Chapter 1002: Shu City Stronghold

Editor: Henyee Translations

Tang Camp’s soldiers swiftly closed the semicircular gap, trapping the Yun Organization members in the center, leaving them with no escape.

Chu Tang noticed that Tang Jinghong had dispatched the cavalry.

The cavalry was well-armed with swords, crossbows, and bows, and the soldiers were tall and muscular with sharp eyes, indicating formidable combat capability.

Leading the cavalry was Captain Shen, clad in armor and mounted on a large horse. He glared at the Yun Organization members. “You scoundrels spend your days doing nothing but harming the nation and its people. All of you, scoundrels born of dogs, kill them all!”

At his command, the cavalry raised their crossbows and began shooting at the Yun Organization members.

Chu Tang also gave an order, “Kill!”

The area once again became a battlefield filled with the clash of weapons and the stench of blood, lingering for a long time.

This time, the First Elder had sent elite troops to kill Chu Tang, so to minimize casualties on his side, Chu Tang joined the fray.

With a single palm strike, Chu Tang swiftly defeated those around him, causing the Yun Organization members to distance themselves from him in fear.

This person was a monster; a single palm strike could kill. Even if they had ten lives, it wouldn’t be enough.

Even Tang’s soldiers were stunned by this scholarly and refined-looking man’s extraordinary martial arts skills.

Everyone following their general was truly remarkable.

With Chu Tang’s help, the battle ended much faster than expected.

Chu Tang flew out of the crowd and landed beside the unconscious Fifth Elder. “Go back and tell your general that I’m taking the Fifth Elder.”

With that, he lifted the Fifth Elder like a chick and flew away.

Everyone watched his lightning-fast departure in awe. His martial arts were probably at a transcendent level; there was much room for improvement for the rest of them!

Tang Camp.

Captain Shen reported upon returning to the camp, “General, we’ve annihilated two groups of Yun Organization members, but the Fifth Elder was taken by someone.”

Tang Jinghong said, “I arranged that. This matter is now closed.”

Captain Shen saluted, “Yes, General.”

Jiang Zhanglin entered the tent. “General, I wish to depart early for Liang City to gather information so that you will be well-informed upon your arrival.”

Tang Jinghong looked at Jiang Zhanglin. “It’s very dangerous to go to Liang City now. You might lose your life.”

Jiang Zhanglin replied resolutely, “It’s every citizen’s duty to care for the nation’s survival. I’m not afraid.”

“Then go ahead. If you need help, you can go to this place.” Tang Jinghong wrote down a location and a code on a piece of paper and handed it to Jiang Zhanglin.

Jiang Zhanglin accepted it with both hands. “Thank you, General.”

Tang Jinghong nodded.

Jiang Zhanglin put the paper away, saluted, and left the tent.

Outside, Yi Chuanchuan waited. “How did it go?”

Jiang Zhanglin, smiling, said, “The General agreed. I’m preparing to leave immediately.”

Yi Chuanchuan eagerly said, “I’ll go with you.”

Jiang Zhanglin looked back at the tent. “You can ask the General. If he agrees, we can go together.”

“Wait for me.” Yi Chuanchuan hurried to the tent.

Jiang Zhanglin resumed packing his things. As soon as he finished, Yi Chuanchuan returned. “The General agreed. I’m coming with you.”

Jiang Zhanglin said, “Then hurry and pack. We’re leaving right away.”

Yi Chuanchuan responded, “Got it.”

Chu Tang returned to the Tao residence, bringing the Fifth Elder to be imprisoned with the others.

Zeng Huo, observing the scene, silently pitied the Yun Organization members. With Chu Qingzhi’s extraordinary abilities, they stood no chance. He was relieved to have surrendered early; otherwise, he’d be long gone.

Chu Tang told Zeng Huo, “Keep an eye on them. I believe Lord Yun will soon make a move.”

Zeng Huo replied solemnly, “I understand.”

A few calm days passed. Then, one day, Mu Xiao arrived at the Tao residence. “I didn’t expect you to be working for Tang Jinghong.”

Chu Tang was sitting in a small pavilion, enjoying some premium cloud tea that Zeng Huo had gathered. He replied nonchalantly, “There are many things you didn’t expect.”

Mu Xiao, careful not to provoke Chu Tang, pulled out a letter from his robe. “This is from Lord Yun.”

Chu Tang took the letter casually. “Why did you deliver it?”

Mu Xiao answered honestly, “Everyone else is afraid of being captured by you.”

Chu Tang chuckled. “Since you’ve come, be prepared not to leave.”

“I know.” Mu Xiao had come to terms with this before arriving, feeling bitter about being used as a pawn by the organization.

He thought for a moment. “Do you still need someone to handle tasks?”

Chu Tang raised an eyebrow in surprise. “What do you have in mind?”

Mu Xiao knelt down. “I wish to serve you. I know the Yun Organization well and can take you to their stronghold in Shu City.”

Chu Tang was genuinely surprised. “You turned so quickly.”

Mu Xiao had accepted the reality. With Chu Tang’s presence, they couldn’t win. “I hope to redeem myself and earn your mercy in the future.”

“You’re quite perceptive.” Chu Tang took a sip of tea. “Draw me a map, and I’ll check it out.”

“Yes.” Mu Xiao sat across from Chu Tang and promptly began drawing a map.

Chu Tang opened the letter. “If you stop opposing the Yun Organization, I can promise you a thousand taels of gold and a life of wealth and luxury. Or name your terms, as long as you leave the eastern border.”

Chu Tang clicked his tongue. “Finally losing patience.”

Mu Xiao paused briefly but continued drawing the map.

Chu Tang raised the letter and asked Mu Xiao, “Want to know what’s in the letter?”

Without looking up, Mu Xiao said, “I can guess.”

Chu Tang crushed the letter into ash. “Tell me, then.”

Mu Xiao stopped drawing. “They want you to surrender, or they’ll threaten your family. Or they offer you a fortune to work for them. The Yun Organization’s tactics are quite clichéd.”

Chu Tang said, “Though clichéd, they are effective.”

Mu Xiao didn’t comment. He had joined the Yun Organization under similar circumstances and saw this as a chance for rebirth.

After a while, he finished drawing the map. “Here it is.”

The stronghold was hidden near the market, with a grocery store as its entrance—a mundane yet secretive location.

Seeing Chu Tang’s satisfaction, Mu Xiao couldn’t help but ask, “May I ask you a question?”

Chu Tang nodded. “Go ahead.”

Mu Xiao hesitated. “Did Feiyun really die?”

“Yes, she died. She was killed in the theater when she attempted to assassinate Jinghong. It was a life-or-death situation. If it were you, would you have shown mercy?” Chu Tang wondered if this man was deeply in love with Hong Feiyun.