Chapter Fifteen: The Seizure of Black Earth City

Wu Renfu pressed his foot down on Murong Yan and burst into boisterous laughter, “Little girl, you escaped last time, but this time, let’s see if you can get away again!” He shouted to his underlings, “Tie her up—” But before he could finish, a fierce chill swept over him from behind. It was already too late to dodge!

A sharp crack rang out—a single blow—and his head was smashed to pieces by an iron hammer, splattering like a watermelon. He didn’t even have time to utter a groan before his corpse tumbled to the ground.

Murong Yan turned her head in astonishment and joy. It was Ye Feng. She cried out, “Young Master Ye, you’re alive?!”

Ye Feng staggered, unable to stand, dropping to one knee. The iron hammer slipped from his grasp, planting itself in the earth. His chest twisted with agony as a surge of hot blood rose in his throat; he spat a mouthful of it onto the ground. Barely managing to utter, “I… not…” he collapsed, unconscious once more.

“Young Master Ye!” Murong Yan’s heart raced as she saw Ye Feng faint again. She rushed forward in panic.

Wu Renfu’s loyal followers, seeing their leader slain, were thrown into chaos, shouting, “Shoot! Shoot! Kill the girl!” Yet, though the windows of the surrounding tall buildings were flung open, not a single arrow was fired.

The crowd beneath the execution platform, seeing Wu Renfu dead, erupted in cheers and surged forward en masse, clashing fiercely with the soldiers. Many of these soldiers, reluctant accomplices to Wu Renfu’s crimes, now laid down their weapons and surrendered. The few diehards who refused were quickly beaten to death by the overwhelming numbers.

The uprising swelled like waves, engulfing the city. The people organized themselves and spread out to seize control, swiftly occupying the entire city.

But how had Ye Feng survived Wu Renfu’s brutal blow with the steel whip? And why hadn’t the ambush of archers in the surrounding buildings played their part?

The answer: Ye Feng had previously taken the miraculous herb known as Strengthening Grass. Though it couldn’t render him invulnerable, it fortified his body, granting him a physique of steel and iron. Wu Renfu’s whip, though powerful, failed to inflict mortal harm, only knocking Ye Feng unconscious.

When Ye Feng awoke and struck from behind, Wu Renfu was defenseless. As for the archers, Ye Feng had discovered their ambush during his earlier reconnaissance and dispatched his men to quietly subdue them.

This victory allowed Ye Feng, Murong Yan, and their band of righteous rebels to seize control of Black Earth City, establishing their own base.

Ye Xiaotian buried his brother, sister-in-law, and fallen retainers, opened the granaries, and provided relief for the suffering. The people rallied behind them, volunteering for the army, and the rebel force soon grew to over ten thousand strong.

Ye Feng recovered from his wounds and worked with Murong Yan to devise policies of appeasement—distributing land, reducing taxes and rents, and encouraging production—which greatly stimulated the people’s enthusiasm. Stability soon returned, and with their diligent labor, that very year brought a bountiful harvest and prosperity.

Grateful to the righteous army, the people eagerly paid their grain taxes, ensuring the troops were well supplied and motivated.

Ye Feng watched these changes with joy, feeling an inexhaustible vigor within him.

One day, soldiers came to report: “Chief, two people request an audience at the gate.”

Murong Yan asked, “Who are they?”

The soldier replied, “One is an old man, over sixty, who calls himself Xu Yaozu, and he has a nickname—‘The True Lord of Fire.’ The other is a young man, nearly twenty, named Xu Zhihui. He also has a nickname, something like ‘Fire...’”

He paused, unable to recall.

Murong Yan’s face lit up. “Is it ‘Fire Thunderbolt’?”

“Yes, yes! They say they are father and son, and also your master and senior disciple.”

“That’s them!” Murong Yan exclaimed. “I can’t believe they’ve come. Quickly, assemble the troops to welcome them.”

Overjoyed, she rushed toward the gate, then remembered something and hurried back to change into new clothes. Once neatly dressed, she led the welcoming party out of the city.

Ye Feng rode beside Murong Yan, accompanying her to meet the visitors.

As they exited the city, they saw, from afar, the old and the young man mounted on their horses. The elder was stout, with a round belly, fiery red hair and beard, and bright, piercing eyes. From a distance, he called out in a booming voice, “Yan’er, how have you been?”

The young man was robust, with a fair face and no beard, his triangular eyes darting about. Upon seeing Murong Yan, his eyes gleamed with excitement. “Yan’er, little sister, you’ve made your senior brother search high and low!”

Murong Yan immediately dismounted and bowed deeply, “Master, senior brother, Murong Yan greets you.”

The old man jumped down, hurried forward, and helped Murong Yan up. “Yan’er, no need for ceremony—stand up quickly!” He gazed at her with delight, barely able to contain his joy. “Yan’er, you’ve grown up, become beautiful and accomplished—you haven’t shamed your parents.”

Murong Yan blushed, “Master, you flatter me. What achievement do I have? It’s thanks to the brothers’ support.”

She then introduced her brother, Murong Bao, and Ye Feng. Murong Bao, already acquainted with them, was delighted to meet again. When introduced to Ye Feng, Xu Yaozu nodded repeatedly in praise.

Xu Zhihui, however, harbored suspicion, feigning cordiality but frequently casting furtive glances at Ye Feng, making Ye Feng uneasy and increasingly repulsed.

The group returned to the governor’s mansion, where Murong Yan offered a lavish banquet.

After the third round of drinks and fifth course, Murong Yan requested the father and son to stay and help lead and train the army.

Xu Yaozu stroked his fiery beard, puffed out his belly, and laughed heartily. “Yan’er, you know talent when you see it. How could soldier training lack your master?”

Xu Zhihui also nodded earnestly, saluting, “Helping my junior sister train troops is my duty!”

The next day, they all went to the training grounds. Xu Yaozu and his son observed the soldiers’ drill and were full of praise.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Murong Yan divided the soldiers into four battalions, each led by Murong Bao, Ye Feng, and the Xu father and son, training separately with regular assessments to determine the best.

Xu Yaozu and Xu Zhihui, pleased with their immediate promotion to battalion commanders, became all the more diligent. The four leaders vied to excel, hoping their troops would emerge victorious and not fall behind.

Thus, the soldiers’ military skills improved rapidly. After training, the leaders often gathered together, as close as family.

One day, Xu Yaozu and his son invited Murong Bao and Ye Feng to a drinking session. After the third round and fifth course, Xu Zhihui pulled Ye Feng aside, patting his shoulder and reeking of alcohol, “Ye… Feng… brother… honestly, how have my father and I treated you?”

Ye Feng replied quickly, “Of course, nothing to complain about! Elder Xu values me highly and often guides me in demon-slaying techniques. As for you, senior brother, since you’re Murong Yan’s senior, you’re like a brother to me. If you give any command, I dare not disobey!”

Xu Zhihui paused, his face darkening, then his eyes shifted and he forced a smile, “Ye Feng, you’re too polite! I just have one request—if you can do it, agree; if not, I won’t blame you.”

Now somewhat sobered, he spoke more clearly.

“Speak, I am willing to risk my life for you!” Ye Feng replied.

“Well… well…” Xu Zhihui’s face reddened, suddenly bashful. At last, he said, “I only wish you would keep your distance from my junior sister. You know, we grew up together, childhood sweethearts. My father always intended to arrange a marriage, but her parents passed early, so it was delayed.”

Ye Feng felt immediate resentment. Though he admired Murong Yan, she was of noble birth and he never dared aspire to her hand, only wishing to serve her loyally and drive out the demonic forces. He hadn’t expected Xu Zhihui to drag him into matters of love, making him feel deeply embarrassed.

So Ye Feng replied firmly, “Brother Xu, Lady Murong comes from a noble family, while I am the son of merchants—I dare not reach so high. Please don’t involve me in your affairs.”

Xu Zhihui laughed heartily, “All the better! All the better! I worried too much. My apologies—please forgive me!”

With that, he returned to the table, calling out and challenging Murong Bao to drink.

After the banquet, Ye Feng returned home feeling dejected, troubled by Xu Zhihui’s words. The unity and camaraderie within the righteous army had won them this territory, but now Xu Zhihui’s suspicion threatened their harmony. If left unchecked, it could hinder the army’s progress.

It seemed best for Ye Feng to avoid Murong Yan, lest jealousy disrupt their unity and cause division within the ranks.

Early the next morning, Ye Feng reported punctually to the governor’s mansion. Everyone had arrived ahead of him. Murong Yan convened a council, and each reported on recent military affairs. As usual, after arranging important matters, she dismissed the assembly.

“Young Master Ye, wait!” Murong Yan called out.

“Chief, what do you need? Please instruct me,” Ye Feng paused, bowing respectfully, while secretly glancing at Xu Zhihui, who had left, easing his mind.

“Ye Feng, the army is short of grain. I wanted to discuss this with you,” Murong Yan said humbly.

“Chief, I’ve noticed this problem too. I’ll return and ponder it carefully, and give you an answer in three days.”

Murong Yan felt uneasy. Ye Feng had always been close and informal with her, but today he was so courteous! She couldn’t figure out what had changed, so she pressed, “Ye Feng, can’t we sit and discuss it in detail? Two heads are better than one, and this is urgent—we must find a solution quickly!”

Ye Feng, afraid to linger and provoke Xu Zhihui’s suspicion, evaded, “Chief, there are urgent matters in my unit; once I finish, I’ll return to discuss with you. Or else, in three days, I’ll surely have an answer.”

With that, he hurried away.

Murong Yan watched his departing figure, puzzled: He’s obviously avoiding me! What could have offended him, or what’s gotten into him?

And so, Ye Feng did his best to avoid Murong Yan, and the two gradually grew distant.

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