Two days later.
Lin Sheng lifted the curtain of the carriage, looking at the huge valley that appeared in his line of sight.
It was called a valley, but in reality, it wasn't a true valley in the conventional sense.
Its area was extremely vast; it would be more accurate to describe it as a massive plain.
“General, that’s Haihe Valley ahead. In ancient times, this Haihe Valley was originally a vast ocean. Later, for some unknown reason, the ocean receded, and it became what it is today,” Meng Lie, who was driving the carriage, noticed Lin Sheng’s gaze and immediately explained.
“So, this place was once the deep seabed?”
Lin Sheng said faintly, his gaze sweeping over the vegetation around the valley. It was clear that, with the valley as a boundary, the color and type of vegetation were distinctly different.
“Indeed. In ancient times, the ocean covered a vast area. Later, the world underwent changes, and the terrain was reshaped, becoming what it is now,” Meng Lie explained.
“General, our destination is in the heart of this valley. Haihe City, located there, is the garrison of the Crimson Feather Army.”
“I understand.”
Lin Sheng nodded, lowered the carriage curtain, and said nothing more.
Meng Lie also wisely remained silent, focusing solely on driving the carriage.
As the Commander of the Imperial Guards, he naturally didn't need to drive the carriage himself.
However, as a trusted confidant of Jing Emperor, before their departure, His Majesty had specifically instructed him to obey all of Linsheng Pavilion's commands, ensure his safety, and introduce him to the Crimson Feather Army's situation. So, he simply took on the role of Linsheng Pavilion's coachman.
Upon reaching Haihe Valley, they were already not far from the so-called Haihe City, just over an hour away.
A magnificent city, standing on the plain, had already appeared in their line of sight.
Although the city's scale was far from comparable to the Imperial City and Jushi City, it was by no means inferior to the former Linjiang Prefecture City.
Many merchant caravans and pedestrians could be seen queuing at the city gate to enter.
Along the way, he had also occasionally seen large merchant caravans, nearly half of which originated from Haihe City.
Haihe City bordered the East Sea, enjoying an extremely advantageous geographical location. Many islanders from the East Sea islands, or even foreign races, chose to conduct trade here.
Especially now, with Southern Qi and Siro Country having close ties, Haihe City became even more prosperous.
Lin Sheng and his entourage were all clad in armor, and the carriage bore a Dragon-shaped mark symbolizing the Southern Qi imperial family.
The merchant caravans and common folk outside the city gate, upon seeing them, all made way.
Before they even approached the city gate, a 隊 of sword-wielding soldiers had already rushed out from within the city.
Unlike the guards standing on the city gate, this 隊 of sword-wielding soldiers were all clad in crimson-black armor, with a crimson Dragon-shaped emblem imprinted on their chests. Each possessed an extraordinary Aura, with the stride of a Dragon and the gait of a tiger, clearly indicating they were the elite of the elite.
This 隊 of over a dozen soldiers quickly rushed towards the carriage.
Leading them was a sturdy, sallow-faced man whose armor was noticeably more elaborate than that of the soldiers beside him. At the same time, his Qi was more solid and powerful; he was clearly a Divine Form Realm Martial Artist.
“Xie Kui, Centurion of the Ninth Camp of the Crimson Feather Army, respectfully welcomes Commander Lin.”
As he spoke, the sallow-faced man had already knelt on one knee, speaking respectfully, and the soldiers behind him also knelt simultaneously, speaking in unison.
“Respectfully welcome Commander Lin.”
Seeing this scene, the merchant caravans and pedestrians in front of the city gate all kept their distance, looking at the convoy with thoughtful expressions.
Among these people, there were not a few from large merchant caravans who were well-informed and had naturally heard some rumors. At this moment, they quickly realized that this convoy was probably the newly appointed Commander of the Crimson Feather Army.
Looking at Xie Kui and the others kneeling on the ground, Meng Lie frowned slightly and said in a deep voice.
“Since you knew the Commander would arrive today, why is only one Ninth Camp Centurion here? Where are the other nine camps? And where is Gongsun Changhai?”
The Crimson Feather Army was divided into ten camps, each commanded by a Centurion.
Above the Centurions, besides a Deputy Commander, there was the position of Commander.
Because the Commander position had always been concurrently held by Gongsun Yue, and as the current Privy Councilor, he naturally couldn't personally oversee the Crimson Feather Army, the Crimson Feather Army was currently managed by the Deputy Commander.
Gongsun Changhai was the Deputy Commander of the Crimson Feather Army.
According to custom, when a Commander took office, all officers of the Crimson Feather Army should be present to greet him.
However, with only one Centurion from the Ninth Camp present, it was clearly unacceptable.
Hearing Meng Lie's words, Xie Kui's face showed a hint of helplessness as he slowly spoke.
“Because sea bandits have been active near the coast in the past two days, Deputy Commander Gongsun has taken the brothers from the other camps out on patrol, so they couldn’t come.”
Upon hearing this, Meng Lie's brows furrowed even tighter.
“Are mere sea bandits enough to warrant such a large-scale mobilization of the Crimson Feather Army?”
“I am not privy to the specific arrangements made by the Deputy Commander,” Xie Kui replied, lowering his head.
He naturally knew what was going on, but it couldn't be stated directly.
“Alright, get up.”
Just as Meng Lie was about to say something more, Lin Sheng’s voice came from inside the carriage, interrupting their conversation.
Lin Sheng naturally understood that the current situation was clearly Gongsun family giving him a warning.
According to Meng Lie, seventy percent of the Crimson Feather Army were from Gongsun family. Now it seemed it was probably more than that, otherwise, only Xie Kui would not have been there.
“Alright, let’s enter the city first and then go to the military camp to take a look.”
“Yes, General.”
Hearing this, Meng Lie responded and said nothing more.
Xie Kui respectfully bowed, then rose and led the way.
Soon, the convoy drove into the city.
Not long after entering the city, a man who looked like a scribe quickly came forward to greet them.
“I am the city’s Chief Clerk, and I am here by the City Lord’s command to respectfully welcome Commander Lin.”
Meng Lie narrowed his eyes, looked at the man, and then sneered.
“What, City Lord Sun also has important matters to attend to and cannot spare the time?”
Hearing Meng Lie's sarcastic words, the man's face flashed with a hint of awkwardness, then he said with a beaming smile.
“General, you misunderstand. The City Lord does indeed have urgent matters, but he has already ordered me to prepare a welcoming banquet to officially greet all the brothers.”
“Alright, thank City Lord Sun for his kindness on my behalf. The banquet can be skipped. Linsheng Pavilion is new to the city, so I’d prefer to visit the military camp first.”
Lin Sheng's voice sounded again.
Although the Crimson Feather Army was stationed in Haihe Valley, Haihe City still had its City Lord. However, due to the Crimson Feather Army, the City Lord's authority was greatly curtailed.
“Thank you, General. I will report back to the City Lord immediately and will definitely pay a visit another day.”
Upon hearing Lin Sheng's words, the Chief Clerk of the city visibly relaxed. After bowing, he turned and withdrew.
“General, these people are simply lawless. Should I personally go to the City Lord’s Mansion and apprehend Sun Kaixuan?” Meng Lie said softly, his face filled with anger.
The City Lord of Haihe City, in terms of official rank, was merely a Fourth-Grade official. Let alone compared to Lin Sheng, even compared to his own Third-Grade Golden Guard position, there was a significant difference.
“No need. This trip is only to take control of the Crimson Feather Army. Why create more trouble?” Lin Sheng said calmly from inside the carriage.
He had no interest in this assignment and only wanted to resolve it as quickly as possible.
He couldn't be bothered with matters outside the Crimson Feather Army.
Moreover, although City Lord Sun did not personally greet him, he did send someone, clearly indicating he didn't want to offend either side.
Hearing this, Meng Lie opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but Lin Sheng had already ordered them to continue forward.
He could only sigh helplessly, shaking his head inwardly.
“This future Prince Consort is still too young, his methods too shallow. Little does he know that facing these people, the more lenient he is, the harder it will be to establish himself.”
Xie Kui, who was leading the way, also felt a bit disappointed.
He had originally thought that this new Crimson Feather Army Commander would be able to change the current situation of the Crimson Feather Army.
Now it seemed highly unlikely.
The ten camps of the Crimson Feather Army were ranked, and the higher the rank, the higher the status and treatment.
Originally, Xie Kui had commanded the Third Camp, but unfortunately, within little more than a decade, he had been subtly squeezed out and relegated to the Ninth Camp.
Recently, there was even a subtle trend of him falling to the Tenth Camp.
If this continued, he might even be pushed out of the Centurion ranks.
If it weren't for his many past achievements, which made Gongsun family somewhat apprehensive, he would probably have been completely excluded long ago.
Now, this rare glimmer of opportunity had brought such an inexperienced young Commander.
As he sighed inwardly, he led the way, while contemplating his arrangements after leaving the Crimson Feather Army.
The Crimson Feather Army camp was not within the city. Although some Crimson Feather Army troops were stationed in the city, the true camp was located dozens of miles west of Haihe City, at the foot of a low mountain.
Before long, the carriage stopped in front of a sprawling camp.
Soldiers, clad in crimson-black armor and well-equipped, moved in orderly fashion within it.
Lin Sheng then lifted the carriage curtain and finally dismounted from the carriage.
Looking at the Crimson Feather Army camp before him, it differed significantly from what he had imagined.
It was called a military camp, but it looked more like a makeshift fortress.
Although the soldiers within were well-equipped and their Qi was not weak, something seemed off.
There were only two soldiers on the city tower.
As for the lookout posts further ahead, they were completely empty.
It seemed to fall short of the imagined elite.
“Is this the imperial elite Crimson Feather Army?” Lin Sheng narrowed his eyes and shook his head slightly.
Meng Lie and the others beside him naturally noticed this as well, their brows furrowing, their gazes falling on Xie Kui.
The Crimson Feather Army in their memory was absolutely the most elite existence in the imperial family.
Especially when combined with the imperial battle Formation, a thousand-man army could easily slaughter Divine Form Realm Martial Artists.
How could it be like this now?
Xie Kui coughed lightly and said softly.
“In recent years, many new people have joined the Crimson Feather Army, and many have also retired, so there are some differences compared to before.”
“Every member of the Crimson Feather Army is an elite, handpicked after rigorous selection, and they are all official soldiers of the court. To join, one must pass through layers of assessments. How can it be easily expanded!?” Meng Lie’s brows furrowed even tighter.
Xie Kui, however, shook his head slightly and lowered his voice.
“Naturally, it was expanded after approval from Commander Gongsun.”
Although they had already expected this answer, Meng Lie and the others still felt their anger surge.
It was important to know that the Crimson Feather Army had excellent treatment and abundant cultivation resources. The conditions for entry were extremely strict, requiring both Aptitude and Bloodline qualifications.
Arbitrary expansion would surely be a waste of resources?
Lin Sheng raised an eyebrow, too lazy to speak, and walked straight into the military camp. The others, without saying more, immediately followed him.
However, after entering the military camp, upon seeing Lin Sheng and his group, many soldiers looked at them with strange eyes.
Only some soldiers bowed to them.
The rest simply kept their distance.
This scene made Meng Lie and the other officers frown more and more tightly.
Lin Sheng, however, walked ahead with an expressionless face.
“Xie Kui, when will the other Centurions and Deputy Commander Gongsun return?”
Xie Kui was stunned, then quickly said.
“Reporting to Commander, this subordinate is not clear.”
“Then where are they now?” Lin Sheng continued to ask.
“This… this subordinate is also not clear.” Xie Kui shook his head with some hesitation, his gaze, however, sweeping towards several noticeably elaborate and luxurious tents in the camp.
As soon as he saw the number of soldiers in the military camp, he knew that his colleagues had not left the camp at all.
While surprised, he also understood that Gongsun family was clearly showing no regard for this newly appointed Commander.
At the same time, he knew that this was a clash between Gongsun family and the imperial family, and the waters were too deep for a mere Centurion like him to get involved.
At this moment, Meng Lie and the others also noticed that something was amiss.
As skilled practitioners in the Divine Form Realm, their senses were not weak, and at this moment, they clearly felt multiple powerful Auras within the military camp, no weaker than their own.
They were clearly also Divine Form Realm Martial Artists.
Upon realizing this, Meng Lie could no longer suppress the anger in his heart.
“These damned bastards, how dare they be so disrespectful!”
“Xie Kui, inform them that this Commander is calling a meeting and tell them to come.” Lin Sheng said calmly, his expression serene.
His gaze, however, fell upon a crimson Dragon-shaped sculpture in the camp. Unlike ordinary Dragon beasts, its body was not covered in scales, but rather in narrow, rhomboid feathers.
The stone sculpture was dozens of feet tall. Though called a stone sculpture, it exuded a majestic and wild Aura.
It truly resembled a demonic Dragon.
Lin Sheng could even feel a strong Dragon-like Qi emanating from it, which caused his Ji Hai Magic Blood talent to react.
“This stone sculpture…” He narrowed his eyes and walked closer.
“General, this is the Crimson Feather Dragon statue that the late Emperor ordered to be built when the Crimson Feather Army was first established,” Meng Lie seemed to recognize the sculpture and explained from the side.
“Crimson Feather Dragon?” Lin Sheng reached out his palm and placed it on the stone sculpture.
Instantly, a powerful counterforce surged out, pushing his palm away.
“Be careful, General. This Crimson Feather Dragon statue is not just a simple sculpture; it is also a powerful Formation.” Seeing this, Meng Lie quickly spoke to warn him.
“A Formation? So that’s it. The power is impressive.” Lin Sheng nodded, understanding.
At this moment, Xie Kui returned, his face somewhat grim.
“Have you informed them?” Lin Sheng looked at him.
“I have informed them, but the several Centurions in the camp all claim to be unwell, so…”
“Sick?” Lin Sheng raised an eyebrow, then smiled.
“Interesting.”
As he spoke, he stepped forward, heading towards the closest Divine Form Aura he sensed.
Seeing this, Xie Kui's heart inexplicably tightened, and he quickly followed.
Soon, Lin Sheng arrived in front of a spacious tent.
Before he even got close, a strong scent of alcohol wafted towards him, and faintly, he could hear a few women's coquettish cries.
“Who goes there? Stop immediately! This is Centurion Gongsun’s…” Several well-equipped soldiers in front of the tent immediately shouted upon seeing Lin Sheng and his group.
Lin Sheng's footsteps did not falter in the slightest. He simply raised his hand and sent the soldier who had just spoken flying, the man turning into a mass of shattered flesh in mid-air.
“What’s all the commotion? Didn’t I say not to disturb…” The commotion outside the tent seemed to have startled the person inside. A rough voice, tinged with anger, rang out, and then the tent flap opened, revealing a shiny bald head.
Crack!
Before he could finish speaking, Lin Sheng’s distinctly jointed hand reached out and gripped the man’s head.
His palm instantly embedded itself into the man’s skull, pressing downwards.
The bald, burly man didn't even have time to react before his head slammed heavily onto the ground.
“I…” The intense pain in his head made the bald, burly man instinctively curse out loud.
But just as he uttered two words, a black riding boot stomped down.
Smash—
A crisp sound rang out.
The bald, burly man’s large head, along with his entire upper body, shattered with a crash, red and white matter splattering everywhere.