“Young Master, Jushi City is just ahead.”
Dust billowed on the official road as several riders galloped forth.
Their speed soon slowed.
Bai Shu urged his horse forward, his gaze sweeping over the majestic city in the distance, before respectfully addressing Lin Sheng.
“Hmm, I see it.”
Lin Sheng nodded slightly, his gaze also fixed on the great city.
Although he had seen many magnificent cities in this world, the one now in his sight was undoubtedly the largest and tallest he had ever witnessed.
Even Fulong City would be half a head shorter in comparison.
Especially this city named Jushi City, its city walls possessed an indescribable rough and heavy feel, having stood on this land for an unknown amount of time.
With his eyesight, he could clearly see that such an enormous city wall appeared to be a seamless, perfectly rounded whole, without any gaps, which seemed quite incredible.
“As expected of an ancient city that has stood for thousands of years, Jushi City truly lives up to its reputation.”
Lin Sheng spoke with emotion.
He naturally hadn’t come unprepared for this trip; before departing, he had already asked Bai Shu to compile the general information about Southern Qi for him.
Now, he understood much more about the various forces in Southern Qi than before, especially the Nanqi Military Department and the situation within Jushi City.
Jushi City was said to have been built thousands of years ago by a vast Empire when Southern Qi and Northern Yan were still unified.
This grand city not only possessed a strength and thickness far surpassing other city walls, but it also had Formation engravings.
According to legend, the great Formation was made from the Materials of a powerful Yao Beast that was almost stepping over the Yao Beast threshold, on the verge of Breakthrough to a Void Beast.
Even the Yao Beast’s corpse was integrated into the city walls using a special method.
This inconceivable method had long been lost, and even if Southern Qi and Northern Yan wanted to replicate it now, they might not be able to succeed.
Therefore, in the vast Southern Qi, Jushi City’s defense was almost on par with the central Imperial City.
And this was precisely where the main forces of Southern Qi were gathered, confronting the Northern Yan army.
“This great city is probably even larger than Arid Sea City.”
Nong Yu, beside him, also expressed surprise and emotion, but quickly added with a question.
“This great city looks difficult to breach, and we haven't felt many experts or soldiers guarding other parts of Southern Qi on our journey here. Why doesn't Northern Yan choose to attack from other places? That should be much easier, right?”
Entering Southern Qi was far easier than imagined; many places had no soldiers guarding them at all.
So, she didn't understand why both sides insisted on a decisive battle here.
Hearing Nong Yu’s words, Lin Sheng’s face remained expressionless, but his eyes deepened slightly.
Nong Yu’s confusion was normal; in fact, he initially had the same doubt, but a little thought revealed the reason.
“Nong Yu, would you rather face 1,000 ordinary people or one Bone Changing Warrior? When facing both, which do you think would be easier?”
“Of course, it’s the Bone Changing Warrior!!”
Although Nong Yu felt a bit bewildered, she answered without hesitation.
After all, anyone who wasn't a fool could make the correct choice; let alone a thousand ordinary people, even ten thousand ordinary people would pose little threat to a Bone Changing Warrior.
As soon as she finished speaking, she seemed to understand.
“I understand what you mean, Young Master. Are you implying that high-level Martial Artists are the key to deciding this war?”
“Little girl, you’re quite clever. Yes, that’s exactly it.”
At this moment, Bai Can from behind leaned over with a smile and said.
“When two countries go to war, regardless of who wins or loses, to annex the other country, you must eliminate its high-level combat power. Otherwise, this battle has no real winner or loser.”
“Southern Qi’s main forces are currently concentrated in Jushi City and the central Imperial City. If Northern Yan wants to destroy Southern Qi, they must annihilate the main forces in these two cities; otherwise, occupying more territory would be meaningless.”
As he spoke, he looked at the calm-faced Lin Sheng in front of him, feeling even more that the Young Master was unfathomable.
Many young people might have extraordinary cultivation talent but do not understand the significance of this battle, but Lin Sheng was clearly not among them.
“So that’s how it is, no wonder…” Nong Yu nodded, enlightened.
“Alright, let’s go, into the city…”
At this moment, Lin Sheng’s voice rang out. The group stopped chatting, and soon, dust rose again on the official road as several riders galloped towards the distant great city.
Half a day later, the group had arrived at the foot of Jushi City.
The majestic city wall’s enormous gate, over ten meters wide and tall, stood wide open.
From time to time, caravans laden with various Materials passed through the city gate, entering the city.
On both sides of the city gate, numerous soldiers in heavy armor, holding weapons, stood guard.
Every single one of them possessed the Bone Transformation Realm cultivation, and the city gate commander was a genuine Divine Transformation Realm.
Besides these, there were also archers on the city wall, their arrows pointed at the ground below, seemingly ready to unleash a rain of arrows at any moment.
Lin Sheng and the others hadn’t expected Jushi City, as a front-line battleground, to be so bustling. Besides the various supply caravans, there were also many merchants waiting in line to enter the city.
“Tsk, tsk, these merchants are really bold. At a time like this, they’re scrambling to enter the city…”
Seeing this scene, Bai Can clicked his tongue in wonder.
Bai Shu, however, explained with a smile.
“Lord Bai Can, since ancient times, the bold have prospered while the timid starve. Merchants are driven by profit. Jushi City is indeed a front line, but this is also when it’s most profitable. Prices for various Materials are soaring inside the city, so naturally, some people can’t sit still and want a piece of the pie.”
“That’s true.” Bai Can nodded in agreement.
“Stop, what are you people doing? Take another step forward and you’ll be killed without mercy.”
As he spoke, a stern shout echoed from the city gate. Several soldiers with long sabers quickly surrounded Lin Sheng and his group.
Their eyes held suspicion and Killing Intent.
Lin Sheng’s group was indeed quite conspicuous in the crowd. Even before they approached the city gate, they had already attracted attention. Now, as soon as they drew near, they were immediately subjected to scrutiny.
At this moment, Bai Can had already pulled out a golden token from his In arms and flashed it in front of the soldiers.
“What is this? Courting death!”
However, these soldiers seemed not to recognize the token. They immediately gripped their weapons tightly, ready to act.
“Wait!”
A deep shout echoed from the city gate, stopping the soldiers. Then, the light-armored city gate commander strode over.
His eyes fixed on the token in Bai Can’s hand. He immediately ordered the soldiers to disperse, then a polite expression appeared on his face.
“May I ask if you are envoys from Dark Star?”
“That’s right.”
Lin Sheng nodded.
They wouldn’t have come suddenly; Luo Yin had already informed Southern Qi before their arrival.
“Then please follow me into the city. Supreme General Huyan has already given instructions.”
The commander immediately waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to clear the way for them to pass through another gate.
After entering the city, the commander did not leave but led Lin Sheng and his group forward.
The others looked curiously at the scene within the city.
After all, they were quite curious about this legendary Jushi City.
Unexpectedly, the city was quite prosperous. Although not as grand as Fulong City, it was much livelier than Fu City of Tiannan Prefecture.
It seemed to have been little affected by the war.
Merchants and pedestrians filled the streets, and from time to time, teams of soldiers could be seen moving quickly through the city. Besides this, various large exotic beasts could occasionally be seen.
These were either specially trained mounts or war beasts used for military charges.
After leading Lin Sheng to a courtyard within the city, the commander spoke.
“Guests, Supreme General Huyan is currently supervising the front lines and has not yet returned. Please rest in this courtyard for now, and later, a dedicated person will take you to the military camp.”
“Alright.” Lin Sheng glanced at the courtyard and nodded slightly.
The courtyard was large and quite luxuriously decorated, which was rather good.
Soon, the commander turned and left, leaving only Lin Sheng and the others, along with some servants and maids waiting in the courtyard.
The group didn't stand on ceremony and each found a room to rest.
Bai Can was an restless sort, and soon he dragged Jin Yang and the others to wander the city streets.
Lin Sheng saw that Nong Yu also seemed interested, so he waved for her to go along as well.
Although Southern Qi and Northern Yan were once one country many years ago, they had been separated for a long time. With different topographies and cultures, there were naturally many novelties that Northern Yan had never seen.
Inside the room, hot steam rose from a large wooden tub. Lin Sheng leaned back, his eyes slightly closed. The liquid in the tub was a milky white substance, which, according to the servants, was a special Southern Qi medicinal bath capable of washing away fatigue and nourishing the spirit.
And its effect was indeed quite good. While enjoying the medicinal bath, he felt the changes within his body.
After days of transformation and accumulation, the energy stored within his body had reached a certain level and was now slowing down, seemingly nearing its end.
Although there was no change yet on his attribute panel, he could feel that he would soon Breakthrough the Bottleneck that bound him.
“Soon…”
Lin Sheng murmured.
He didn't stay in the bathtub for long. After all, during the process of shedding the Demon Skeleton, he couldn't cultivate the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture; otherwise, he wouldn't mind staying in indefinitely.
However, after just one incense stick's time, he was fully dressed and pushed open the door.
But quickly, his gaze sharpened, falling on the pond and rockery in the courtyard.
A figure, at some unknown time, was squatting by the pond, holding bait and teasing the several koi fish in the pond.
Seemingly hearing the sound of the door opening, the figure stopped teasing and stood up.
This was an exceptionally tall woman, about 1.8 meters in height, with a slender but curvaceous figure.
Her long hair was not the common black found in Northern Yan or Southern Qi, but a reddish-brown color.
Her features were striking and prominent, and her wheat-colored skin revealed a rare wild beauty.
Especially since she wore a form-fitting leather armor, covering her chest and exposing her neck, with the lower half stopping at her thighs, showcasing her perfect figure, and her long legs were particularly eye-catching.
This was a woman of considerable beauty.
“Your Excellency Ghost Face, are you satisfied with the White Jade Bath prepared for you?”
“Very good.” Lin Sheng looked at the woman, collected himself, and nodded.
He had to admit, after coming to this world, this was the first time he had seen a woman of this style, and he couldn’t help but be momentarily lost in thought.
Hearing this, the woman smiled and walked towards Lin Sheng.
A scent, equally full of wildness, wafted over, invigorating one’s spirit.
“Viya, Protector of the Military Department.”
She came before Lin Sheng, placed her hand on her chest, bowed slightly, then extended her hand and said with a hearty laugh.
Seeing this gesture, Lin Sheng paused, then reached out and clasped her hand.
“I am a half-blood of the North Eye Tribe and the Qi people. This is our North Eye Tribe’s hand greeting. It seems Your Excellency Ghost Face is quite interested in this custom.”
Noticing Lin Sheng’s pause, Weiya smiled and said.
“North Eye Tribe? A very interesting custom.”
Lin Sheng lowered his hand, his expression returning to calm, and spoke faintly.
For a brief moment, it evoked some mixed feelings from his previous life, but it was just a fleeting thought.
“It seems Viya Protector is the one responsible for receiving us.”
“That’s right. Supreme General Huyan is returning to camp and will take some time to arrive. If Your Excellency Ghost Face has leisure, I can show you around the city.”
Weiya’s beautiful eyes rested on Lin Sheng as she spoke.
“No need. If there’s something to do, I’ll just wait.”
Lin Sheng directly shook his head.
“In that case, I will come back later.”
Hearing Lin Sheng’s resolute refusal, Viya’s smile remained largely unchanged. She nodded and replied clearly.
“There are exquisite dishes prepared by the servants in the front hall. Your Excellency Ghost Face can have a taste.”
After speaking again, Viya turned and left.
Watching the tall figure disappear into the courtyard, Lin Sheng withdrew his gaze and then strolled towards the front hall.
Indeed, as the other party said, a very sumptuous meal had been prepared in the front hall. He didn’t stand on ceremony, and after finding the taste to be quite good, the entire table of dishes was soon consumed.
Half an hour later, Bai Can and the others returned.
And Viya’s figure soon appeared in the courtyard.
“Supreme General Huyan has returned to camp. You all may come with me now.”
Looking at the uniquely beautiful and impactful Viya, Bai Can, Jin Yang, and the others were all stunned, and even Nong Yu, who was quite striking herself, was no exception.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Lin Sheng nodded, pulling the others back to attention.
They followed behind Viya, heading towards the military camp.
“Although the Commander’s Mansion is not far from here, Supreme General Huyan spends most of his time in the military camp…”
Along the way, Viya occasionally spoke, introducing some matters within the camp to everyone.
She even shared some interesting anecdotes, quickly narrowing the distance between them. Lin Sheng rarely spoke, just listening quietly. The cultivation of the group was not low, and their steps were swift. Even though the military camp was outside the city, they arrived within an hour.
Upon entering the military camp, dense, perfectly aligned military Formations were undergoing drills, and a chilling aura of Killing Intent immediately assailed them.
This was a rare sight in daily life, as people from Schools or aristocratic families seldom engaged in military combat.
Affected by this aura, Nong Yu and others with lower cultivation levels couldn't help but turn slightly pale.
“Southern Qi excels in the Dao of military Formations. Although these soldiers are only Blood Transportation Warriors, when connected by special military Formations, a group of just over a hundred can simultaneously withstand over ten Bone Changing Warriors without falling into a disadvantage.”
Seeing the group captivated by the military Formation, Viya smiled and introduced.
“Supreme General Huyan is currently in a meeting with the leaders of several major forces, which will probably take a while to finish. If you are interested, I can take you on a tour.”