CHAPTER 133
Guidance
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Su Cheng casually summoned a flying sword and rode it with Dongfang Jue toward Lihe Pass.
Yu Lan, true to her role as the devoted wife, followed silently behind, observing without comment.
After roughly two hours, even traveling alone, he arrived first.
From the southern hillside, Su Cheng surveyed the scene. This wasn't a lost city—Yong'an had likely revolted!
Its defenses were formidable, like walls of bronze and iron. Strategically positioned, it complemented Lihe Pass, forming a mutually supporting, pincer-like formation.
The mountain paths outside the city were mostly rugged and difficult for large armies to traverse. The only major road was a dirt path barely a few dozen meters wide, turning into a muddy quagmire during rainy weather.
To capture the city, one must strike with decisive force. Otherwise, they would be trapped in a dilemma, unable to advance or retreat. A flanking attack at this moment would surely lead to defeat.
Su Cheng led Dongfang Jue on a reconnaissance of the higher ground surrounding the city before posing the question.
"Jue'er, in your opinion, how should we take this city?"
Dongfang Jue paused, taken aback. This sounded like he was testing her.
"Jue'er is not without strategy. A direct assault could certainly succeed, but I fear the suffering of the city's people. Yong'an City lies on the frontier, far from the reach of the Emperor. The people know little of the human ruler, and local officials run rampant."
"Jue'er pities the lives within these walls and seeks to show mercy to the people, aiming for lasting peace. Were it not so, how would Jue'er differ from the rebels? If officials continue to push the people to rebellion, forcing them to rise up, would that not be Jue'er's fault?"
"Though Jue'er holds the title of General of the Northern Frontier, he is indeed ambitious and competitive. Yet he is not a bloodthirsty man. He seeks not glorious military achievements, but only a stable foundation and the well-being of the people."
Su Cheng chuckled, instinctively rubbing the small head beside him. Only when his palm circled around and touched a ponytail did he realize the texture felt slightly off.
"Uh… my apologies. Old habits die hard…"
Dongfang Jue shook her head, her surprise giving way to continued words: "These are Jue'er's heartfelt words. I humbly seek your guidance, Master Su."
Su Cheng found it hard to keep a straight face. Dongfang Jue was being far too polite, so he decided to tease her a little.
"I was just asking casually. If you hadn't said that, I was about to swing my sword to break the city walls for you."
"Master Su, please don't mock Jue'er."
The general, spear in hand, now stood beside Su Cheng. His demeanor was that of a student, utterly respectful.
Even without confirmation, Dongfang Jue knew she hadn't spoken out of turn—Master Su's favorability rating had already climbed to 47.5%!
Since she'd met Master Su, that approval rating had never exceeded thirty!
"Bestowing favors upon the common folk…"
Dongfang Jue watched the pensive Su Cheng, her curiosity piqued. "Master Su, is something amiss?"
"It's difficult, but I believe Jue'er could certainly accomplish it."
Dongfang Jue looked utterly bewildered. What was Master Su playing at?
"Master Su is still teasing me. Have you made any progress regarding the siege?"
Su Cheng snapped out of his reverie and replied, "Not yet. I've assessed the terrain, but I still need to understand the situation within the city."
Dongfang Jue froze, then blurted out, "What exactly are you implying, Master Su?"
"We should go inside and investigate."
Dongfang Jue heard this and thought, Just as I suspected!
Had she been alone, she would never have dared such a thing. Venturing deep into enemy territory unprotected—the consequences were too dire to contemplate.
But now it was different. With Immortal Su by her side, what was there to fear?
"Very well. How does Master Su propose we enter the city?"
As a frontier stronghold, Yong'an City naturally had a massive defensive formation. Ordinary means wouldn't allow them to sneak in.
Su Cheng smiled, waving his hand to signal Yu Lan to retrieve that small mirror from last time.
As Yu Lan activated the spell, she opened her tiny mouth and said, "Miss Dongfang, you can hold onto Yu Lan's clothes."
In an instant, Yu Lan transported both of them into the city.
"This treasure is truly wondrous—crossing mountains and traversing great formations in the blink of an eye."
Hearing this, Yu Lan smiled too.
"This treasure is called the Earth-Grade Inferior Teleportation Mirror. It was gifted to Yu Lan by the Sect Leader."
"Is Elder Yulan serious about that name?"
What kind of treasure is named 'Earth-grade Inferior'?
Dongfang Jue didn't even need to check with her system—just a glance told her it was most likely a top-tier Immortal-grade artifact!
Dongfang Jue wondered inwardly: Was Yu Lan guarding against her? Afraid she coveted Sect Master Su's treasure?
"The Sect Master said so. Though I have my doubts, I trust the Sect Master wouldn't deceive me."
Su Cheng, upon hearing this, saw no need to explain and steered the conversation back on track.
"Jue'er, do you have any knowledge of the city's defenders or the officials within?"
Dongfang Jue shook her head. "The garrison commander is an old retainer of my faction named Luo An. He commands the Lihe Pass under my command. His strength rivals that of a late Nascent Soul cultivator, and he wields a pair of massive axes with great skill."
"He's been a loyal retainer to my father for years. When I learned his name was on the rebel roster, I hesitated."
A hint of guilt flickered in his eyes. Luo An was not one to crave life or wealth. His actions today had caught Dongfang Jue off guard.
Otherwise, how could such a crucial pass be entrusted to him?
"Jue'er has devised a plan. Might Master Su be willing to lend this artifact to me?"
"If we can send Juer's armored soldiers into Yong'an City, coordinating an inside-outside assault to breach the gates, we can surely reclaim the city."
Dongfang Jue had no other options. This was the best solution he could devise to avoid further casualties.
"Agreed. But are you truly certain there is no other way?"
Su Cheng didn't mind. He had long grown numb to death. He understood Dongfang Jue's compassion, but understanding didn't mean he shared it.
Dongfang Jue had anticipated Su Cheng's refusal, and he had anticipated Su Cheng agreeing to lend it to her. But what did this mean?
"Could it be… Master Su has a better plan?"
Su Cheng pondered for a moment before replying, "There is a way. We could capture Yong'an City without bloodshed. But to ensure absolute certainty, I need to examine it further."
Dongfang Jue was utterly astonished. Luo An was a veteran general who had fought alongside her father on the battlefield for decades. Could Master Su truly persuade him to open the gates and surrender?
"If that's the case, it would be truly wonderful!"
"Don't get too excited just yet. Until everything is settled, every plan only has a fifty-fifty chance of success."
Su Cheng instructed Yu Lan and Dongfang Jue to change their attire. They found an inn and settled on the second floor to sip tea.
"Aren't we going to scout the city defenses?" Dongfang Jue was puzzled. They'd already entered the city—why sit in an inn drinking tea instead of investigating the defenses or garrison?
"Are you joking with me, General Dongfang?"
Su Cheng was genuinely puzzled. Dongfang Jue was the Northern Frontier General. If he didn't know these things before going to war, what was the point of fighting?
"Before Master Su, Jue dares not show off. But I wonder, what is the purpose of bringing me here?"
Su Cheng remained silent, his gaze drifting to the window. Street vendors continued their calls, citizens went about their lives as usual—no signs of pre-war panic.
Earlier, passing through the first-floor lobby, people went about their business as if utterly unaware of the armies massing outside the city walls.
This clearly indicated that Luo'an had likely prepared long ago. A direct assault would likely result in heavy losses.
Conquering a city was never easy. Even with overwhelming numbers, one must proceed with caution and prudence. And now, the enemy held every advantage of terrain.
"How long can the city's provisions last? Does Jue'er know?"
"The last official report on grain supplies…" She hesitated. "Well, perhaps Master Su could enlighten us."
Dongfang Jue trailed off mid-sentence, his words faltering as he studied Su Cheng's expression.
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