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On the other side, within the Red Robe Sect's Anzhou Branch.
Since Lu Chen left, Zuo Zixiong has been single-handedly supporting the entire Branch, holding the power of life and death.
Because Lu Chen has repeatedly helped Zuo Zixiong during these days, his prestige among the people has greatly increased, and the members of the Branch have become obedient to him. There are already signs of him becoming a proper Vice Sect Leader, which is exactly the effect Lu Chen wanted.
Zuo Zixiong's actions have gradually begun to reflect Lu Chen's true teachings. He operates with decisiveness, rewards and punishments are well-measured, and he is fair and strict. This reputation has spread through the Branch and slowly reached other branches, even Headquarters has heard about it.
Although several Grand Flagmasters sent from Headquarters still harbor some dissatisfaction towards Zuo Zixiong, this place is not like Headquarters; they have no loyal supporters here. They are merely high-ranking officials sent from Headquarters, but their authority is far less than that of Zuo Zixiong.
Especially in recent days, since the Branch looted a shipment from the Martial Arts Association, they have remained inactive without any further actions, which has left several Grand Flagmasters quite displeased.
They believe that this Branch is too shabby; its living conditions are far inferior to those at Headquarters. Staying here is just a waste of time. They have long wanted to leave or at least do something significant instead of living such a dull life.
One day, while everyone was sitting in the conference hall discussing matters, Zuo Zixiong completed the list of areas that needed improvement in the Branch and distributed it to the Branch Leader, striving to ensure that the Red Robe Sect's Anzhou Branch could thrive and contribute to Headquarters in the future.
Suddenly, one of the Grand Flagmasters, Ye Xuan, slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, pointing at Zuo Zixiong. "Vice Sect Leader, every time we hold such meetings, I must ask what arrangements the Sect Leader has? Why are we not informed? What is the point of waiting like this?"
Ye Xuan is the oldest and most esteemed among the three Grand Flagmasters here. As soon as he spoke, the other two Grand Flagmasters, Ye Hui and Ye Chong, also stood up in support of Ye Xuan's stance.
Instantly, the atmosphere in the conference hall turned cold as everyone stared intently at Zuo Zixiong.
Especially several high-ranking members of the Branch were taken aback by this scene. They had heard that Headquarters had been somewhat unstable lately, seemingly due to internal strife among high-ranking officials.
While they did not understand the matters of high-ranking officials, as soon as they sensed the tension in the air, they were stunned. On the surface, they appeared shocked; however, deep down they felt a sense of relief and were somewhat amused by the unfolding drama.
Several Grand Flagmasters were planning to confront the Vice Sect Leader, who had the support of the Sect Master. However, with the Sect Master absent, it was uncertain how the Vice Sect Leader would handle the situation.
Zuo Zixiong smiled lightly, a glimmer of wisdom flashing in his eyes as if he had anticipated such an event. He said, "Ye Xuan, Grand Flagmaster, please remain calm. The Sect Master had made arrangements before leaving. We must settle the score with the Martial Arts Association for their humiliation of our Branch."
Zuo Zixiong appeared calm on the surface and gestured for Ye Xuan and the others to sit down. He continued, "The reason we have not acted yet is that we are waiting for someone or perhaps an opportunity. We must deliver a heavy blow to the Martial Arts Association; otherwise, how can we restore our Cult's reputation?"
His words carried a mysterious tone, indicating that there was much more beneath the surface. His demeanor reflected that he had deeply absorbed Lu Chen's teachings, appearing composed and confident.
Previously, Zuo Zixiong had spoken to the Vice Sect Leader with a sense of subservience, but now he showed no signs of underestimating the Grand Flagmasters, as if he had already mastered a foolproof method to deal with them.
"Vice Sect Leader, stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell us what you have to say so that we brothers can be informed," Ye Xuan said with a hint of anger.
Lu Chen had only informed Zuo Zixiong about the matters at hand, leaving them in the dark like outsiders, which embarrassed them.
Zuo Zixiong chuckled and said, "The matters are arranged by the Sect Master and must remain confidential for now. We cannot let others know; otherwise, it could lead to trouble. I hope you Flagmasters can be patient."
Zuo Zixiong's repeated references to the Sect Master felt like a mountain pressing down on Ye Xuan and the others. He was calculating well; thus, even if Ye Xuan was impatient, he dared not show disrespect to Zuo Zixiong.
Ye Xuan's lips twitched in frustration as he swallowed hard but found himself powerless. Finally, he waved his sleeve and sat back down without saying another word.
Zuo Zixiong gave a few more instructions before everyone gradually departed.
The next morning, around three o'clock, they set off. The moonlight still lingered in the mountains where cold winds blew fiercely and heavy mist enveloped the area.
First, Zuo Zixiong and three Grand Flagmasters led about a hundred people out of the Branch, making their way to the official road, slowly heading towards the Southern Seven States.
Then, around the fifth watch, another group emerged from the Branch, consisting entirely of light Cavalry. The horses galloped through the deep mountains, creating a series of dull sounds that echoed far and wide.
As dawn broke, on the official road leading north from the Southern Seven States to Anzhou, a convoy of carriages and horses was moving slowly.
This convoy was pulled by horses dragging carts loaded with Sack goods. Additionally, there were armed Martial Artist guards surrounding the carts, exuding a fierce aura.
The convoy had about one hundred fifty people, with ten carts in total, some of which carried large wooden barrels that were nailed shut. No one knew what was inside them.
In the middle of the Caravan, there was even a hidden artillery carriage covered with canvas; it was impossible to see through unless one looked closely.
At the front of the convoy was a pure white horse with no blemishes, its eyes reflecting light and breathing heavily like flames—the Jade Lion Horse.
As this horse walked along the ground, dust swirled around it but could not cling to its white coat or even its hooves.
"This is a divine horse," it was said to be a legendary steed. The heat it exhaled resembled flames, and its eyes sparkled more clearly than mountain spring water, capable of seeing in the dark.
This type of horse is fully named Night-Shining Jade Lion; it could even run swiftly across lakes as if on solid ground.
Such a horse costs ten thousand taels of gold and is priceless; even with money, one cannot buy it. This alone signifies that its rider holds an extraordinary status.
At this moment, atop the white horse sat an elderly man around fifty years old, standing six and a half feet tall. He may not have been exceptionally tall but still appeared robust.
The man wore a black silk robe, his eyebrows like two swords, with deep-set eyes that exuded an air of mystery.
The white horse walked at the front of the Caravan, and the old man's body swayed with the movement of the horse as he occasionally looked around. The desolate wilderness stretched out before him, the lonely official road extending into the distance.
With a wave of his hand, someone quickly stepped forward and said, "Mr. Seiji, do you have any instructions?"
The speaker was a servant, also dressed as a Martial Artist.
"What place is this? How far is it to Anzhou City?" Mr. Seiji asked in a heavy tone, speaking very slowly.
"We are still within the Southern Seven States. The Gorge ahead is the Boundary Marker; crossing it will bring us into Anzhou territory. It should take about two or three hours to reach Anzhou City," the Martial Artist replied respectfully, showing great deference to Mr. Seiji.
Mr. Seiji called him over because this person was familiar with the route and knew the place names and distances well.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Seiji looked up at the Gorge ahead and after a long pause of several breaths, finally spoke: "The Yang Qi Flame is thick ahead in the Gorge; there must be an ambush there."
Mr. Seiji's words immediately made all the warriors in the Caravan cautious. An ambush meant robbery, and if they were being robbed, it meant enemies were present.
Most importantly, this information came from Mr. Seiji himself, leaving no room for doubt. This action also highlighted Mr. Seiji's status in their minds.
Being able to discern an ambush from such a distance indicated that Mr. Seiji was also a Yin God Practitioner, possessing abilities beyond those of ordinary people and a unique way of thinking. The respect shown by those Martial Artists towards him was well-founded.
"Ah? Mr. Seiji, what should we do?" The Martial Artist asked in surprise upon hearing this; fear was not quite on his mind yet.
Mr. Seiji glanced back at the group of Martial Artists behind him, all armed and exuding a strong killing intent. His team had come prepared, yet he was surprised that the other side dared to attempt a second robbery; they truly seemed impatient with life.
"Do not underestimate them; you will follow my orders," Mr. Seiji commanded, then began issuing instructions to the Martial Artists.
Soon, around one hundred and fifty Martial Artists were divided into three teams.
The first team stayed behind to guard the convoy and continued moving forward, while the second and third teams, armed with weapons, quietly moved toward the grass on either side. Their posture indicated they were preparing to execute a flanking maneuver against the ambush ahead.
If the enemy intended to set an ambush, Mr. Seiji would launch a surprise counterattack, surrounding them in return. This showed that Mr. Seiji not only anticipated the enemy's moves but also possessed some strategic military planning skills.
Next, the remaining Martial Artists and Mr. Seiji continued toward the Gorge, but their pace slowed significantly, as if they were waiting for an opportunity.
Meanwhile, Zuo Zixiong's branch had long been ambushed on both sides of the Gorge, waiting for Mr. Seiji for quite some time.
Before long, someone reported that Mr. Seiji's convoy had suddenly stopped. They remained stationary for a full quarter of an hour before moving again.
Mr. Seiji's actions raised Zuo Zixiong's suspicions; he had to sit down and carefully consider the situation. With Lu Chen absent, he could only rely on himself.
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