Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 557

Mount Qiyun

Tian Xiong was attending to the accountants as they tallied their provisions. The dismal figures presented caused him to frown; their supplies were alarmingly low. Upon their initial flight to Mount Qiyun, they possessed virtually nothing, and their current state of poverty persisted.

"Leader, winter descends in a month. A shortage of winter attire and bedding can be managed, as ample wood exists on the mountain for cutting. However, a lack of food spells starvation. Twenty-three souls perished from hunger last year, and our provisions are even scarcer now. What course of action should we take?"

"Fear not, I shall devise a solution."

"Leader, what recourse remains? For two years, we've scoured these mountains, exhausting game and even the smallest field mice..."

The accountant revealed that since their arrival on the mountain, sustenance had been a perennial struggle. Their survival had hinged on hunting, yet the vastness of Mount Qiyun offered little in the way of wildlife. It was a dire predicament.

Tian Xiong, upon hearing this, felt a wave of despair wash over him. The wildlife on Mount Qiyun was indeed facing a crisis. When provisions ran thin, hunting became their sole recourse. Not only larger game but even field mice were nearly extirpated. This coming winter promised to be exceptionally harsh.

"General Little Qin, before the snows of winter truly set in, please undertake several expeditions down the mountain. This jade pendant, a treasured family heirloom, should command a considerable sum. Once exchanged for currency, do not divert funds to other needs; procure as much food as possible."

"Uncle Tian, this is your family's heirloom. I cannot possibly accept..."

"I cannot idly watch these people starve. They place their trust in me and have followed me faithfully."

Tian Xiong recounted his family's former prosperity in the countryside, boasting thousands of acres of fertile land and immense wealth. However, a prolonged period of torrential rainfall had brought ruin to his homeland.

With his family's considerable resources, navigating the disaster should have been straightforward. Yet, witnessing the plight of starving refugees and individuals driven to desperate measures, he made the compassionate choice to utilize his fortune to aid and sustain the afflicted.

He had believed himself capable of weathering natural calamities, only for unforeseen adversity to strike. Due to his benevolence, he was falsely accused of sedition, imprisoned, and consigned to a death sentence.

Just as Tian Xiong resigned himself to his impending doom, the refugees ignited an uprising. They dispatched officials, breached the county stronghold, and liberated him from his prison cell. In their midst, they proclaimed him their leader.

Tian Xiong found himself compelled to join the rebellion, leading the refugees toward survival. Initially, their assaults on towns and affluent households met with success before the government could mount a substantial defense. However, their forces were eventually outmatched by the imperial army, resulting in grievous losses.

Had it not been for General Little Qin's fortuitous intervention, creating an opening in the encirclement during a chaotic battle and facilitating their escape, they might have all met their end.

Throughout their arduous journey, the refugees remained steadfastly loyal to Tian Xiong, even sacrificing themselves to ensure his safety on numerous occasions. Burdened by the debt of his life, a debt unpayable to the departed, Tian Xiong resolved never to abandon them. What worth did a mere jade pendant possess in comparison?

General Little Qin was about to voice further objections when a sudden, concussive blast reverberated, accompanied by a shout of alarm. A band of hardened men, should indecisiveness be their hallmark?

"Identify yourself, and emerge!"

Tian Xiong's commanding voice boomed, prompting General Little Qin's swift reaction. A cold sheen flashed as he drew his blade and vaulted into the air, sword aimed at the exterior of the window.

Unexpectedly, a hand emerged from beyond the window, effortlessly clasping General Little Qin's sword between two fingers. Astonishment gripped him. He attempted to withdraw his weapon, only to find it unyieldingly immobilized.

"Who might you be, esteemed sir?"

Lin Jiang made his entrance through the window. Tian Xiong gravely explained that while he and General Little Qin were the most formidable figures within the rebel ranks, their prowess was confined to martial arts. General Little Qin's lineage, he admitted, was even more distinguished than his own.

"Have you perchance encountered the renowned Master Wolong residing in the mountains?"

"Master Wolong of the Zhong State?"

"Are there others beyond Zhong State who claim the title of Master Wolong?"

"Are you the Master Wolong responsible for the demise of King Chu and Wang Lun?"

"Would there be any gain in deceiving you?"

"·····"

Tian Xiong stood dumbfounded, suddenly grasping that indeed, no benefit would accrue from deception.

"Sir, may I inquire as to the reason for your presence?"

"If you are aware of me, then you should also be cognizant of my deeds beyond these walls."

"I possess some understanding of them."

"That suffices. Currently, throughout the Chen Kingdom, all are inept. I hold them in contempt. However, I cannot countenance the ravages of Demon Humans upon this land. Therefore, I have resolved to bring the world under my dominion, single-handedly."

"So, your intention is thus..."

"You are correct; I have taken a liking to all of you and have decided to bring you under my wing, allowing you to soar and prosper."

Lin Jiang declared, causing everyone to exchange glances, momentarily unsure how to respond.

"Do not doubt my strength or my identity; there is nothing belonging to you that I desire."

"Your words are quite astonishing, Sir. You have caught us a bit off guard..."

"You cannot accept this?"

"That is correct."

"I understand. I shall bestow a gift upon you to demonstrate my sincerity. Tomorrow at noon, proceed to the Feng State military camp situated outside the first hill of Qiyun Mountain to collect supplies."

"Sir, you..."

"Indeed, a mere battalion of less than three thousand soldiers is easily within my capacity to defeat. Tian Xiong, I hold great expectations for you; do not let me down."

With a nod, Lin Jiang turned and departed. In mere steps, he vanished from their sight, leaving them all in a state of mutual bewilderment.

·······

Qiyun Mountain was of a vast scale, making it impossible to seal off every route down the mountain. While the main entrances were secured, the smaller paths remained uncontrolled. However, these minor trails were insufficient for nearly a hundred thousand rebels to make their escape, thus their blockade was deemed adequate.

Upon the first hill to the east of Qiyun Mountain, three thousand Feng State soldiers were stationed. Nevertheless, due to the indolence of some of the troops, the actual operational force numbered around two thousand. Their military camp was structured with such commendable organization that even an army tens of thousands strong would find it arduous to breach.

The season was deep autumn, and the Feng State had commenced the transport of winter provisions to their military encampment. This was necessitated by the camp's location, two hundred miles distant from the nearest settlement, and the imminent arrival of winter snows. Without advance preparation, the soldiers faced the grim prospect of starvation or succumbing to the cold.

At the stroke of noon, Lin Jiang was waiting for Tian Xiong three miles beyond the military camp's perimeter. Tian Xiong arrived accompanied by five hundred soldiers, representing the elite contingent among the rebels. All of them had undergone martial arts training, and many had prior combat experience against soldiers.

"Mr. Wolong, we have arrived."

"You have made a judicious decision."

"Henceforth, we shall follow your command."

"We shall discuss matters further later. For now, you will all lie in ambush for the remaining soldiers on both flanks of the military camp."

"Teacher..."

"Your sole task is to heed my instructions."

Without further discourse, Lin Jiang proceeded directly towards the military camp.

Within the vicinity of one to two hundred meters surrounding the camp, patrolling soldiers detected Lin Jiang. Their attempts to halt him were met with Lin Jiang's unwavering advance. Some loosed arrows in his direction, but Lin Jiang intercepted them and neutralized his assailants.

The ensuing commotion rapidly alerted those within the camp, drawing a multitude of soldiers into view. Before they could muster an organized defense or deploy the formidable ballistae, Lin Jiang had already penetrated the camp.

The camp's commander, a burly man distinguished by a full beard, possessed considerable martial prowess. However, Lin Jiang confronted him and promptly subdued him with a single, decisive strike. Lin Jiang then bellowed towards the remaining soldiers, "Lay down your arms and your lives shall be spared!"

Following Lin Jiang's resounding command, he remained unscathed despite the soldiers' onslaught. Numerous junior officers recognized Lin Jiang's exceptional martial skill, prompting some to flee, others to persist in their futile resistance, and a considerable number to fall into a state of utter confusion.

Lin Jiang was compelled to continue engaging those who resisted, eliminating them while simultaneously endeavoring to compel the others towards surrender and to avert any potential damage to the camp. Fortunately, the engagement occurred during daylight, offering limited opportunities for the enemy to employ incendiary tactics.

Fifteen minutes elapsed, and Tian Xiong arrived with his contingent, breaching the camp. The appearance of Tian Xiong served to further erode the morale of the remaining soldiers, leading to a progressively higher number of surrenders. Those who adamantly refused to yield or dared to oppose were swiftly dealt with by Lin Jiang.

"Sir, what are your instructions regarding these captives?"

Tian Xiong naturally assumed responsibility for the subsequent tasks, directing his men to round up the prisoners and tally the spoils of war.

"All prisoners shall relinquish their weapons and armor. They will each receive twenty copper coins and five pounds of dried rations as travel provisions before being permitted to depart. Ensure the wounded receive medical attention. Furthermore, identify any artisans among them and escort them back to the mountains."

"Sir, your benevolence and righteousness are truly commendable."

"The prisoners will be released once we have departed."

Lin Jiang offered a nod, deeming himself not a butcher; there was no necessity for gratuitous bloodshed.

"Sir, the monthly provisions allocated for three thousand soldiers may prove insufficient to sustain over a hundred thousand individuals in the mountains. Why not seize this opportune moment to expand our influence and assert dominion over the realm?"

At this juncture, a middle-aged man attired as a scholar addressed Lin Jiang. He served as a strategist in Tian Xiong's retinue, reputed to be his former cellmate and a learned individual who had suffered unjust imprisonment.

"Conquering the world isn't as straightforward as it seems. Despite my unrivaled strength, I have no desire for a world plunged into chaos. My aspiration is for an orderly realm, not solely to reshape the balance of power, but also to eradicate the demon humans."

Lin Jiang articulated that ruling is more arduous than conquering. To confront the demon humans, he required the complete backing of the Chen Kingdom, thus necessitating additional preparation time.

"Sir, I truly admire your ambition, but in this biting winter..."

"Worry not, for I have devised a strategy. Tian Xiong will lend his support."

"Sir, I am at your service."

"Hold these captives for a few days before setting them free. Venture to the mountains and enlist aid to transport provisions. We shall descend the mountain to acquire some sustenance."

"Acquire sustenance?"

"Indeed, I've observed numerous affluent individuals residing at the mountain's base. It would be prudent to 'borrow' a portion from them."

Lin Jiang observed that these landowners had long exploited the populace, amassing vast stores of grain and hoards of wealth. Retrieving a small share seemed only just.

Tian Xiong grasped the implication instantly, a thrill coursing through him. While skilled Innate Martial Artists were not exceedingly rare, Lin Jiang's demonstrated power placed him at the Martial Saint level. With a Martial Saint's endorsement, surely these wealthy individuals would not dare refuse such a 'loan'.