Chapter 297: Difficult? It can be done

Dai Zong was startled when he heard this and thought to himself, you kid have a really quick reaction.

Fan Rui suddenly disappeared out of thin air. Being kidnapped was only one possibility, but it is not ruled out that he deliberately used the black smoke to escape.

After all, Song Jiang had treated him badly before, and he might not let it go just because of a few words. If the Jin people falsely accused Fan Rui of being afraid of fighting and leaving, Song Jiang might be embarrassed.

Wu Yong made a bold guess, and Shi Xiu reminded him. Before Dai Zong could figure out what was happening, Talan added, "Mr. Fan was abducted by Xiao Longnu. I'm afraid his identity has been exposed. We'd better work together to break through the barrier. Otherwise, Yang Chang will definitely retaliate. So we must inform Song Taiwei as soon as possible."

"Then I'll leave now?"

Dai Zong was about to leave the troubled place, but he turned around and saluted Talan, adding: "It's been a long time since General Shi came out, and the brothers miss him very much. He will come back with me this time."

"Yes, please forgive me, General."

"Um"

Seeing the two of them were sincere, Talan didn't agree directly. He wiped his beard before replying, "The Marshal is in Wu'an. How should we arrange the next step? I just want to remind you to prepare early."

"I see."

"That's right. If you want to leave, you should say goodbye to the Marshal."

Shi Xiu and Dai Zong responded in unison. Seeing Talan nod and return to his original position in the team, the two smiled at each other and continued to move forward.

After a moment of calm, Dai Zong suddenly asked, "Brother Shi, who do you think it is?"

"Mr. Yiqing?"

"Him? The master is a Taoist master. He said at the beginning that he would return to the mountains to practice Taoism. He is not supposed to return to the mortal world. Did you notice the two balls of fire just now? They look like Hot Wheels to me."

"Ma Ling?"

Shi Xiu shook his head like a rattle, frowned and muttered, "It's true that Ma Ling can use the Wind Fire Wheel, but he didn't say that he can cast black fog, and there is no trace after the fog dissipates. He should not be able to achieve this level of Taoism."

"The military advisor once boldly speculated that Xiao Long Nu was Ma Ling's alias, but the golden giant sword she used just now is not something Ma Ling can do. Could it be that she really kidnapped Fan Rui? Has anyone seen her use the Wind Fire Wheels?"

At this time, Dai Zong, who had completely calmed down, had ruled out the assumption that Ma Ling and Xiaolongnu were the same person. Instead, he thought that Talan's speculation made sense, but Shi Xiu gave a different opinion.

"Brother, I just watched the fight and felt that the Heavenly General summoned by Fan Rui had the upper hand. If Xiao Longnu had such an arrogant ability, why did she use the black fog to abduct people and hide it? Wouldn't it be more shocking to just kill the Heavenly General with a sword?"

"That does make sense, but do you have any evidence for your speculation that it was Mr. Yiqing? Guang Daoxing is not an option."

"His high level of cultivation is one thing, but more importantly, he has a good relationship with Yang Chang."

"Have it?"

Dai Zong suddenly got a start and thought to himself, why didn’t I know this?
I am quite familiar with Mr. Yiqing, but I have never heard him mention Yang Chang in recent years.

Shi Xiu first looked around, signaling Dai Zong not to get excited, and then explained in a low voice: "Back in Liangshan, my brother Yang Xiong and I were responsible for the security near the Loyalty Hall. We often saw Yang Chang visiting Master Yiqing, and he seemed to be very interested in practicing Taoism."

"hiss"

Dai Zong took a deep breath, shocked that the two were really friends, and then whispered softly: "Could it be true, sir? What virtue and ability does Yang Chang have? He has more face than Brother Gongming?"

"I am just guessing, and Fan Rui's life or death is uncertain. Now I have no choice but to go back and ask my brother for advice."

"Yes, I brought him here, but I can't go back with him."

While Dai and Shi were discussing in low voices, Fan Rui woke up to a buzzing sound on a mountain ridge to the north of Fengyue Pass. He looked up and saw peach blossoms on the branches and bees busy flapping their wings back and forth.

"This is what I am"

"woke up?"

"Ok?"

Fan Rui got up with a start and saw two tall men standing like tree stumps beside the bluestone in front of him. They were Ma Ling and Qiao Daoqing, with whom he had worked briefly.

The moment he saw these two people, Fan Rui immediately understood what was happening in his mind. It turned out that he had just been tricked by them.

He had never fought with Ma Ling, but he was indeed far inferior to Qiao Daoqing. This guy was not much inferior to Gongsun Sheng, so he was really no match for him.

It’s not shameful to lose today.

"You two have brought me here, what do you want to do?"

"Why don't you explain first why you are colluding with the Jin people?"

Ma Ling took the initiative to take over the conversation. Not only did he not respond to Fan Rui's doubts, he also asked a soul-searching question.

A trace of shame flashed across Fan Rui's eyes, followed by a desperate expression, and he asked meaningfully: "I said I would serve the country with all my heart, do you believe me? We are not on the same page, and since you two have abandoned Song Jiang and joined Yang Chang, and I am inferior to you in skills and fall into your hands, you can kill me or chop me up, it's all up to you."

"We voted for Yang Chang? Haha, no!"

Ma Ling suddenly laughed, waved his hand and explained: "After we left Song Jiang, we learned Taoism from Senior Brother Gongsun in the mountains. We came here to settle a cause and effect."

"Hmm? Am I your cause and effect? ​​Or..."

Upon hearing this, Fan Rui was stunned at first, and then he couldn't help but look at Qiao Daoqing, thinking, I have fought with this person before and there was a cause and effect relationship between us, does he want to wipe me out?

"It's not you, but the woman who just fought with you. I once taught her the magic of walking and the wind fire wheel."

"She is your disciple?"

When he heard that the cause and effect was actually Xiao Long Nu, Fan Rui's eyes widened like bells.

Ma Ling's disciples were all so powerful, and he was on par with Xiao Long Nu, wouldn't it be easy for Ma Ling to defeat him? Could he be stronger than Qiao Daoqing?

"Not really. It might be more appropriate to say guidance, just like I once gave guidance to Dai Zong, but he was not as talented."

"So how do we resolve this cause and effect?"

"It's just been concluded."

Qiao Daoqing suddenly took over the conversation, stroking his long beard and saying seriously: "If we hadn't intervened today, you would have both been hurt. We followed the master's order and only took action once. You are now free to leave, but considering that we know each other, I have a word of advice for you."

"Speaking."

"The Jin people have committed too many sins by killing people. If you are too deeply involved with them, you will definitely be affected by them in the future."

“I actually have my reasons.”

Just as Fan Rui was about to explain, Qiao Daoqing interrupted him with a wave of his sleeves, "No need to explain, just pretend you haven't heard it. The so-called Tao follows nature, and you can do whatever you want."

"I"

"Even if you follow your heart, you must keep your eyes open, so as not to end up with nothing."

Ma Ling's words were suggestive, and Fan Rui's heart was immediately filled with ripples.

Thinking back to the conversation between the two just now, as well as the stories of their previous work together, he was certain that Ma Qiao and the other had followed Gongsun Sheng to Erxian Mountain to learn Taoism from Luo Zhenren.

I failed in the duel today. Instead of going back to live with Song Jiang, why not follow him up the mountain and learn Taoism?

Fan Rui changed his confused state, bowed to the two men solemnly, and pleaded, "Thank you for your kind words. I have admired Master Luo for a long time and decided not to get involved in the mundane world. It just so happens that we have met by chance. Can you take me back to the mountain gate with you?"

"From the look on your face, it seems like you're still attached to the secular world. I'm afraid it won't work at this time." Qiao Daoqing waved his hands. "You're still attached to the secular world? It won't work at this time? I don't have anything to worry about."

"Brother, there must be a reason for what you said. Think about it carefully. Goodbye!"

Ma Ling patted Fan Rui on the shoulder, and soon disappeared with Qiao Daoqing.

I have been following along and have no friends to talk to. How can it be possible that the relationship between us is not over? But Qiao Daoqing said it with certainty.
Wait, could it be His Majesty?

Song Jiang once recommended me to save Your Majesty's family. Could it be that the so-called worldly fate refers to Your Majesty?
After some thought, Fan Rui suddenly made up his mind to go to the capital. Rather than being ignored by Song Jiang, he might as well make a great achievement and report it to the emperor.

Save lives and receive rewards.

After escaping from the trap, the devil did not return to the team, but disguised himself and wanted to travel far away.

Dai Zong and Shi Xiu followed the Jin army back to Wu'an. They originally planned to say goodbye to Marshal Erlido, but something unexpected happened just as they entered the city. Liu Yanzong died in the carriage.

Liu Yanzong was a man of outstanding ability. Both the two emperors Aguda and Wuqimai, as well as the two marshals Olib and Erlido, respected and appreciated him.

Erlido did not see the body for the last time. He felt sad and depressed looking at the body, so Dai Zong and Shi Xiu decided not to go and bring bad luck upon themselves.

Although the two men tried to avoid him, Erlido would not ignore them. After understanding the situation on the battlefield, he immediately invited them to the big tent.

After a brief greeting, Erliduo opened the door and asked, "You two, Fan Rui was defeated and kidnapped. How do you plan to deal with it?"

"Marshal, Xiao Longnu's magic is very powerful. The two of us have no good way to deal with it. We can only go back and ask the commander for instructions."

"Fan Rui is trapped in Fengyue Pass today. Commander Yang must regard you as his enemy. Since no one can escape alone, why don't we work together to strengthen cooperation? I understand that General Song cannot get away, but you are more familiar with the martial arts world after all. It may be easier to find capable people to help you. So you must pay attention to Xiaolongnu's matter. The current situation is hard-won."

"Yes"

The Jin army had just lost its think tank, and Erlido spoke sincerely and without any hint of blame, so Dai Zong and Shi Xiu naturally nodded in agreement.

Seeing the two men lowering their eyebrows and looking at each other in a submissive manner, Erliduo suddenly asked curiously with his eyes half-empty, "I heard that Fan Rui is not the best magician in Liangshan, and there is a man named Gongsun Sheng who is particularly powerful. Commander Dai, can you bring him here as soon as possible to defeat the enemy?"

"what?"

Dai Zong was stunned when he heard this, and quickly waved his hand to explain: "Mr. Gongsun has already left the team and returned to the mountains. I'm afraid this matter will be difficult to handle."

"Difficult? It can be done."

Erliduo looked disapproving and said calmly, "Aren't you sworn brothers? I asked him to come down the mountain to help, so I think he won't turn down the favor. I won't treat him unfairly after the matter is done."

"Marshal, you don't know, this is really difficult."

Dai Zong was almost about to cry. Seeing this, Shi Xiu suddenly stood up and interrupted him, "Marshal, we will try our best to handle this matter, but we brothers have little influence and it is unlikely that we can ask Mr. Gongsun, so we have to go back and report to the Grand Marshal for a decision. What do you think?"

"Commander Shi's words make sense, so Commander Dai, please set off as soon as possible."

"I have been out for a long time, and I want to go back to Weizhou together."

Shi Xiu wanted to take this opportunity to leave, but Erliduo waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, Commander Shi. Commander Dai will be back tomorrow. It won't be too late to come back after the battle."

"Well, I'll take him there."

"Go."

Dai Zong's head was buzzing, and he only asked in a low voice when they were about to part: "Why did you agree just now? This is simply impossible."

"Being unable to do something and being unwilling to do it are two completely different attitudes after all. Liu Shumi just passed away, so we'd better go along with it. Besides, we don't know where Fan Rui is, so maybe going to Erxian Mountain is a good idea. Anyway, we have to let the general make the decision."

"That makes sense. I almost missed the event. Take care."

"Brother, go with peace of mind."

Shi Xiu waved goodbye solemnly, knowing well that the Jin army wanted to keep the "hostage". Besides, he was experienced in martial arts and if he really wanted to leave, the Jin army would not be able to stop him, but that would cause trouble for Song Jiang.

Dai Zong had no night vision, so he set out from Wu'an at dusk, arrived in Xiangzhou to rest before dark, and arrived in Huaizhou at dusk the next day.

At that time, according to Wu Yong's suggestion, Song Jiang stockpiled supplies in Wanshan Town at the south entrance of Taihang Xing in preparation for sending troops to Zezhou.

As long as the Jin army gained an advantage in Luzhou, Song Jiang and Wu Yong would lead their troops out of Taihangxing and Baixing respectively to fill the gap left by the four towns' imperial edicts.

Of course, all this was based on victory, and the relevant materials were seized from Fan Zhixu.

Seeing Dai Zong arrive at Huaizhou after a long journey, Song Jiang's eyes were filled with joy that seemed to be about to burst out.

Did Fan Rui make a contribution? Did the Jin army break through the pass?
"Brother. Hiss."

Dai Zong's throat was dry and he had difficulty speaking. He saw the teapot on the table and simply picked it up to drink from it. Unexpectedly, the teapot contained freshly boiled water, which scalded him so much that he let go and the water shattered to the ground. The exploded tea splashed onto the hem of Song Jiang's official robe.

Since Song Jiang became the Grand Marshal, he has been eager to wear the scarlet official robe. At the same time, his latent "cleanliness obsession" has been awakened, and he must keep the official robe clean at all times.

If Dai Zong was not his confidant, Song Jiang would have reprimanded him with a dark face, but when he saw that the official robe was stained with tea, his good mood was dampened.

"I know you are anxious, but don't worry. You are a senior officer now. It would be unbecoming to lose patience like this. The Jin army's breakout is within our expectations. I intend to delay the date of the dispatch."

"The Jin army broke through the pass? Who told you? The Jin army was defeated!"

"what?"

"Yesterday Fan Rui fought with me."

After Dai Zong finished introducing the details of the battlefield, Song Jiang's smile could no longer be seen, and it was obvious that he had become much darker. Seeing this, Wu Yong immediately said, "Captain, I think Shi Xiu's suggestion is good. We must go to Erxian Mountain."

"Then who will go with Dai Zong? Li Kui was there before."

"Mr. Yiqing is not familiar with others, only Commander Dai is on good terms with him. Even if we cannot ask others to come down the mountain to help, it is most important to find out the situation."

"yes."

Song Jiang frowned and twirled his beard with a sigh. He did not expect to invite Gongsun Sheng back, nor did he want him to help Yang Chang.

Gongsun Sheng left resolutely at the beginning, and Song Jiang knew that he did not have that much face. He also needed a suitable excuse to send Dai Zong to pay a visit to the mountain, so he prepared a lot of gold and silver to take with him, as a reimbursement for Gongsun Sheng's previous reward.

Dai Zong rested for one night in Huaizhou, and then used his magical speed to travel to Erxian Mountain in Jizhou, taking only two days to travel the two thousand miles.

Although he walked skillfully, he encountered something strange on the way up the mountain. The mountain path was exactly the same as he remembered, but he could not reach Zixu Temple. He searched for two days without success and finally left Jizhou in disappointment.

On the eighth day of April, Dai Zong returned to Cizhou and reported the events of Erxian Mountain to Erlido truthfully. He speculated that Luo Zhenren did not want to be disturbed and must have used a trick to deceive him.

Erliduo saw that Dai Zong did not seem to be lying, so he frowned and said to his attendants, "Jizhou is under the jurisdiction of this Marshal. If he does not want to be disturbed, then don't disturb him. Send a military order to Guo Yaoshi and ask him to send 5,000 soldiers to Erxian Mountain. I don't believe it."

"This is not allowed"

"Urgent news from Taiyuan!"

As soon as Dai Zong opened his mouth to advise, he was interrupted by a loud shout outside the tent. Erlido mistakenly thought it was news of victory on the northern front, so he rushed out excitedly, followed by Talai, Wuzhu and others.

Shi and Dai did not move, but could not help but look at each other.

Before the two of them could open their mouths to discuss, Erliduo shouted from outside the tent: "The military order just issued is cancelled. All camps must immediately prepare and assemble, and prepare to return to Zhending."

Hmm? You don't want to fight anymore?
Shi Xiu and Dai Zong looked at each other again. Although they did not speak, their eyes were full of stories.

(End of this chapter)