Mountain Patrol Military Officer-Chapter 382 - 318: Chen Yuan Heads North (Request for Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 382: Chapter 318: Chen Yuan Heads North (Request for Monthly Tickets)

The golden gauze dancer at the forefront, with lotus-like steps gently shifting, moved forward and gracefully curtsied to Xu Xiangdong, who was seated to the side, with only her eyes visible, brimming with charm as she spoke clearly,

"Military Officer Captain is not wrong!"

"I have been refusing visitors these past days."

"However, upon the host’s instruction, there is a distinguished guest arriving today. Someone in the building inadvertently offended the General, so I have been specifically asked to come out of seclusion, and perform a dance as an apology to the military officers." Speaking thus, Mi Ayi tilted her graceful body and curtsied again to the Red Armor General sitting at the head of the table, her beautiful eyes watery and delicate, adding a layer of allure to her exotic facial features.

This beautiful figure, the provoking gauze outfit, and the demure allure, caught the eyes of several Green Armored Soldiers seated on both sides, brightening their expressions. The deliberate coldness and seriousness they showed to the outside world were now shed, as they chuckled and openly eyed these dancers from the Western Regions, their gaze playful and amused.

"Ha ha," Xu Xiangdong laughed heartily, turning to Vice General Hu without showing any change in expression, and paid a respectful compliment, "Vice General Hu certainly commands great respect. The host of Heavenly Fragrance Building seldom shows favor to others; today I am also basking in the General’s glory."

"Come!"

"Let me, Xu Xiangdong, raise a toast first."

With that, he picked up a white ceramic cup from the small table in front of him, cradling the bottom of the cup with one hand while raising it with the other, toasting to the Red Armor General surnamed Hu in respect before drinking it down.

The young Deputy General coming from the Imperial Capital, who was seated at the head of the table, finally showed a smile. He picked up the cup from the table, and without looking at Xu Xiangdong, appreciatively eyed the beautiful and sexy Western Regions dancer in front of him with a detached gaze, as if admiring an object, and took a small sip.

"Not bad, let this General have a look then!"

He said, setting the cup down on the table.

Xu Xiangdong, understanding the intent, waved his hand to Mi Ayi, "Begin!"

Mi Ayi smiled slightly, her smooth and fair feet lightly stepped backward, and then with a flourish of her arms and a tip of her toe, the melodious sound of the Huqin began to play, pulling the ambiance of the room into the vast expanse of the desert beyond the borders.

Soon, the uniquely Western Regions dance gracefully started around the room, the melodious music floating amidst it, and the military officers in the room began to nod and sway their heads, chatting and laughing.

Xu Xiangdong, who was seated among them, played the congenial host, keeping his posture low, amusing the Green Armored Soldiers to their delight, and gradually livening up the atmosphere with cup after cup being passed around in high spirits.

These Green Armor soldiers, although of the same rank as he, carried a certain pride in their bones, looking down on the local Armored Soldiers. Xu Xiangdong was clear that King Yan might be easy to deal with, but his subordinates could be troublesome, hence he went out of his way to get on good terms with these people.

Of course, his main purpose today was to ensure the Deputy General surnamed Hu was well attended to.

This Deputy General, named Hu Jinquan, was said to come from a family in the Imperial Capital, now a Deputy General alongside the Vanguard Army Commander who took charge of Tianxiong Pass—a favored one.

Xu Xiangdong knew that times were about to change in Shu. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

The Court had sent a new Demon Suppression Envoy and a massive army of one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers, clearly dissatisfied with the current situation in Shu and seeking a complete shake-up. The arrival of this advancing Vanguard Army at Tianxiong Pass was an opportunity for Xu Xiangdong, an opportunity to climb upwards and to avoid being affected by these turbulent times.

What kind of turbulence?

Certainly, it is the clash between the Demon Suppression Envoy sent by the Court and the Ninth Mountain’s Colonel!

He knows that as soon as the Vanguard Army Commander arrived at Tianxiong Pass, he ordered General Wei to summon the Ninth Mountain’s Colonel directly to Tianxiong Pass to personally welcome the arrival!

At the time, he was present and could tell from the Vanguard Army Commander’s tone, which carried a sneer.

The attitude of the other party was clear, evidently representing the stance of the new Demon Suppression Envoy!

Unfortunately, Tianxiong Pass’s Sky Patrol Department and the Ninth Mountain’s Colonel were entangled in no small way; originally, when demons raided the city and the Three Families rebelled, the Nine Colonels led the troops to help them quell the rebellion, creating a fierce reputation that left a deep impression on the citizens of Tianxiong Pass. Their own Colonel Wei hence formed a connection with this senior officer, and many in the local Sky Patrol Department greatly admired him. Not long ago, as the tides turned against the various Mountain-cutting Armies, this Colonel triumphantly returned from the Demon Battlefield, broke through Martial Vault, and took charge of Jingguan City, which lifted the spirits of the people. Everyone naturally assumed that this Colonel would become the next Demon Suppression Envoy for Jiannan Road.

However...

Xu Xiangdong thinks that even if this senior officer is quite renowned, at the end of the day, he cannot withstand the will of the Court and is bound to face oppression from the new Demon Suppression Envoy. He can either bow his head or... that outcome would undoubtedly lead to a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, something he dares not ponder deeply.

Having ties with the Colonel, although their relationship wasn’t profoundly deep, his own General’s admiration for the Nine Colonels was witnessed by all subordinates. Judging by the recent developments, the Vanguard Army Commander seemed aware of all this and took advantage of the frequent conflicts within the city and the Sky Patrol Department’s inefficacy, slowly usurping General Wei’s powers and taking control of Tianxiong Pass.

His own General was in a precarious situation, he, as a subordinate, naturally sensed the impending storm and thought of securing a way out, hence the reason for tonight’s banquet.

While keeping the opposition’s men in high spirits, he toasted repeatedly, with endless flattery.

Facing the respectful and almost ingratiating attitude of this local Military Officer, the young Deputy General was naturally pleased, sipping his drink slowly and relaxing his demeanor as he watched the graceful figures dancing on the stage.

Just when the wine was flowing and everyone was in high spirits, Xu Xiangdong felt it was time to make his move, holding up his cup and saying in a low voice:

"General Hu is young and promising, achieving the rank of a General at such a young age, I truly envy you. Once the Demon Suppression Envoy takes charge of Jingguan City, your career is sure to skyrocket."

"I have a favor to ask, and I hope General Hu can lend me a hand!"

He spoke with fervent eyes.

Beside him, Vice General Hu, who was watching the Western Regions Dancer’s light song and dance, curled up a smile on his lips, not turning his head but just nodding and picking up his cup:

"Speak!"

Xu Xiangdong, seeing the other party’s receptive attitude, felt hopeful and was slightly pleased. Then with a move of his eyebrows, he gestured to place the folded screens to the side, intending to create a space for conversation between the dancers and his group.

Unexpectedly, Vice General Hu spoke up, his voice carrying a casual air as if he had guessed Military Officer Xu’s intention, "No need for trouble, it’s not a big deal, I think the dance is quite good."

Xu Xiangdong withdrew his hand, giving an awkward smile.

"Heh heh!"

"I almost disturbed General Hu’s refined pleasure."

"I must admit," he began, shifting his stance toward the other party before changing the subject to his true intentions,

"I am indeed excited to hear that the Demon Suppression Envoy is about to take office."

"It is a fortunate event for Shu that the Court has sent the Heavenly Army for reinforcement. My heart yearns for it."

"I hope General Hu could put in a good word for me in front of General Gongyang. I also wish to join everyone in achieving great deeds and establishing a career!"

His words were filled with enthusiastic and sincere passion.

The General Gongyang he spoke of was the commander of the vanguard force stationed at Tianxiong Pass.

Upon hearing these words, Young Vice General Hu Jinquan’s smile grew wider as he turned his head slightly and said with a half-mocking, half-smiling tone,

"Does Military Officer Xu wish to join our vanguard force, unafraid of General Wei’s disapproval?"

Hearing General Wei brought up, Xu Xiangdong felt a flush of heat across his face; he was essentially betraying his own superior.

Yet as they say, man seeks higher status just as water flows downward; everyone harbors personal desires. So, with thick skin, he responded,

"We are all one family; I trust the general would not take offense."

Yet, there was an undeniable hint of guilt in his words.

Young Vice General Hu Jinquan sneered, his gaze slanted with an unabated arrogance as he looked at the other’s face,

"You’re a clever man, to abandon darkness for light."

"So what if General Wei knows? Being close to the Ninth Mountain’s Colonel, he is doomed not to be chosen by the Demon Suppression Envoy. A demotion is only a matter of time."

"Heh, with 150,000 strong warriors in the Heavenly Army, there are many who can take the Colonel’s position; it’s not up to General Wei to have an opinion."

As he spoke, he finally faced Xu squarely, the smile on his lips reflecting admiration,

"You did well today. Rest assured, I will speak favorably to General Gongyang on your behalf to ensure your smooth official career!"

Hearing this, Xu Xiangdong displayed an appropriately joyful expression,

"Thank you very much, Vice General Hu!"

"Come, let me toast to you!"

With that, he merrily filled a cup to the brim for the other party and raised his own glass in both hands.

"Hm!" The young vice general nodded. Although he did not show it outwardly, he relished being flattered and finally drained his cup as an acknowledgment of the local Colonel Xu Xiangdong’s approval.

Xu Xiangdong was inwardly delighted, but to his surprise, the young vice general, after finishing his drink, suddenly asked him,

"What is your opinion of the Ninth Mountain’s Colonel?"

Xu Xiangdong’s face stiffened a little; it was this kind of question he dreaded from these people. The Colonel had a fearsome reputation for slaying demons and quelling rebellions, respected by many, and naturally, Xu harbored reverence for him. With his status, what right did he have to judge?

Still, he had to bite the bullet and reply,

"That person has an illustrious name in Shu and has established tremendous battle merits on the Demon Battlefield. At that time, the Mountain-cutting Army was almost entirely defeated by demons, the situation was deteriorating rapidly until he..."

He recounted facts well-known throughout Shu, but noticed the smile slowly fading from the young vice general’s lips and quickly realized something was amiss, stopping himself midsentence.

With a mocking tilt of his eye, Hu Jinquan teased, "From your words, this Colonel sounds indeed formidable. I heard that everyone in the Sky Patrol Department thinks he will be the next Demon Suppression Envoy?"

Xu Xiangdong’s complexion changed slightly, but he quickly laughed awkwardly, "No such thing. The Court has its own arrangements."

The young vice general then chuckled coldly, his gaze filled with contempt and disdain, "They better not! There’s talk in the Court that the demons have not completely broken through the seals, being just some remnants that have caused the collapse of Shu’s forces and the loss of city after city. After such a disgraceful military performance, what prestige is left? It seems this Colonel is just the tallest dwarf."

"Wait until this Nine Colonels welcomes the arrival of the Demon Suppression Envoy and the Heavenly Army, then you’ll see how ridiculous your ideas are!"

Xu Xiangdong fell silent.

He disagreed.

Months ago, he had witnessed the demons from the Ten Thousand Mountains, fierce and formidable, a few of them were enough to create chaos at Tianxiong Pass. This young vice general from Imperial Capital dismissed all that with a casual comment, hoping he’d maintain the same opinion when he actually stepped onto the battlefield!

......

Meanwhile, as the area within Tianxiong Pass was abuzz with activity, far to the south, eight thousand li away, a brilliant silver light rushed into the snowy sky of the northern Snow Country, with a vast city entrenched in the ice and snow rapidly receding in the background!

That brilliant silver light, incredibly fast in the snowstorm, became a streak of light.

That streak of light was a hideous giant eagle!

Of tremendous size, over forty zhang long, its body appeared as if cast from silver iron, with each feather glinting with a chilling light, as sharp as swords, and extremely fierce.

The eagle, with a human face and an eagle body, had two silver horns on its head, marking it as a Tao Fruit Realm Gu Diao, one of the Ten Evils!

Between the horns of the eagle, a man in green clothes stood above it, his clothes flapping and hair flying in the wind, a pair of black pupils flickering with a faint golden light, gazing at the endless snowy world.

At this moment, a drunk, belching voice rose behind him.