Starting from the border troops, I've worked my way up to become a Martial Emperor.

Chapter 122 Reunion with Xiao Heng

After returning to the military commandant's residence, Lu Yuan first went to his mother's courtyard and found that Madam Lu had not yet woken up.

Then I went to the front hall.

Sure enough, Zhou He had already arrived. Upon seeing Lu Yuan, he beamed with delight: "You're finally back! Otherwise, I'd be so busy."

"Is it Wu Han's side?" Lu Yuan asked softly.

Now, there's nothing much to do at the Icefield Fortress anymore, and the only thing Lu Yuan can think of is Wu Han's side.

"You're right, Wu Han's business is doing very well. Everyone is trying to win him over, and his monthly income is already several million taels of silver."

Because the area is peaceful, many caravans travel through here.

However, the money was spent quickly; various cultivation supplies and armor were all spent on it.

But it wasn't a waste of time; he now commands an army of ten thousand men, all of whom have broken through to higher realms, and are all clad in iron armor.

Moreover, he also recruited several innate masters to his side, but these people seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

"If it weren't for you, the mysterious mastermind behind the scenes, keeping them in check, they wouldn't dare to act rashly. They'd probably be ready to challenge Wu Han right now."

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow: "I'll take care of that later. How's Wu Han's strength improvement? He's quite talented. In the future, when he earns money, don't just throw it all into the army. He should also improve his own strength."

"Wu Han has improved quite quickly. He's already entered the True Essence Realm. He's only far behind you. He's already left me far behind," Zhou He said with some envy.

However, there was no jealousy, since the two had a very good relationship.

Lu Yuan nodded: "What about the alchemists and craftsmen?"

"It would have been better if you hadn't mentioned this. Wu Han went to great lengths to acquire these talents, and even lost quite a few people in the process. But it wasn't all for nothing."

Currently, their Tianwang Village has more than twenty alchemists and hundreds of apprentices. They can barely refine pills below the level of true essence.

Craftsmen were relatively easy to find. We managed to recruit about seventy or eighty of them and set up a siege weapon battalion with about three thousand men. Supplying armor and weapons to our men wasn't a big problem.

Several iron mines were found nearby, so we can now barely be self-sufficient.

However, they also attracted attention. Several princes and princesses sent people to recruit them, especially the seventh prince, who offered a very high reward.

Upon hearing Zhou He's words, Lu Yuan's lips curled up involuntarily.

It seems that Tianwang Village has gradually developed.

However, he also knew in his heart that as long as Tianwangzhai showed its attitude, those who had been won over would probably immediately turn their blades and come to attack.

After all, things have developed to this point, there's no such thing as neutrality anymore; you're either friends or enemies.

"What price did the Seventh Prince offer?" Lu Yuan asked softly.

"A marquisate title, and various treasures, but Wu Han hasn't made a statement yet. We'll wait for you to return to decide," Zhou He said immediately.

Lu Yuan nodded, a mocking look on his face. He had risked his life on the battlefield, and the official position he was given was not as good as what he could get by establishing a stronghold in the buffer zone.

However, he has no intention of relying on anyone.

Doesn't everyone want a buffer zone? I might be able to get one myself.

"I'm going to Jizhou tomorrow. I'll take care of the Tianwangzhai matter when I get back. But you should inform Wu Han to start preparing for war."

It's time for Tianwang Village to make a move.

Zhou He's face showed surprise as he looked at Lu Yuan and said, "You mean, you want to expand your territory?"

"Why can they do it? Why can't Tianwang Village? The buffer zone has attracted powerful officials from the court and various sects."

If Tianwangzhai continues to develop normally, it will eventually be surpassed. So while others are still developing, we can gather more people.

"I will plunder more resources. From now on, I will have the final say in all trade between Dayong and the Northern Barbarians," Lu Yuan said calmly.

Isn't this what these nobles care about most?

If it really works out, then Tianwangzhai's influence and annual harvest will reach a new level.

However, this process will be quite arduous.

But Lu Yuan didn't care. After seeing everything in the imperial city and witnessing the formidable strength of the Imperial Guard, Lu Yuan now had only one thought: to improve his own and his subordinates' power as quickly as possible.

Let him one day be able to say no to anyone.

Moreover, now is the best opportunity to develop Tianwangzhai, otherwise, once the imperial court takes notice...

That would be more troublesome.

"Hiss!" Zhou He gasped. He knew Lu Yuan had big ambitions, but he hadn't expected them to be this big. If this really happened...

That would be truly extraordinary.

However, he immediately added, "Okay, I'll inform Wu Han in a bit. They've set up a restaurant in the city specifically to handle communications with me."

Lu Yuan nodded: "Do it as soon as possible."

Zhou He nodded and stepped back.

Lu Yuan, after taking the elixir, continued his cultivation.

Time quickly passed to the next day.

Early in the morning, Lu Yuan, dressed in full armor and with a long sword at his waist, walked out of the Captain's residence.

Zhou Hongling was already waiting.

"Let's go straight to Jizhou City. My father will meet us there."

"OK!"

Lu Yuan nodded, then rode his warhorse and headed towards Jizhou City with Zhou Hongling.

Wei Yong and his personal guards followed behind.

On the morning of the third day, they finally arrived outside Jizhou City.

This is also an important town in the north.

Currently, 100,000 Imperial Guards are stationed here, but they don't concern themselves with things like patrolling the city; they simply cultivate in the military camp.

Moreover, in this place, they will only obey Xiao Heng's orders.

Since today was the day they were to meet Xiao Heng, the two of them dared not delay after entering the city and headed straight for the Imperial Guard's office.

When Lu Yuan arrived, he found that Zhou Ren, Helian Shang, and the others were already there.

There were hundreds of people outside the gate, all of whom had come from various places, including more than a dozen border marquises.

And there are still some that haven't arrived yet.

Each team was clearly distinct.

After Lu Yuan dismounted, Zhou Hongling led him towards a figure in front of Zhou Ren. The figure was burly and dressed in a red military robe.

He stood there, looking displeased.

However, Zhou Hongling still said, "Greetings, Your Excellency. I am late."

Lu Yuan also bowed at the same time.

Clearly, the man in front of him was Marquis Shang Yong of the town. He said coldly, "You all know you're late? Everyone else set off early, but you just arrived right on time."

What? Were you not notified, or are you deliberately putting on airs?

His words were quite harsh, especially in front of so many people; he was clearly trying to embarrass Zhou Hongling.

At this moment, Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow and said, "My lord, I just returned to Icefield Fortress two days ago. General Zhou informed me after I entered the city."

We rushed towards Jizhou without stopping, without the slightest intention of delay. Moreover, the Imperial Guard's office was not yet open, and the officials inside had not yet begun to summon us.

So I don't think I'm late.

Lu Yuan knew that Zhou Hongling had chosen to let him rest for one night since he had just returned, and that he would set off the next day.

Now that the other party has been wronged, he naturally won't stand by and watch.

His words instantly turned Shang Yong's face pale, and Zhou Ren, who was standing next to him, also looked over quickly.

The latter couldn't help but think to himself that Lu Yuan's temper was too hasty.

Offending your boss so directly can be a bad thing.

Lu Yuan, however, remained unfazed. He didn't care what happened to him, but it was not his style to let those who helped him suffer.

In the imperial city, he was indeed nothing special, but now in the northern frontier...

With the rise of Tianwang Village and the addition of the Zhou family, he was confident that he could create some difficulties for the Marquis of Zhenbian in front of him.

For example, Lu Yuan knew that Shang Yong and the Xun Gui caravan behind him were taking a route that passed through Tianwang Village.

Moreover, he is not entirely powerless against a border lord.

He saved many people back then. Helian Shang might not give Zhou Hongling face, but he would definitely give him face.

Anyone can sabotage someone in secret and feign compliance while acting against their will.

It should be noted that the local powerful Li family had already caused Zhou Hongling a great deal of trouble.

Lu Yuan's current size and the connections he has made are far beyond what the Li family can compare to.

Just as Shang Yong was about to lose his temper.

"Creak!"

The gates of the Imperial Guard's office opened.

A general from the Imperial Guard stepped forward and addressed everyone, saying, "Go inside, all of you. Commander Xiao wants you to wait for the inspection at the drill ground."

Lu Yuan recognized this man; he was a captain in Xiao Heng's personal guard. He hadn't expected that this man would be the one stationed in the northern frontier this time.

Then, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up.

Lu Yuan glanced at Shang Yong and noticed that the other man was also looking at him coldly, but he didn't say anything.

But there was no fear whatsoever.

This intensified Shang Yong's anger, but now that the Imperial Guards had come out, he couldn't afford to argue with them at this point.

The only option is to go inside.

Zhou Ren then said to Lu Yuan as he approached him, "A Yuan, you were too impulsive. You shouldn't have argued with him face to face."

The latter glanced at Zhou Hongling, whose face showed emotion, and said, "It's fine to talk about me, but you can't talk about our general."

Hearing him say that, Zhou Ren felt a warmth in his heart, patted him on the shoulder and said, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. I'll find a way to solve this problem."

But you absolutely mustn't act impulsively again.

Lu Yuan nodded, then followed Zhou Ren into the yamen.

However, just as he arrived at the door, a sudden voice rang out, attracting the attention of many people: "Lu Yuan? You really are back. I'll invite you for a drink later. Don't sneak away like last time."

The one who spoke was none other than Xiao Heng's personal guard captain, who was about the same age as Lu Yuan.

His name is Xiao Ze. He is Xiao Heng's distant nephew. He is quite talented, so he works for Xiao Heng.

When they were on the border of the Western Rong, he often drank with Lu Yuan.

When they were on the border of the Western Rong, he often drank with Lu Yuan.

The two have a good relationship.

Speaking of Lu Yuan, he was quite famous on the western border. Many imperial guards generals, who were not friendly to other border troops, gave Lu Yuan a lot of face.

Ultimately, the military is a place where strength speaks volumes.

Moreover, everyone knows that Xiao Heng values ​​Lu Yuan highly.

"Okay, I'll come find you after I've met Commander Xiao." Lu Yuan was clearly surprised to run into an acquaintance here, and said with a smile.

Shang Yong turned around and looked over, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He remembered that when he came to deliver gifts last time, this captain had been arrogant and haughty.

They didn't take him, a border marquis, seriously at all.

Now, he's so enthusiastic when facing Lu Yuan.

"In the future, we can use Lu Yuan to send gifts to Commander Xiao. As a result, we can just punish him slightly for disrespecting us this time."

Shang Yong couldn't help but think to himself.

Zhou Ren and Zhou Hongling were also full of curiosity.

They also did not expect that Lu Yuan would know someone from the Imperial Guard.

Don't underestimate this man just because he's only a captain in the Imperial Guard. To be honest, even Zhou Ren might not have as much influence as him in the Dayong court.

Any member of the Imperial Guard could likely have connections with high-ranking figures.

At this moment, Lu Yuan also noticed that many eyes were looking at him, so he continued to walk inside.

After they entered the training ground.

On the high platform, the high-ranking officers of the Imperial Guard were already there.

They stared blankly at the border generals below, their indifference and aloofness almost overflowing from their eyes.

"Da da!"

Once everyone had arrived, Xiao Heng strode briskly to the center of the platform.

At this moment, the border army generals immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Commander Xiao!"

Everyone could feel the pressure coming at them.

This was Xiao Heng's way of showing them a warning.

Then, the other party said expressionlessly, "You all know my purpose in coming to the Northern Frontier this time: to supervise you all."

There have been many events in the northern frontier recently, so I hope you will be conscientious in your duties and not let down the trust of the imperial court.

They put their energy into protecting our territory, rather than sending me gifts.

If this happens again, don't blame me for the ruthlessness of military law!

Xiao Heng's words were resounding and powerful.

The border generals were trembling with fear.

Lu Yuan could see that beads of sweat had appeared on Shang Yong's forehead.

Then, everyone immediately replied, "We obey."

Seeing that the border generals had been intimidated, Xiao Heng's voice was no longer so cold and hard.

Instead, he said, "Alright, that's enough for this morning. The purpose is to let you all stay here. Starting this afternoon, those with the rank of state general or above will begin to report to me on the situation in various places."

After speaking, he signaled that everyone could leave. Everyone wiped the sweat from their foreheads, breathed a sigh of relief, and prepared to leave.

Zhou Ren and the others looked distressed and were asked to report on the situation in various places, clearly indicating that formal supervision was about to begin.

As a result, many of their sources of income will likely be forced to stop.

However, these states will be alright.

The losses suffered by those border lords will likely be even greater.

I wonder how many days this Commander Xiao will let them stay.

Just as everyone turned to leave, Marquis Mu Cheng, who was beside Xiao Heng, said, "Lu Yuan, stay here for a moment. Commander Xiao has something to tell you."

The voice wasn't loud, but the hearts of all the border generals trembled once again.

Lu Yuan knew a captain of the Imperial Guard, and they could accept that.

But Xiao Shuai wanted to keep him behind alone, which was shocking.

Shang Yong looked as if he had seen a ghost.

She kept glancing back at Lu Yuan, her face stiff, but when she noticed him looking at her, she managed a few awkward smiles.

Lu Yuan ignored him and walked straight towards the high platform.