foreign nations, the State of Chen has reached a dead end. With the three passes lost, the path ahead is essentially clear. The State of Song is united, with hundreds of thousands of troops that will surely gather outside the Tiger Lock Pass. Although there are one hundred thousand soldiers at the Tiger Lock Pass, they have never seen blood. This time, not to mention holding the line, it would be fortunate if they do not resort to flattery and surrender. Moreover, news has come that Chen Taiji has also sustained serious injuries, directly affecting his vital energy, leaving him with insufficient strength. In another half month, Gao Xianzhi will be at the gates of the city, and the State of Chen will become history"

Before the young girl could speak, Chen Tianshan immediately said anxiously: "Master, it is not over yet; there is still a chance to win back!"

Chen Tianshan said with a hint of bitterness: "My grandnephew passed away half a month ago, his heart and pulse shattered!"

"Can external martial arts training also achieve perfection in the acquired stage?" The young girl looked towards Master Liu Nian.

"Master, our Qinghe Sect has lost face this time!" The master of Qinghe Sect bitterly bowed slightly to the young girl.