The Young Swordsman of Dalu

Nabulu Khan ordered Helian Ming to launch another attack on Pingcheng, preventing Chai Gu from diverting troops to reinforce the northwestern border of the Great Lu Kingdom. At the same time, he secretly sent a report to Murong Bo of the Northern Dynasty, informing him that both countries would attack the Great Lu Kingdom simultaneously, catching him off guard.

Murong Bo of the Northern Dynasty ordered Han Jue to continue advancing towards the border, and the Northern Frontier City soon came into their sights.

"Please give the order to attack Beijiang City immediately, Commander! We can't wait to enter Beijiang City!" Han Jue's soldiers shouted.

"Once His Majesty's decree arrives, we will launch a full-scale attack and march straight to Beijiang City! You can enjoy the food, wine, and beauties to your heart's content!" Han Jue laughed heartily after saying this.

Li Chaoyang, accompanied by Shangguan Chenxing, has arrived at the border camp.

"Master, the Northern Dynasty army has been advancing steadily towards us these past few days. As you can see, the distance between our two armies is only ten miles. It seems they will continue to advance," Shangguan Chenxing said.

"Is Han Jue the commander-in-chief?" Li Chaoyang asked.

“Yes!” Shangguan Chenxing said.

"With our 200,000 troops facing the Northern Dynasty's 300,000 troops, are we confident of victory?" Li Chaoyang asked.

"Sect Leader Li! Although the enemy has 100,000 more troops than us, as long as we arrange our tactics properly, we will definitely be able to win against overwhelming odds," Shangguan Chenxing said.

“Uncle-Master Li! These past few days, I’ve been working with Senior Brother Mu Yang and the others from Wenxian Pavilion to gather the young men in Beijiang City together and train them in teamwork. They’re making rapid progress, and I believe they won’t let us down,” Wenjie said.

"We must protect our people unless absolutely necessary," Li Chaoyang said.

“We know, Uncle-Master!” Wenjie said.

Li Chaoyang looked solemnly at the location where the Northern Dynasty army was stationed. He knew that this battle would be a matter of life and death for both countries.

On the northwestern border, Yuan Hui led an army of 200,000 to Ningcheng. Yuan Hui originally wanted to enter Ningcheng to discuss the war with Li Linlie, but was stopped by Cao Yong.

"General Yuan! You must not go to Ningcheng!" Cao Yong said.

"Why?" Yuan Hui asked, puzzled.

Cao Yong embellished the story his informant had told him to Yuan Hui, who then said, "Li Linlie has guarded the northwest border for so many years. Would he really betray the country?"

"These are extraordinary times, so we should err on the side of caution and believe it's true rather than not," Cao Yong said.

"Therefore, Imperial Censor Cao has been stationed outside Ningcheng and has refused to move into Ningcheng," Yuan Hui said.

“If I enter Ningcheng, what if Li Linlie kills me? My old life will be wasted. Wouldn’t that be terrible?” Cao Yong said.

“Imperial Censor Cao is overthinking it! I don’t think Li Linlie is that kind of villain,” Yuan Hui said.

"Commander Yuan! Listen to me, you absolutely must not enter Ningcheng. Have Li Linlie come to our camp to discuss the war. In case anything goes wrong, we can adapt accordingly," Cao Yong said.

"Isn't this a bad idea?" Yuan Hui said.

“You are the Grand Marshal of the Army sent by the Imperial Court. How could Li Linlie dare to disobey your orders!” Cao Yong said.

“Okay! We’ll do it your way!” Yuan Hui said.

"General! Yuan Hui has led an army of 200,000 and has already encamped outside the city!" Jiang Han said.

"Let's hurry outside the city to greet them!" Li Linlie said.

"Should we bring some people with us?" Jiang Han asked.

“We don’t need to bring many people with us to our own camp. We generals are enough to escort Commander Yuan into the city,” Li Linlie said.

After arranging his affairs, Li Linlie rode his horse and led his generals to the outskirts of Ningcheng. They went to Yuan Hui's tent and paid their respects.

"General Yuan! You must be tired from your journey! This humble general will lead the soldiers to escort you back to Ningcheng to rest!" Li Linlie said.

“General Li, there’s no need! I will stay here and wait for the Western Regions army to arrive. I will then command the soldiers of my Great Lu Kingdom to fight to the death against that Bulu!” Yuan Hui said.

"Since Commander Yuan says so, this humble general will lead his men to set up camp here with you!" Li Linlie said.

"General Li, you should order someone to bring your 200,000 border troops here so that we can launch a full-scale attack!" Cao Yong said.

“Oh! Imperial Censor Cao is right! I’ll immediately order 200,000 border troops to move this way,” Li Linlie said.

Cao Yong wanted to say something more, but Yuan Hui glanced at him, and Cao Yong immediately shut his mouth. Jiang Han also glared at Cao Yong with dissatisfaction. When Cao Yong's gaze met Jiang Han's fierce eyes, he trembled in fright and felt a lot of dissatisfaction.

After discussing the war with Yuan Hui, Li Linlie said, "General Li, you should go back and settle things at home before coming here!"

“That won’t do! The commander-in-chief is stationed outside the city, but I’m in the city. From today onwards, I will be stationed in this military camp with the commander-in-chief,” Li Linlie said.

Yuan Hui had no choice but to agree to let Li Linlie stay, and Li Linlie led his generals out of Yuan Hui's tent.

"General! Are we really going to stay here?" Jiang Han asked.

"Stay here! Send someone to the city to inform the Madam, and also arrange for someone to keep a close eye on Cao Yong!" Li Linlie said.

“Marshal Yuan! Look at Li Linlie’s arrogant attitude. He doesn’t take you, the Grand Marshal of the Army, seriously at all. And his men are all like fierce demons. I think Li Linlie really has the intention to rebel,” Cao Yong said.

“Imperial Censor Cao! Don’t speak recklessly without evidence. With a major battle imminent, we must unite and fight the foreign enemy with all our might,” Yuan Hui said.

“I don’t think Li Linlie necessarily thinks that way. Commander Yuan, we still need to be on guard. If Li Linlie wants to rebel, Commander Yuan, you must not hesitate and must act decisively!” Cao Yong said.

"Imperial Censor Cao! Stop gossiping in front of me! You're making me very upset!" Yuan Hui said.

"Commander Yuan! It was all my fault for being so talkative in front of you, but I did it all for the sake of our Great Lu Kingdom," Cao Yong said.

"For the sake of the Great Lu Kingdom, please let me have some peace and quiet!" Yuan Hui said.

"Commander Yuan has come from afar, it's time for him to rest. I'll take my leave now!" Cao Yong left, feeling bored.

"Sigh! This Cao Yong is really unpredictable," Yuan Hui said helplessly.

Cao Yong left Yuan Hui's tent and went into his own, where someone was already waiting for him.

"Imperial Censor Cao! Prince Zhou's troops have been assembled and are just waiting for chaos to break out on the northwestern border."

“Tell Prince Zhou that I will keep my promise to him, and that he should not forget his commitment to me after it is done,” Cao Yong said.

"Rest assured, Imperial Censor Cao! Prince Zhou will not treat you unfairly!"

"Get out of here quickly! Don't let anyone find you, or I can't protect you!" Cao Yong said.

"I'm leaving now! I won't leave a trace!"

After speaking, the man walked out of the tent and quickly disappeared.