Astral Apostle
chapter-494-30041322

As the Martial Arts Conference ended, the people from the martial world who participated dispersed. Chen Feng's deed of challenging the eight great sects on Mount Yunxia also spread throughout the martial world, shocking everyone.

After this battle, be it the martial world or the Green Forest, they finally recognized Chen Feng as the "number one expert in the world".

However, Chen Feng's act of capturing the people of the various sects and snatching their secret manuals was definitely an evil deed. Seeing that he had become the number one expert, not many famous people in the martial world could be happy about this piece of news.

Generally speaking, if one became the publicly recognized number one expert, they would more or less be praised and sought after by the martial world. However, Chen Feng was the opposite. He was not related to the respected and sought after at all. He was more like a demon of the martial world that no one could control.

Countless elders of the martial world were heartbroken. They angrily shouted that this was a calamity in the martial arts world and prayed that a talent would descend from the sky to rein in this demon.

However, no matter what, Chen Feng's martial arts dominated the current era and he was the first person do be able to do so in hundreds of years. This was already the consensus of the world. No one questioned this anymore... Even if someone did, the various sects would not agree.

Not long after Chen Feng established his status in the martial arts world, the situation in the Huyang area surged again. The other two Green Forest bandits joined forces, and the Imperial Court also mobilized their troops to attack.

For a moment, Chen Feng became the target of everyone as he faced the attack of three sides.

The change in the situation made countless wandering martial artists perk up and understand the situation.

Chen Feng was in a disadvantageous position. If he could not survive this battle, even the number one villain in the world could have his forces disappear like smoke.

If he could survive, he would become the overlord of the Green Forest in Huyang. His status would become more and more stable, and he would continue to suppress the martial world. No one would be able to do anything to him for a long time.

Most of the people did not have the intention or qualifications to interfere and only planned to watch the show. However, there were also martial artists who prided themselves on being righteous and called for a group of heroes to take advantage of Chen Feng being attacked to backstab him and save the captured people from the demonic claws.

Most of the wandering martial artists who had participated in the martial arts conference only had one reaction when they heard this excuse -- Don't bother, I'll just acknowledge that I've lost!

However, there were really some newborn calves or interests who were tempted and felt that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For a moment, all kinds of rumors were rife in the martial world.

On the other side, Zhou Jing and the leader of the stronghold temporarily had no time to care about the reaction of the martial world. They were completely focused on fighting the two flood dragons and the Imperial Court.

...

The tents were continuous, and the flags fluttered. Countless boats and ships were operating on the lake in full swing.

Now that Zhou Jing's stronghold had already completed the war mobilization, many of the outlaw soldiers were on standby to prepare for battle.

In the camp, many leaders sat down one after another and listened to Du Ying report the current military situation.

"Chief, the spies have already investigated. The River Wandering Wyrm King, Wan Chunyang, is attacking from the east with 40,000 troops. The Copper-Headed Dragon King, Tan Peng, has sent out more than 10,000 troops to constantly attack the territories of our lakes from the north. As for the Huyang state government, they have gathered 30,000 elite soldiers and generals to converge in Fan Prefecture and invade from the west..."

Du Ying explained the intelligence in detail.

Although he was once Fan Zong's subordinate, people's hearts were easily changed. Now that he had sincerely submitted to Zhou Jing, this made Fan Zong feel very uncomfortable, but there was nothing he could do.

After interacting with him a few times, Zhou Jing chose Du Ying to be the military advisor of the stronghold. After all, there were too few cultured people in the stronghold. This man was a useful talent he could utilize.

"We're attacked from three sides and are attacked from both front and back. Does Military Advisor have a good plan?"

Zhou Jing sat at the head of the table and asked.

Du Ying thought for a moment and said, "The Imperial Court hasn't approached us yet, so there's naturally no room for negotiation. And judging from the current situation, Wan Chunyang actually dared to send troops on a large scale. He most likely cooperated with the Imperial Court in private and might have been recruited.

As for Tan Peng, although he also sent troops to suppress us, he only sent out more than 10,000 people to harass us. The rest of the troops are still guarding their territories. Clearly, they're on guard. He's probably not that determined and isn't completely on the same side."

"That makes sense."

The leaders nodded.

Du Ying paused for a moment before continuing,

"Last year, Tan Peng and Wan Chunyang joined forces to confront us because of the logic that when the lips are gone, the teeth will feel cold. Now, Wan Chunyang is most likely in contact with the Imperial Court. If he gets rid of us, Tan Peng won't have a good ending either. Therefore, we have a common relationship with Tan Peng now. Perhaps we can think of a way to fight alongside this person."

When Duan Yunfeng heard this, he said in a deep voice, "Advisor is right, but you have to be careful that there might be a scheme within. It's possible that Tan Peng has also submitted to the Imperial Court and deliberately pretended not to be on the same side to lure us into an alliance with them. He's waiting to turn around and stab us at this critical juncture."

"It's not impossible, but I have to come into contact with him before I can make a judgment."

Du Ying replied. Then, he looked at Zhou Jing and cupped his hands.

"Master, in my opinion, we should send an envoy to persuade Tan Peng to clarify the situation and make him change sides..."

Zhou Jing tapped his chair and looked at Fan Zong. He asked, "Brother Fan, you've been enemies with Tan Peng for many years. How much do you know about him? What kind of person is he?"

Fan Zong thought for a few seconds and replied, "This person came from a poor background and was once a fisherman on the river. He was oppressed by the government and was angered to the point he became an outlaw. He has a strong personality and a bad temper. He treats the Imperial Court as his enemy all year round, so the chances of him being recruited by the latter are not high..."

After Zhou Jing heard this, he pondered for a while before slowly speaking,

"In that case, no matter who wins or loses, Tan Peng's situation will be awkward. This person is scheming in the cracks, so he can be lured. Military Advisor, this plan is feasible. Just do it and let the envoy send my conditions. I'll fight Wan Chunyang and the Imperial Court's troops at the front. At that time, Wan Chunyang won't have the time to care about the rear and can persuade Tan Peng to change sides and attack.

I don't have the time to touch Wan Chunyang's territory and stronghold. Those are all his. In this way, he will have benefits. No matter who wins or loses between me and the Imperial Court, he can use this to strengthen himself."