https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1020-The-Confident-Three-Parties/13047459/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1022-Battle-Report-from-Bingzhou/13047461/
Chapter 1021: Zhang Yan's Return
Chapter 1021: Zhang Yan's Return
In the Governor's Mansion of Guangyang Prefecture, Youzhou, a man and a woman were deep in discussion, planning their next move.
Due to the fall of Dai Prefecture to Lu Hai Kong's forces, their communication with the outside world had been subtly severed, leaving them unaware of the ongoing battle between Dong Zhuo and Lu Hai Kong.
However, they had some prior information and estimated the timing of Dong Zhuo's army entering Bingzhou and the commencement of the battle with Lu Hai Kong.
Based on their calculations, they reckoned that the battle between Dong Zhuo and Lu Hai Kong had been raging for four to five days.
During this time, Lu Hai Kong's forces would have likely endured significant losses against Dong Zhuo's army, prompting them to recall the elite troops from Youzhou.
Their plan was to strike at the moment Lu Hai Kong decided to recall the elite troops from Youzhou, not aiming for any significant achievements but to delay the elite forces, ensuring they couldn't return to Lu Hai Kong's side in time.
They had a strong sense of alliance, believing that by holding back the elite troops, Dong Zhuo's forces would have a chance to deliver a devastating blow to Lu Hai Kong, rendering them incapable of launching a counter-attack.
To achieve this goal, they had to delay Lu Hai Kong's forces as much as possible.
Their plan was intricate and well-crafted, even though the Yellow Turban Saintess lacked military prowess. However, the man beside her possessed exceptional military talent and extensive combat experience.
Although it seemed like a joint effort, the man had formulated the majority of the plan, and within an hour, he had devised a comprehensive strategy to stall Lu Hai Kong's elite troops without engaging them directly.
"My plan is straightforward. By following this strategy, we only need to sacrifice a small number of soldiers to delay them for five to ten days. Although it's not a long time, it's enough to inflict severe damage on Lu Hai Kong's forces," the man explained.
Before the Yellow Turban Saintess could respond, a round of applause filled the hall, followed by a clear and indifferent voice: "I've heard that the Daoist Master is proficient in both governance and military affairs, and today's encounter proves that reputation. However, you've chosen the wrong opponent. No matter how hard you struggle, it's merely a comical act of a clown."
The voice was indifferent, yet it carried a subtle tone of mockery.
The Yellow Turban Saintess and her companion didn't pay much attention to the tone, but as soon as they heard the voice, their faces changed, and they immediately assumed a defensive posture. They were all too familiar with the owner of that voice.
Almost simultaneously with their reaction, a slender figure in a Daoist robe appeared in the hall.
Upon seeing this person, the Yellow Turban Saintess smirked and fixed her gaze on the newcomer, asking with a cold smile, "Zhang Yan, you dare to return? Aren't you afraid of being suppressed by me again?"
It was evident that the Yellow Turban Saintess held a deep fear of Zhang Yan, and as she spoke, a Dao Talisman appeared in her hand, as if ready to unleash a dazzling light to show Zhang Yan her power.
However, before the Yellow Turban Saintess could make her move, the man beside her pulled her back and turned his gaze towards Zhang Yan, narrowing his eyes as he asked, "What did you mean by that?"
Zhang Yan turned to face the man, and for once, a hint of mockery flashed in her indifferent eyes. "It's true. Your ridiculous plan reveals that you seem unaware of the situation in Bingzhou. No wonder you still have the leisure to devise this."
"The battle in Bingzhou? Has Lu Hai Kong been crushed by Dong Zhuo's army so quickly?" The Yellow Turban Saintess scoffed, unconvinced that Lu Hai Kong could make any significant impact.
In contrast, the man beside her wasn't as optimistic. Hearing those words, he furrowed his brows, sensing from Zhang Yan's tone that something unexpected had occurred on Lu Hai Kong's side, an outcome they didn't desire.
"Could it be that Lu Hai Kong has successfully halted Dong Zhuo's army?"
The man's heart sank, convinced that this was the case. At present, it could only be this scenario, which spelled trouble for them. If Lu Hai Kong's forces managed to block Dong Zhuo's army, they might face a devastating defeat, something he desperately wanted to avoid.
As Zhang Yan finished speaking, she noticed a hint of mockery in Zhang Yan's eyes, causing a shiver to run down her spine.
"Could it be...?"
"A day ago, Lu Hai Kong mobilized three hundred thousand troops, led by Wang Ti as the Supreme Commander, with Xun You as the Military Advisor, and generals Huang Zhong, Yan Liang, Wen U, Zhao Er, and Gao Lan. In one night, they crushed Dong Zhuo's two hundred thousand elite troops, captured the general Zhang Xiu and Hua Xiong under Dong Zhuo's command, and even Dong Zhuo's Military Advisor, Jia Xu, was captured by Lu Hai Kong's forces. Dong Zhuo's army was utterly defeated!"
Before the man could finish his sentence, Zhang Yan interrupted, not bothering to let him guess, and directly revealed the detailed battle report.
The report exploded in the ears of the Yellow Turban Saintess and the man like thunder, leaving them pale-faced, incredulous, and dazed.
"Impossible! How can this be? How could Lu Hai Kong possess such terrifying power?" The Yellow Turban Saintess shook her head in denial, refusing to accept this reality.
However, Zhang Yan had no intention of convincing them; she had only come to retrieve her belongings.
"Believe it or not, it makes no difference to you. This farce ends here. You've had your fun, now it's time to rest."
As Zhang Yan spoke, she started walking towards them.
"Stop!"
As Zhang Yan took a step forward, the Yellow Turban Saintess's expression changed, and she raised the Dao Talisman in her hand, pointing it at Zhang Yan.
A 6 and a 9, a book, a bar, and a look, all without a single mistake!
This Dao Talisman was clearly no ordinary item. Even before it was activated, a mysterious aura began to spread from it. The aura wasn't particularly strong, but it carried a sense akin to the Dao. It was evident that this talisman was crafted by a Daoist Sage. Half a year ago, Zhang Yan had been controlled by a similar talisman.
"Take advantage of the Dao Talisman not being fully activated. If you want to escape, now is the time. Any later, and even if you want to flee, you won't be able to."
As the Dao Talisman in the Yellow Turban Saintess's hand glowed brightly, she relaxed, looking at Zhang Yan with a cold smile, as if she had Zhang Yan right where she wanted her.
However, while she verbally encouraged Zhang Yan to escape, she had no intention of letting her go. As the talisman's light flickered, the Yellow Turban Saintess waved her hand, sending the light towards Zhang Yan, fearing she might get away.
The moment the Dao Talisman left the Yellow Turban Saintess's hand, her smile widened, confident in the power of her talisman. Half a year ago, it had easily controlled Zhang Yan, and now, Zhang Yan would undoubtedly fall under its influence again.
But while her thoughts were sweet, reality was a bit cruel.
As the Yellow Turban Saintess released the Dao Talisman, a book appeared in front of Zhang Yan, emitting a faint glow. Before the mysterious aura of the talisman could reach Zhang Yan, it vanished.
"Gone? How is that possible? That talisman was drawn by him! How could it be so easily blocked?" The sudden turn of events startled the Yellow Turban Saintess, causing her to tremble.
"His Dao Talisman? Is it that impressive? It's just a poorly made item. Without his Dao Energy, it's as good as trash!"
Zhang Yan's expression was indifferent, and as the book floated in her hand, she strode towards the Yellow Turban Saintess and the man.
"What are you doing? Don't come any closer!"
Facing Zhang Yan's approaching figure, the Yellow Turban Saintess's face paled with fear, and she began to retreat. After all, the woman before her was fearless, even in the face of her most powerful weapon.
However, Zhang Yan didn't show the weakness she had pretended to have. As she backed away, she signaled to the man beside her with her free hand, clearly planning some sort of trick.
But before they could execute their plan, they found themselves mysteriously affixed with a Dao Talisman, and just like that, they were both frozen in place, as if they had turned to stone.
(End of Chapter)
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