Duan Lingxiao was already devastated, but when he saw that Xiao Shunzi and the other five people all stopped and retreated. In addition to surrounding him even more tightly, they stopped taking action. He couldn't help but look up, and saw those tiger guards attacking both sides.
They dispersed to the side, revealing two people. One of them was a white-haired old man, and the other was a handsome young man with a particularly childlike look. The old man looked sluggish, with cloth strips randomly wrapped around his arms, and blood seeped out of the gaps in the cloth strips, which made him look even more serious.
He was in a state of embarrassment, and the young man was holding the old man with his left hand and holding a short knife against the old man's throat with his right hand. He was standing opposite Jiang Zhe, far away from him. At this time, a scolding voice suddenly came from the tiger guards: "Ling Duan,
You ungrateful person, how dare you threaten us with hostages." Jiang Zhe gave the tiger a cold look, and his cold gaze made him retreat in frustration.
But it turned out that the young man was Ling Duan. He had no intention of returning to the army after following Qiu Yufei back to the Northern Han Dynasty. After all, for him, his only general was Tan Ji, not to mention Qiu Yufei's intention to introduce him to join the Demon Sect.
, although Qiu Yufei went to Donghai before returning to Jinyang, he still gave him a letter asking him to meet Duan Lingxiao, and Duan Lingxiao had a good impression of Ling Duan. Although he had not officially accepted him as a disciple,
It was also a matter of time. Although Ling Duan had been with Duan Lingxiao for a short time, his martial arts was originally laid down by Tan Ji and Qiu Yufei. Duan Lingxiao taught him one after another, and his martial arts improved a lot, although it was not as good as what Duan Lingxiao had brought this time.
There are several registered disciples of the Demon Sect, but they have barely entered the second rank. He has been in the army for many years and is very familiar with the geography of Qinzhou and Zezhou, so this time he also followed Duan Lingxiao to participate in the post-war search and killing operations. However, he was following Su Qing.
At that time, Duan Lingxiao was doing it alone, while the other Demon Sect disciples who responded to Duan Lingxiao followed the mark left by Duan Lingxiao. Only Ling Duan was left ten miles away to guard the horses because of his low martial arts skills.
Only then did he escape the tiger guards. But Ling Duan was not willing to stay behind and wait. For him, Jiang Zhe was the biggest shadow in his life, his most respected general, and his friend in trouble.
He died in the hands of this man, so he secretly sneaked into the village against his orders. However, he arrived too late. At this time, the Tiger Guards had withdrawn their ambush and trapped Duan Lingxiao by the lake. The other disciples of the Demon Sect were beheaded one after another, but Ling Duan arrived late.
Yes, but his life was saved.
Ling Duan knew that he did not have the ability to rescue Duan Lingxiao, so he could only hope that Duan Lingxiao could escape on his own. Unfortunately, Duan Lingxiao's breakout failed. Ling Duan knew in his heart that the entire army would be annihilated, and the only turning point was himself, because it seemed that Yong Jun
He did not realize his existence. Although Duan Lingxiao had not officially accepted Ling Duan as his disciple, Ling Duan already regarded Duan Lingxiao as his mentor in his heart. In order to save his master's life, his disciple should sacrifice himself at all costs, so Ling Duan made a decision regardless of life and death.
When he sneaked into the village, he discovered Ji Xuan and Zhao Liang. These two people were protected by two tiger guards, or under house arrest. They were not allowed to leave their residence. Zhao Liang was fine, but Zhao Xuan was.
There he kept complaining about Jiang Zhe, and the two tiger guards laughed bitterly. Ling Duan, who had followed Jiang Zhe for a while, knew that although Jiang Zhe had an easy-going temperament, his subordinates were very strict. He had experienced Jiang Zhe personally.
Although Zhao Xuan kept complaining, Ling Duan could intuitively feel the kindness in the old man's tone. When he talked about Jiang Zhe, his tone was like that of a close friend or an elder, and from those two tigers
Judging from Wei's expression, he was not angry because of this, which showed that Jiang Zhe either respected or tolerated this old man. No matter which situation it was, it showed the importance of this old man. Thinking of this, Ling Duan decided to kidnap
Zhao Xuan blackmailed Jiang Zhe. Of course, it was possible that Jiang Zhe didn't care about the old man's life at all, but Ling Duan could not just watch Duan Lingxiao die here. He knew very well Duan Lingxiao's arrogance. If he was defeated and captured, he would never survive.
of the world.
But not to mention that the young man who was busy packing his luggage was not weak in martial arts, even the two tiger guards were not something he could easily deal with, and they could not alert the Yong army by the lake. Fortunately, Ling Duan brought a sleeve of arrows, which
It was originally given to him by Xiao Tong. At this time, the enemy-capturing weapon used by the Northern Han Dynasty scouts had a strong anesthetic quenched on the arrow, which could capture the enemy alive for torture. With the secret skills taught to him by Qiu Yufei and Duan Lingxiao, he successfully
Knocked down all four people. However, he did not take their lives. This was not because he was soft-hearted. He was worried that if he angered Jiang Zhe by killing these people, it would be self-defeating.
At first, I was overwhelmed with thoughts. How could such a thing happen? The two Tiger Guards and Zhao Liang were protecting Ji Xuan. Although Ling Duan’s martial arts was excellent, he was still young after all. He would not be the opponent of the Tiger Guards.
, we shouldn’t have succeeded silently. Su Qing whispered beside me: "Sir, that man must have used a hidden weapon with tempering medicine. The scouts of both armies have such hidden weapons. They are used to capture the enemy alive.
"It suddenly dawned on me. No wonder Ji Xuan looked so weak. It's not that I didn't know about such methods. Even the poison-quenching hidden weapons in the hands of the disciples in the secret camp were developed by me personally. However, I always thought that Ling Duan was a person with bright character.
Man, I never thought that he would use such a method. Now I think about it and can't help but laugh to myself. After all, Ling Duan is Tan Ji's personal guard. It seems that his relationship with the Demon Sect is not very close now. With such a background, how can he care about any method.
I glanced at Ji Xuan and saw his tired expression. I couldn't help but feel slightly angry and said, "Ling Duan, Jiang is too lazy to mention what happened in the past. You regard me as treating your kindness like dirt. I don't blame you either. Today you
You actually want to threaten me with hostages, do you think that I am a merciful person?"
Ling Duan felt a chill in his heart, and saw that Jiang Zhe had a cold expression. Although he was a frail scholar with an elegant demeanor, he was standing with his hands behind his hands. His thin body seemed as proud as a green bamboo in the snow, and there was a faint murderous look between his eyebrows. Thinking of the past,
He felt like a flood of thoughts. He said bitterly: "My lord, Ling Duan did not dare or forget about your methods. In the past, Ling Duan was already a prisoner awaiting death. Fortunately, he received your mercy and escaped. Although your lord later killed Li
Tiger, Ling Duan has been resentful in his heart for a long time, but now that he thinks about it, our lives were originally picked up by you, and even if you took them away, we would have nothing to say. If you were prudent at that time, you should have silenced me all together, but your Majesty
Let me let you go. That day in the snowy wilderness, Ling Duan stirred up his inner demons because of the sound of the piano and assassinated the Lord, but the Lord showed mercy and spared Ling Duan's life. Ling Duan did not dare to forget the kindness of sparing his life three times, but
Ling Duan can't forget the death of General Tan and Li Hu, and now the eldest son Duan is Ling Duan who wants to be his mentor. His mentor's life is in danger. As a disciple, how can he just sit back and watch. Ling Duan guessed that the master cares about this old gentleman very much, so he dared
Blackmail, as long as you are willing to let the eldest son go, Ling Duan is willing to die to apologize."
I frowned. Although killing Duan Lingxiao was not my intention, I could see that it would be impossible to capture him alive. Duan Lingxiao's identity was very important. Seeing his temperament and intelligence, he was definitely not someone willing to bear the humiliation. But
I was not willing to let him go like this. I subconsciously looked at Xiao Shunzi and asked his opinion with my eyes.
Xiao Shunzi frowned. In his opinion, it was best to kill Duan Lingxiao. How Ji Xuan was compared to Duan Lingxiao was more important, not to mention that if there was such a master, he would be a threat to the young master after all, but he also knew that he
You can't make decisions without permission. After all, the young master has far-sighted vision. Many decisions that seemed very unwise at the time will be the key to victory or defeat in the future, so he finally decided to just explain the current situation. After thinking about it, Xiao Shunzi sent a message:
"Sir, Duan Lingxiao hit me on two fingers one after another. Now he has suffered serious internal injuries. My internal strength is extremely cold and cold. Mr. Sang once taught me a mental method that can restrain the Demon Sect's mental method. His internal injuries are like possessed.
If the Bone Maggot wants to recover as before, even with the help of the Demon Sect, it will not be possible within a few months. Now he is just supporting it by force."
After listening to Xiao Shunzi's words, I feel a little relieved. In this case, if Duan Lingxiao, who can't do anything, is replaced by Ji Xuan, I won't suffer a loss. However, I need to take advantage of it more, and I can't let Ling Duan succeed easily. Otherwise, what will happen if someone follows suit in the future?
What? Deliberately making my expression even colder, I said solemnly: "Ling Duan, I think you have been by my side. As long as you let Mr. Ji go, I will spare your life, otherwise I will kill Duan first."
Young Master, I will deal with you again."
A firm look flashed in Ling Duan's eyes and he said: "My lord, since Ling Duan dares to threaten you, he does not care about life and death. If your lord continues to attack the eldest son, Ling Duan will have no choice but to kill this old gentleman first, and then
Accompany the eldest son to die here. Whether this person lives or dies is up to you."
My heart skipped a beat. I didn't expect this Ling Duan to be so determined. But how did he know that I would definitely exchange hostages? At this time, Ji Xuan might have been wearing off the medicine, so he managed to say loudly: "I don't need you, Jiang Suiyun, to save me. I want you to save me."
Just kill him, I am a disgraceful person." I almost gritted my teeth. This Ji Xuan is really causing trouble for me, but it would be troublesome if Ling Duan misunderstood that I didn't want to save him. I quickly looked at Ling Duan's expression carefully.
Seeing that his expression was becoming more and more confident, he let Ji Xuan shout loudly, but he just put the short knife against Ji Xuan's throat, neither light nor hard, so as not to hurt him, and to prevent him from breaking away. Seeing that I was silent, Ling Duan shouted loudly
Said: "Sir, if you don't decide, I will have no choice but to kill him."
I looked at Duan Lingxiao hatefully and said, "How does the eldest son view this matter?"
Duan Lingxiao had just been tending to his injuries so that he could be buried with him when he strikes again. He was not sure that Jiang Zhe would let him go for an old man. When Jiang Zhe asked him, he said calmly: "Duan'er is also fooling around, sir.
He is a rich man, how can he be easily threatened? Duan is confident that his worth is not low, Duan'er should leave quickly, at least this person's life should be enough for you."
Ling Duan's eyes turned red, almost spitting out fire. Naturally, he also doubted whether Jiang Zhe would be threatened by him. Although Jiang Zhe seemed to attach great importance to the hostages in his hands, Master Duan was the leader of the Demon Sect and had a distinguished status.
, even if it were him, he would never let it go easily, but as long as there was a glimmer of hope, he would not give up. Looking at Jiang Zhe, he gritted his teeth and said: "My lord, please decide. If you refuse to exchange, I will have no choice but to kill this person."
People can also recover some interest."
I was shocked. Ling Duan is aloof and surly by nature. If he continues to be forced, I'm afraid he will really kill Ji Xuan, which would be terrible. Since Duan Lingxiao has been seriously injured, it doesn't matter even if he is let go. Anyway, as long as
I was relieved that he would not be able to take action within a few months. By the time he was able to take action, the Northern Han Dynasty would have collapsed, and no matter how high his martial arts skills were, it would be of little use.
I smiled bitterly and thought, I'll just let Duan Lingxiao go, but I can't let you go so easily. I rolled my eyes and said coldly: "Although Mr. Ji is an old friend of mine, Mr. Duan is a member of the Northern Han Dynasty."
Master and apprentice, your position is so noble. When I saw him today, I felt that the eldest young master was a great hero. It would be okay to let him go. But you are threatening me with a hostage. If I let the eldest young master go lightly, wouldn’t it be an order?
People in the world think that I can be blackmailed. So, if you are willing to let Mr. Ji go, I will allow you to exchange your own life for the life of the eldest son Duan. One life is worth one life, and I have already suffered a loss."
Ling Duan was stunned. Although he was ready to pay the price with his life, he did not expect it to be done in this way. But when he thought about it carefully, Ling Duan felt happy and thought to himself that taking hostages was a shameless thing. He was just a
He is a small person, but the eldest young master is the leader of the Demon Sect. If he can pay for his life with his own life, he will indeed have taken advantage. Thinking of this, he said calmly: "My lord, I have made a promise with a thousand pieces of gold. Ling Duan has never seen the young master break his promise. So,
Ling Duan is willing to risk his life, but he just asks for your forgiveness. Before the eldest son leaves, Ling Duan cannot let go of the hostages."
Duan Lingxiao shook his head slightly. At this moment, he knew very well that Jiang Zhe might not want to save his life. Just based on the way Jiang Zhe instructed Su Qing to intercept him, he knew that Jiang Zhe was a thoughtful and vicious person.
He would not leave a way for the enemy to survive. He asked himself that if he faced such a situation, although it was a bit dangerous, it was not impossible to successfully rescue the hostages. Ling Duan's martial arts was not high. He also did not think that Jiang Zhe really kept his promise.
As long as Jiang Zhe kills all outsiders who know about it, who will know that he has not kept his promise? So maybe Ling Duan is the one who contributed to his survival, but if Jiang Zhe had not had such an idea, then he would never have been able to
Got this glimmer of hope. And Jiang Zhe wants Ling Duan to sacrifice his life, perhaps because he wants to retaliate against Ling Duan for damaging his majesty. But now Duan Lingxiao has no way to stop this from happening, unless he really wants to die here, but
Even if he was willing to die, he still couldn't save Ling Duan. He raised his head and looked at Jiang Zhe, who happened to be walking towards him. Those clear and calm eyes seemed to have a hint of mockery. Duan Lingxiao met Jiang Zhe clearly.
A trace of surprise flashed across his face, as if he had realized that he had seen through his mind, and he couldn't help but smile bitterly. In any case, his life was exchanged for a junior disciple of the Demon Sect. This kind of humiliation will definitely follow him for the rest of his life.
.
Sighing softly, he said calmly: "Duan'er, let Mr. Ji go. Who is Mr. Jiang? You can't threaten him. Now that he has agreed, he will not go back on his word without reason, and neither should you."
Stubborn."
Ling Duan was at a loss. He respected Duan Lingxiao very much. He hesitated and finally let go of Ji Xuan. He was confident that the eldest son would not seek death. Sure enough, after he let go of Ji Xuan, all but two tiger guards quickly helped him.
Apart from Ji Xuan, Jiang Zhe did not order an attack, and no one even came to subdue him.
I glanced at Ling Duan, who had a blank look on his face, and knew that this young man had really given up all desire for survival. I couldn't help feeling pity in my heart. At this time, a tiger guard hurried over to report: "Master Qi, Zhao
The young master and three other people are not in danger of life, they just passed out."
I felt relieved, looked at Ling Duan, and said coldly: "Ling Duan, do you know why I have always been so tolerant to you."
Ling Duan raised his head, there was no trace of blood on his pale face, he gritted his teeth and said nothing.
I said coldly: "You are just an ordinary soldier, why should I use you to please you? If you were not General Tan's bodyguard ghost knight, why would I need to pay attention to your life and death? When the Japanese Marquis kept you by his side as an attendant, there was no need for me to do so."
I humiliated you, but you were ungrateful and escaped privately. That's it. For General Tan's sake, it's understandable that you are loyal to the Northern Han Dynasty. Although I am wanted to arrest him, I didn't really do anything to you. You survived by chance, so you should
It's a good thing to save your life, but you are here today to assassinate me. When things don't work out, you threaten me with hostages. This is unbearable. Someone comes and drags him down and gives him fifty lashes.
"
Since Youhu Bao took the order and escorted him down, Ling Duan had no intention of resisting and silently walked out with his hands lowered. Not long after, the sound of whips hitting flesh could be heard in the distance.
After dealing with Ling Duan, I looked at Duan Lingxiao and said with a smile: "Does the eldest master have any objection to my handling of this?"
A trace of joy flashed in Duan Lingxiao's eyes, and he said: "The Marquis was compassionate and willing to spare Ling Duan's life. Duan feels the same way. Even if the Marquis breaks his promise and takes Duan's life, Duan will die unshakable."
I smiled slightly, and Duan Lingxiao's eyes were indeed bright. Just by punishing Ling Duan, he knew that I had no intention of killing him. Firstly, I had taken advantage of Ling Duan, so I felt a little guilty towards him. Secondly, I liked Ling Duan's temperament very much. Since he didn't kill him
I will spare the lives of Hu Xi and Zhao Liang who were plotted. Of course, the most important reason is that after what happened today, Ling Duan must have an extraordinary status in Duan Lingxiao's heart and will definitely become an important figure in the Demon Sect in the future.
Character, having someone who is fearful and grateful to me exists in the Demon Sect is definitely a good thing for me. After all, the Demon Sect of the Northern Han Dynasty cannot be destroyed. Not to mention that the inheritance of the Demon Sect has its own unique features, but
Based on my true intentions, I would not want to destroy the Demon Sect. After all, neither the Emperor nor I want to see famous sects like Shaolin Temple becoming dominant. The world, like the imperial court, needs checks and balances on power.
Since I no longer had any murderous intention towards Duan Lingxiao, I waved my hand and ordered everyone to retreat, leaving only Xiao Shunzi, Hu Yanshou and Su Qing to protect me. Even the four masters asked them to retreat far away, but Duan Lingxiao did not take the opportunity to attack.
His internal injuries are not minor, but Xiao Shunzi is not injured at all. And with masters like Su Qing and Hu Yanshou beside him, no matter how conceited Duan Lingxiao is, he will never believe that he can assassinate me. How could such a smart and decisive person do something useless?
So I also put on this friendly pattern, but Xiao Shunzi will not let him leave. The son of a rich man cannot sit down in court, but I am very careful. Who knows if Duan Lingxiao will go crazy?
I said gently: "Master Duan, Ling Duan is not suitable to stay in Qinzhou anymore. I will send him to the East China Sea to be with Yu Fei. I wonder what your wishes are?"
Duan Lingxiao's eyes flashed and he said: "Thank you, Mr. Hou, for your consideration. Although this child's martial arts is not high, his character and qualifications are first-rate. I can't bear to see him get hurt on the battlefield. Yu Fei treats this child differently and sends him away."
It would be good to go to the East China Sea, the Marquis really loves Ling Duan very much."
I sighed softly and said, "Zhe regrets in his life that he never met General Tan in person. General Tan only has such a close bodyguard left. How can I bear to take his life?"
Duan Lingxiao's heart moved, and when he saw Jiang Zhe's sincere tone, he couldn't help but sigh: "Tan Ji is arrogant and arrogant, and his heart is full of hatred and misery. The master had intended to accept him as his disciple back then, but it was a pity that he had too many inner demons, so he was only ordered to live in the next generation.
I am deeply saddened by the death of General Tan in order to pass on martial arts."
I chanted loudly: "The unkind heaven brings chaos, the unkind earth brings smoke. Relatives and parents turn to dust, and there is nothing you can do if your aspirations are shattered and your heart is broken. Although resentment is repaid, it will never stop, but it is difficult to die if the king is too kind. Killing people is enough."
I have no regrets when I am in the wild, bleeding and drifting, and my life is ruined; you hold the crossbow, I hold the gun, and I drive and ride, so you follow me; the Qinshui is cold, so I bury my body, and I go to the underworld, so my mind is peaceful; I have no fear of life and death, so I am generous and generous
, my heart breaks when I see someone from the past!"
Duan Lingxiao listened silently, with a look of sadness on his face, silently recalling Tan Ji's voice and smile, filled with sadness in his heart, but suddenly realized that he had been practicing Xuan Gong for many years, and it was difficult for him to have mood swings, but he didn't expect it now.
He couldn't help himself. It seemed that the internal injuries were more serious than expected. His expression showed no abnormality and he said calmly: "The Marquis is really contradictory. Although Tan Ji died in the hands of King Qi, I am afraid that the plan was decided by the Marquis.
Why should we feel sad about it now?"
I smiled proudly and said: "Although I am a scholar, I am somewhat arrogant. Although there are many people in this world, most of them are mediocre people, and those who stand out among them are rare. I love heroes the most in my life, no matter whether they are enemies or enemies."
Even if you are a friend, I will not neglect you. It’s just a pity that I am a secular person after all. Due to the limitations of my status, even if I love you deeply, I have to get rid of it quickly. General Tan and Mr. Duan are both heroes in the world, so General Tan
You have to die, and although you, eldest son, may not die today, you know that I am not planning for the future. It’s just that you don’t blame me when the time comes.”
Duan Lingxiao laughed loudly and said: "Jiang Suiyun is really generous. Although you are a scholar, you are as heroic as a hero in this world. Emperor Yong has you as his assistant. No wonder he is so proud. Ling Duan is just a junior. It's okay if you don't kill him.
But Yu Fei once assassinated you, why didn't you kill him and instead kept him in the East China Sea at all costs? Isn't this the benevolence of a woman?"
I smiled and said nothing. Although Qiu Yufei was good at martial arts, he was fond of music by nature and tired of the world. How could such a person pose a threat to me? I kept him here, firstly because I admire him, and secondly because I will be of use to him in the future.
At this point, killing a person does not mean that you hate him, and the kindness of your subordinates does not mean mercy. How can these things be explained clearly to others? Besides, I have no intention of explaining it, so why not let others think that I have the kindness of a woman?
Seeing that Jiang Zhe was silent, Duan Lingxiao was also silent. He naturally knew that the two of them were always hostile and could not get along with each other. However, after spending so much time together, Duan Lingxiao felt that although Jiang Zhe was a weak scholar, he had the style of a forest man.
Sometimes it felt like a spring breeze, and sometimes it felt like walking on ice, which made people have the contradictory feeling that they couldn't bear to stay away and didn't dare to get close to him. It was a pity that this person was an important minister of the Great Yong.
After a moment of silence, I woke up from my thoughts and said, "Huyan, go get the wine. I want to see the eldest son off."
Hu Yanshou glanced at Duan Lingxiao warily, then went down to summon him. Not long after, he personally brought a wooden tray over with a wine jug and two wine cups on it. I picked up the wine jug with my own hands, filled the two glasses of wine, and carried it myself.
After picking up a glass, Hu Yanshou walked to Duan Lingxiao with a tray. Duan Lingxiao smiled calmly and also picked up a glass.
I raised the wine glass and said: "Young Master, you kill my guard, and I will kill your comrades. The two countries are at war, and you and I are enemies. There is only wine brewed in the countryside here, but we are destined to meet today. It would be difficult to enjoy it without wine. I don't know."
Is the eldest son willing to honor me?"
Duan Lingxiao drank it all in one gulp and said: "Today we are fighting, I will defeat you and you will win. However, although your army is strong, it may not be able to win. I hope you will take it seriously."
I did not comment, but slowly drank the wine from the glass and said: "It is a pity that the eldest son did not lead the army in battle. With your wit and decisiveness, the use of troops should not be under the control of our Majesty."
Duan Lingxiao was stunned at first, then showed a faint wry smile. As the leader of the Demon Sect, he had to maintain a detached posture. How could he lead the army in battle? Besides, once he was trapped in the army, it would be difficult to improve his martial arts. He was the direct descendant of his master. In order to maintain the sect of the master, he was stunned for a moment.
Reputation cannot distract from worldly matters, but how can we talk about it to others.
After sending Duan Lingxiao away, I felt happy in my heart. Fortunately, this person was not my opponent. I asked him to bring Ling Duan after being tortured. I didn’t say much. I just asked him if he was willing to go to the East China Sea to meet Qiu Yu.
Fei, if you want, you can go on your own. Ling Duan was stunned and nodded in agreement. He never had the face to go against me anymore. But after he left, I politely asked Zhang Jinxiong to secretly follow him to the East China Sea. If Ling Duan really stayed
That's all. If he escapes on the way, I will kill him. I think General Tan Ji won't mind if I kill such a dishonest and unrighteous person.