Lady, let me explain.

Chapter 118 Golden Serpent Camp

The following day, Gui Xinshu and his wife, Luo Liru and Jiao Wan'er and their husband, Meng Bofei and others arrived one after another.

Yuan Chengzhi received them one by one, and everyone was shocked to see that he was paralyzed in bed and had lost all his martial arts skills. Even the old man Meng Bofei wept bitterly, which showed that Yuan Chengzhi was still very popular in the Golden Snake Camp.

Zhu Meichu arrived last, and upon hearing the devastating news, she fainted immediately…

Yuan Chengzhi then announced another major event: Lin Yi would take over the Golden Snake Camp.

As he had expected, although the incident was sudden, these people were all Yuan Chengzhi's absolute confidants, and Lin Yi himself was also quite capable. Although everyone was somewhat surprised, they all accepted it.

The relevant matters were arranged in an orderly manner...

After preparations were completed, Lin Yi, Yuan Chengzhi and their entourage entered the Golden Snake Camp's encampment and summoned the commanders of the Sixth Battalion.

Yuan Chengzhi slumped into a chair, covered with a thin blanket. The generals of the Six Battalions, seeing the once invincible Golden Snake King reduced to such a state, all wept.

"Brother Yuan, whoever hurt you, I will tear them to pieces!"

"Brother Yuan..."

The camp was in chaos, filled with weeping. After a long while, things calmed down. Only then did Yuan Chengzhi recount the details of his trip to Shenjing to the generals.

Upon hearing that his assassination attempt on Wei Xiaobao had failed and that he had been captured by Yu Huatian and subjected to all sorts of torture, everyone was filled with righteous indignation.

He only found out when he heard that Xia Qingqing had contacted Lin Yi and intervened, killing Yu Huatian and Wei Xiaobao to save him.

The generals then realized that they hadn't seen Lin Yi before entering the tent, and they all bowed to him to express their gratitude for his great kindness.

Many people immediately patted their chests and assured him that they would let Lin Yi know if he needed anything in the future.

Seeing this, Yuan Chengzhi pressed his advantage, saying, "Brothers, after this turn of events, I am no longer able to take command of the Golden Serpent Camp..."

One of the generals cried out, "Great Hero Yuan, the Golden Snake Camp cannot do without you! Who else can lead us to fight the Tartars besides you?"

Shui Jian, the commander of the Rui Battalion, also said, "Chengzhi, don't worry, you will always be our Golden Snake King. If anyone dares to disobey your orders, I, Shui Jian, will be the first to object!"

Lin Yi and Zhao Min exchanged a glance, both understanding that the Water Mirror also had its own plans.

With Yuan Chengzhi paralyzed, even if he continues to lead the Golden Snake Camp, he can only be a spiritual leader, so the camp's affairs naturally fall to the Sixth Battalion Commander.

"Don't try to persuade me, my mind is made up!"

The camp erupted in discussion, many completely bewildered. Without a commander, how could the rebel army possibly fight?

Yuan Chengzhi continued, “But the Golden Snake Camp cannot be without a leader for even a day. The great cause of resisting the Qing Dynasty cannot be delayed because of me, Yuan Chengzhi alone… I have invited a new commander for everyone, Brother Lin!”

For a moment, the camp was deathly silent...

For the other three battalions, this happened too suddenly.

"Brother Lin is the leader of the Huashan Sect. He is known throughout the martial arts world for his unparalleled chivalry and boundless heroism. At the Heroes' Gathering at Shaoshi Mountain, where he slayed the lion, Brother Lin defeated all the heroes and earned the title of 'the greatest martial artist under heaven'."

"He is still the master of the Dragon-Slaying Saber. Even if he doesn't become the supreme master of the martial arts world, looking at the current martial arts world, it is unlikely that anyone would object to recommending him as the number one martial artist in the Central Plains."

"Brother Lin has an even greater ambition to protect the common people and destroy the Qing Dynasty. Although he has just joined the Golden Snake Camp, he has already made two great contributions by killing Yu Huatian of the Western Depot and Wei Xiaobao, thus destroying the Song-Qing alliance!"

"I have thought this through carefully before making this decision. If all the brothers still recognize me as their commander and are willing to obey my orders, then Brother Lin will be the new Golden Serpent King!"

Yuan Chengzhi's words were reasonable and well-founded, leaving even generals like Shui Jian, Ma Zuo, and Sun Zhongshou speechless.

Lin Yi stood up, cupped his hands, and said, “Like you all, I am determined to recover the northern lands. Brother Yuan recommended me as the commander of the Golden Snake Camp. I am truly humbled and honored. I will do my utmost to fight the Qing court to the death… If you have any different opinions, please feel free to speak them.”

Lin Yi looked around at everyone. His internal energy cultivation was superb, his spirit was restrained, and his temperament was ethereal. When his face was serious, an air of majesty appeared.

Since no one had ever seen such a person before, and recalling his formidable reputation, no one dared to voice their opposition.

Meng Bofei said, "The Wu Battalion will of course obey Hero Yuan's orders! Moreover, Sect Leader Lin is a great hero of the Central Plains martial arts world. It is a great joy that he can lead our Golden Snake Battalion."

There were also many martial arts heroes in the camp who had long admired Lin Yi. Of course, they all agreed with him taking command of the Golden Snake Camp.

Many people immediately voiced their agreement, and Lin Yi returned the gesture by bowing to all parties and expressing his gratitude, creating a grand and impressive scene.

The other battalion commanders were also shocked. Lin Yi could garner so much support simply through his reputation and prestige; his influence was truly extraordinary!
Luo Liru also said, "Our Golden Dragon Camp will follow Brother Yuan's arrangements."

Gui Xinshu said, "As long as he can lead us to destroy the Manchu Jurchens, it doesn't matter who the commander is. Cheng Zhi has already spoken, and I also support Sect Leader Lin to become the new Golden Snake King."

Lin Yi said, "No, the Golden Serpent King can only be Brother Yuan... If everyone agrees, I will assume the position of commander-in-chief, and together with all those who share the same ambition, we will accomplish this great undertaking, annihilate the Qing Dynasty, and recover the Han lands!"

The generals cheered, and the atmosphere became lively. Even those few who disagreed with Lin Yi didn't have a chance to speak...

Upon seeing this, Yuan Chengzhi was greatly relieved and immediately inquired about the remaining three battalions.

"Your Highness, what is the opinion of the Ming Battalion?"

Zhu Meichu turned to look at the Ming Battalion generals, and seeing that no one objected, she said, "The Ming Battalion also supports Master Lin as commander."

Yuan Chengzhi nodded. "General Sun, General Zhu, what are your opinions, Chongzi Battalion?"

Sun Zhongshou and Zhu Anguo exchanged bewildered glances. Now that four battalions had agreed, how could they not understand the situation? Clearly, the four battalions had colluded. Given the prevailing trend, the Chongzi Battalion had no choice but to go with the flow.

"Chongzi Camp has no objection."

Yuan Chengzhi looked at the water mirror on one side, "Where is the Rui Battalion?"

He knew that Shui Jian was definitely against it, so he asked him last.

Shui Jian paused for a moment and said, "The Rui Battalion will certainly obey Master Yuan's orders... However, although Master Lin's martial arts are high, the way the righteous army marches and fights is ultimately different."

Yuan Chengzhi frowned slightly, and Lin Yi said, "General Shui's words make a lot of sense. Although I am well-versed in military strategy, I am only a theorist. In the battle against the Qing court, I still need to consult with the generals. If I am truly incapable of commanding the army, I will certainly step down and give way to a more capable person."

Yuan Chengzhi asked, "Brother Shui, do you have any further objections?"

Shui Jian said, "If Sect Leader Lin can readily accept good advice, that would be excellent. However, the Golden Serpent Camp has been established for several years, and Sect Leader Lin has only recently joined the Golden Serpent Camp. Even if he has made two great contributions, he will directly assume the position of commander. I'm afraid the brothers below will have objections... I have an idea, but I don't know if I should say it?"

Lin Yi said, "Please speak."

Shui Jian said, "Although the capture and torture of Master Yuan was the work of the Western Depot, the mastermind behind it was Wei Zhongxian..."

Many people inside the tent understood what Shui Jian wanted to say upon hearing this, and their expressions varied.

"The Western Depot was nothing but Wei Zhongxian's dog, and the Song-Qing alliance was also orchestrated by Wei Zhongxian!"

"Wei Zhongxian was a treacherous and wicked man who deceived his superiors and subordinates, monopolized state affairs, eliminated dissidents, and caused the people of the world to suffer as a result. He was truly guilty of many crimes!"

"Now, they have incurred a great enmity with our Golden Snake Camp. Master Lin's martial arts are unparalleled. If Master Lin can rid the world of this scourge, we will nominate you as the commander of the Golden Snake Camp. The brothers will definitely accept it wholeheartedly!"

Of course, there were also a number of generals in the Golden Snake Camp who were unwilling to be led by Lin Yi, but now that Shui Jian was leading the way, they all voiced their support.

"That villain Wei Zhongxian deserves to die! With Master Lin's high level of martial arts, he should be able to do it, right?"

"We'll be convinced if you kill Wei Zhongxian..."

Yuan Chengzhi said, "Wei Zhongxian has lived in the Song Dynasty palace for a long time. The palace is heavily guarded and full of experts. No matter how high your martial arts skills are, you can't assassinate him."

“Brother Yuan, there’s no need to worry. General Shui’s words make some sense,” Lin Yi said. “Wei Zhongxian is a villain who deserves to die a hundred times over. As long as we can kill him, it’s worth the risk.”

Yuan Chengzhi said urgently, "Brother Lin, this matter needs to be discussed more carefully."

Luo Liru, Meng Bofei, and others also tried to dissuade them.

Lin Yi smiled; his agreement to this matter was certainly not an impulsive one.

Now that Emperor Xuanzhi is seriously ill, the situation in the capital has changed dramatically. He also wants to go to the capital to get involved and take a share of the spoils.

While storming the palace to assassinate Wei Zhongxian was difficult, it was not difficult to do so by changing the method.

Now that Prince Xin has created this chaos, he is naturally eager to make his move.

If he helps Prince Xin ascend the throne, Prince Xin will find a way to kill Wei Zhongxian without him even having to lift a finger.

"Brother Yuan, my mind is made up."

Lin Yi stood proudly, scanning all the Golden Serpent Camp generals in the tent.

"I, Lin Yi, swear an oath of blood with you all today that I will surely kill Wei Zhongxian!"

Gui Xinshu, Luo Liru, Meng Bofei and others cheered, but Shui Jian and other generals who opposed Lin Yi's command of the Golden Snake Camp changed their expressions slightly.

Shui Jian made this request with the intention of making Lin Yi back down or as a delaying tactic.

Lin Yi's oath not only bound him, but also all the generals of the Golden Serpent Camp.

If Lin Yi were to actually kill Wei Zhongxian, and then anyone else disobey his orders, would he let it go? He would surely settle scores one by one…

Whether Lin Yi could kill Wei Zhongxian was uncertain, but killing them would be a piece of cake.

At this moment, the Golden Snake Camp is holding a banquet, both to welcome Yuan Chengzhi and to bid farewell to Lin Yi.

That afternoon, Lin Yi set off, first bidding farewell to Yuan Chengzhi.

"Brother Lin, I failed in my duty today..." Yuan Chengzhi said with a face full of self-reproach.

He was completely paralyzed and had lost all his martial arts skills. As soon as he returned and showed up, his prestige was greatly diminished.

“Brother Yuan, what makes you say that? General Shui Jian’s suggestion is also very reasonable.” Lin Yi said with a smile, “I will have to trouble you to lead the Golden Snake Camp for the time being. I don’t want the Golden Snake Camp to be scattered by the Qing court after I kill Wei Zhongxian.”

Yuan Chengzhi laughed and said, "Although I am crippled, I can still maintain the Golden Serpent Camp."

Lin Yi nodded: "Brother Yuan, there is no need to be too sad. I have heard that the Vajra Sect in the Western Regions has a divine medicine called Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment. Its medicinal properties are extremely miraculous and it can cure broken bones. Perhaps it can cure Brother Yuan's paralysis."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Yuan Chengzhi's eyes, but he shook his head again: "Brother Lin, you should focus on dealing with Wei Zhongxian and not be distracted by other trivial matters."

(End of this chapter)