Chapter 134: The Fragrance
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"Within a year, it likely won't be depleted."
Dongfang Jue was stunned. How could that be possible!
"I can tell from your expression, Jue'er, that this likely differs greatly from your expectations. But look at the city—does it seem like we're preparing for war?"
Though Dongfang Jue harbored doubts, he nodded in deference to Su Cheng and listened as the latter continued.
"Master Su, what do you mean?"
"It means that if you force an attack, you will suffer a crushing defeat."
Dongfang Jue was puzzled. "Why?"
Su Cheng smiled without answering, instead summoning a waiter.
"Waiter, we're merchants passing through. With the city gates sealed tight and rumors of war brewing, is there any way out? I need to get my family to safety!"
As the waiter scrutinized the trio, Su Cheng feigned deep concern. Clad in a coarse brown robe, his clear-cut features and demeanor did lend him the appearance of a merchant pondering his abacus.
Beside him stood his family: one in a dark floral skirt, likely his daughter, and another in a deep blue gauze dress, seemingly his concubine. Indeed, they appeared every bit the traveling merchants.
The waiter wore an air of superiority, as if observing three country bumpkins. "You've only just arrived, but surely you know this place is called Yong'an City. Keep your wits about you, stay put, and don't wander off. You'll be fine."
"Why is that? I've heard the old emperor sent his own daughter, the Northern Frontier General, leading a massive army here. How could such a small town possibly withstand a tiger-wolf army?"
The waiter seemed to get excited as he spoke, chatting a bit more with Su Cheng.
According to the waiter, in the past, there was no Lihé Pass. This place was called Yong'an Town.
Later, due to foreign invasions, the Emperor built fortifications here, transforming it into Yong'an City.
Since then, Yong'an City, with its sturdy walls and strategic location, had never been breached. Only after Lihé Pass was built did Yong'an City finally find peace.
Though modest in size, Yong'an City consistently supplied Lihe Pass with provisions and logistics.
This arrangement stemmed not from the Emperor's decree, but from an established custom—a form of compensation for the soldiers or, in essence, a protection fee.
To this day, Yong'an City maintains a three-year grain reserve.
Even if cut off from water and food, the city could remain unscathed, and even support the garrison at Lihé Pass.
"Hmph! That Northern Frontier General is nothing but a woman—no match for General Luo An! General Luo said he welcomes Dongfang Jue bringing as many people as she wants. He's not afraid at all!"
Dongfang Jue was stunned. How did the conversation suddenly turn to personal attacks?
Was this guy sent by that brat Luo An? Pretending to be a waiter just to drop threats?
"General Luo An seems quite kind to the city's citizens?"
"I don't know, but since he arrived, no one's been giving us trouble."
Su Cheng nodded thoughtfully and smiled. "In that case, I can rest easy!"
After the waiter left, Su Cheng raised an eyebrow at Dongfang Jue. "Do you understand now?"
"What does what he said have to do with you?"
Instead of answering, Su Cheng countered, "Where is Jue'er's army encamped?"
"Twenty li north of the city, across the mountain on level ground. They built an earthen and stone camp."
"How many men are in Jue'er's army?"
"Ten thousand armored soldiers and twenty thousand light cavalry. All units combined number over twenty-five thousand. They've divided into four routes to occupy strategic points, mutually supporting each other."
"With such a vast army, the daily expenses must be astronomical. Jue'er's forces besieging the city aim for a swift assault. The longer this drags on, the more disadvantageous it becomes for Jue'er."
How could Dongfang Jue be unaware of this? Whether on the battlefield or within the imperial court, all the pressure now rested squarely upon her shoulders.
"What is your suggestion, Master Su?"
"A direct assault is now the worst option, especially with the rebel forces at Lihe Pass lying in wait. Victory can only be achieved through an unconventional strategy."
"Please enlighten us, Master Su."
It seemed as though he had been a master for too long; even Master Su Cheng's tone had changed.
"Since General Luo An intends to defend to the death, perhaps we should consider shifting our objective?"
The Flower-Seeking Immortal had said Su Cheng was a man of few words. Dongfang Jue found the Master Su before her now had a certain scholarly air about him, though she didn't dislike it.
"What exactly do you mean, Master Su?"
Su Cheng smiled and glanced at Yulan beside him.
"Summon him."
In the blink of an eye, Su Cheng arrived at Dongfang Jue's military tent.
Even in wartime, Dongfang Jue's military tent as the Northern Frontier General was slightly more luxurious than others.
The immortal within quickly sensed Su Cheng's arrival and hurriedly hid. She had no desire to meet this Master Su just yet.
Yet the moment he entered the room, Su Cheng caught a familiar scent…
It was the scent of that loli tyrant, the Flower-Seeking Immortal Lord. Su Cheng recognized it instantly—it was the Fragrant Remnant Flower.
"Jue'er, what is this scent?"
Dongfang Jue had promised the immortal to keep the secret, so naturally, she pretended ignorance.
"Scent? It must be flowers, right? Perhaps those little rascals are up to their old tricks again, trying to tease Jue'er?"
Yu Lan smiled. It was a flower she adored—Su Cheng had once gifted her a bouquet. She recognized it instantly: "That's Yu Lan's favorite flower, the Ice Lantern Flower."
"No, it's the Residual Dream Flower…"
Ice-Ling Flowers didn't grow in the Southern Realm. Even high-quality Ice-Ling Flowers purchased through the system wouldn't possess such an intense fragrance.
"Remnant Dream Flower?" Dongfang Jue had never heard of a flower with such a name before.
Soon, Dongfang Jue saw panic flicker across Su Cheng's face for the second time.
The first time was when Shangguan Rou drew a flaming longsword, but this time, it was merely because of the scent left behind by that immortal.
Though he’d long known that immortal was acquainted with Sect Leader Su, he never imagined the sect leader would react this way.
"Jue'er, have you seen any strangers entering or leaving the military tent lately? Like, say, a child who looks a bit dim-witted?"
Dongfang Jue thought to himself, No wonder!
Master Su really did know that immortal! No wonder the immortal knew so much about him!
"No. This is Jue'er's military tent. Without Jue'er's permission, no one would dare enter freely."
Su Cheng's eyes narrowed. He flicked his Jade Pendant, summoning a magical artifact, and commanded, "Trace and Seek!"
A golden light shot from the jade pendant, and a compass-like artifact slowly descended into Su Cheng's hand.
As Su Cheng channeled his spiritual energy into the artifact, a golden formation instantly unfolded, resembling a Five Elements Great Array. However, this was beyond Dongfang Jue and Yu Lan's comprehension; they couldn't discern a single detail.
The fragrance permeating the air became visibly tangible, forming faint blue trails that stood out strikingly!
"Indeed, it's not floral fragrance—it's human scent!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Lan also sensed something amiss. Human scent? Could Master Su have a lover?
Recognizing a woman by her scent?
"What is this?" Dongfang Jue, slightly afraid of giving himself away, feigned ignorance and spoke first.
"Just a playful little fool who snuck out to have some fun."
Though Su Cheng said this, his expression was grave. Clearly, neither Yu Lan nor Dongfang Jue believed his words, yet they both nodded and followed behind him.
Following the blue trail, I walked toward the edge where it extended into a box resembling a wardrobe…
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