Chapter 198 - Welcoming

Chapter 198, Welcoming
Three days later Zhuo Fan was in a small room, checking Luo Yunhai’s progress in reading.
Suddenly, the earth began to rumble like a huge earthquake. Zhuo Fan raised a brow, focusing his attention outside, only to be shocked at what he saw.
[What an aura. He is indeed the God of War!]
Zhuo Fan rose to his feet and shouted, “Everyone to your stations! The Luo clan’s safety for the next few years at stake here!”
“Understood!”
The men outside the room replied, having already gotten ready as they scrambled. Zhuo Fan turned to Luo Yunhai with his devious grin, “Kid, you’re up now. You better had learned your part!”
Luo Yunhai’s face sank, “Big bro Zhuo, do I have to?”
“What do you think?”
The room was soon engulfed in Zhuo Fan’s evil cackling…
Outside Windgaze City, the Four Tigers of Tianyu were already waiting for the orderly and impeccable military procession marching towards them. It was like a dark cloud without an end.
The shaking of the mountains was due to the huge army. On the battlefield, any man, even a Profound Heaven expert would shudder in face of such might.
Leading the army was a huge man on a horse, his beard swirling in the wind. Despite reigning in his power, his mighty air and unbending nature were hard to conceal.
He was the second of Tianyu’s Four Pillars, Marshal of Tianyu’s armies, God of War Dugu Zhantian!
He was in the 6th layer of the Radiant Stage, yet the whole of Tianyu considered him the strongest. His four godsons were also peak Profound Heaven experts.
Just based on the loyalty of his million men, not even the Regent Estate would dare slight such a man! Despite Regent Estate having experts with higher cultivation than him.
Once Dugu Zhantian sent an order, his million soldiers were like an unstoppable flood of steel. Even Regent Estate’s Venerables would have a hard time dealing with such a barrage.
To unite all these weak soldiers, to make them act as one, that was what it mean to be a true God of War!
For this reason, the seven houses were afraid of the Marshal, the head of the Four Pillars, Zhuge Changfeng!
Who told them to allow him to amass such power? In this case, drowning one with numbers couldn’t be a more apt description!
“Generals welcome Marshal!” The four gave a deep bow.
Dugu Zhantian nodded, “What’s the situation? Is the Luo clan safe?”
“The Luo clan is at peace!” Dugu Feng spoke heavily.
Dugu Zhantian nodded a sigh, “It’s good we arrived in time. We did not fail His Majesty. Was there anyone making it hard on them?”
“Uh, before we arrived, it would seem that the Luo clan had suffered a sneak attack!” Dugu Feng mumbled.
Dugu Zhantian raised an eyebrow, his eyes staring back at him, “What? Then how are they? What are their losses? What about the attackers? Any prisoners? What of Luo Clan Head…”
Dugu Zhantian shot questions nonstop at the bitter looking four.
How could they know when the Luo clan had slammed the door in their faces? Dugu Feng braced for reprisal as he reported, “Marshal, we are in the dark…”
“What?!”
Dugu Zhantian blew his top, “Then what have you been doing over the past few days, idling? Feng’er, that’s unlike you at all!”
They’ve been stationed at the borders for decades to prevent the Quanrong armies from invading. Yet, the emperor decreed him to go to Windgaze City’s rescue. He knew this matter was of utmost importance.
So, on his march here, he sent his four most trusted generals ahead to provide timely assistance. Only to find them idling about these past three days, and knowing absolutely nothing!
And these were Dugu Zhantian’s Four Tigers no less!
“Humph, you must have let the wine get to your heads and caused a scene. I’ll settle your punishment later!” Dugu Zhantian flared, almost wanting to do it now if not for delaying his rescue operation.
Dugu Lin bowed flustered, “Marshal, please hear us out!”
Having been told the ins and outs of the matter, Dugu Zhantian was staring dumbstruck.
“There are four 5th-grade arrays in this backwater area?” Dugu Zhantian blinked and started scouting ahead with his soul sense. And sure enough, he found four arrays surrounding Blackwind Mountain blocking his search.
Dugu Zhantian was shocked, “No wonder the emperor told me to come in person. There must be a mighty figure among them.”
Sighing, Dugu Zhantian turned to the four, “Now that you couldn’t enter, I no longer blame you!”
“Marshal, who said we can’t? If not for big brother stopping me, I would’ve torn down those damn arrays long ago!” Dugu Huo roared.
Dugu Zhantian berated, “You’re a disgrace! How dare you charge into people’s homes without an explicit order? If you had dared charged inside, I would’ve had your damn head for defying orders!”
“Uh, Marshal, I was only venting. Don’t take it seriously…” Dugu Huo ducked his head in shame.
The other three secretly snickered.
Dugu Zhantian cut in, “Marshal, the Luo clan’s steward said he will let us in after you arrived. He must mean for you to personally go inside!”
“Eh?”
Dugu Zhantian burst out laughing, “I have come at the order of the emperor to take a look at this Luo clan as well. But since there’s a mighty figure inside, I would also like to meet him!”
He dismounted and strode towards Blackwind Mountain, “Pass my order. The army is not to disturb the people and are to set camp ten miles Southeast of here!”
“Understood!”
The entire army roared, while the four rushed to follow him.
Dugu Zhantian went next to Dugu Zhantian, “Marshal, that steward is extremely cautious. He will ask a ton of questions and will not hold a polite tone. Please do not get angry when you deal with him.”
“Humph, you think my temper is short like you rascals?” Dugu Zhantian laughed and Dugu Huo grumbled inside, [Your rage is more explosive than mine!]
Dugu Lin slapped his fan, “Third brother, that steward didn’t do it out of caution. He wants to see the Marshal in person. As to why, we shall soon find out soon.”
“Ha-ha-ha, Lin’er is the most cool-headed among you, and can see things differently. He is right, the Luo clan must’ve wanted to see me. Then, I will just have to see for myself what’s so great about this clan, ha-ha-ha…”
Dugu Zhantian walked with his domineering air, soon arriving at Blackwind Mountain.
“Tianyu’s Marshal, Dugu Zhantian greets Luo Clan Head!” Dugu Zhantian bellowed.
Hum~
The Poison Dragon Array’s miasma dissipated and Zhuo Fan came out. But this time he had a look of complete respect.
He bowed, “I am Luo clan’s steward, Zhuo Fan. Welcome, Marshal Dugu, and the four generals!”
“Oh, so you’re that steward? I heard you’re quite cautious, not trusting even my token in the hands of my generals. Why then do you believe who I am at the mere sight of me?” Dugu Zhantian grinned, clearly mocking Zhuo Fan’s earlier attitude.
But Zhuo Fan acted the fool, “Marshal Dugu is the God of War. Who’d dare impersonate you? Even if someone did, none could copy your aura honed after numerous victories, nor the thick killing intent on you for slaughtering countless men.
“Is there any other true man, a man old but holding strong still, in Tianyu? I could feel and hear from afar the might you possess. Only Marshal Dugu is capable of making my energy surge in my veins. My respect to you is like a flood, an unstoppable river, like a never ending sea, a mighty… “
“Fine, fine, I get it!” Dugu Zhantian cut his rambling short.
He wanted to test the kid and see his true intentions, but then, he saw him engage in this foolery, going as far as worshiping the ground he stepped on. It was so enrapturing, that even he felt a chill and had to stop it.
If this went on for any longer, he’d be hurling for days and nights.
The four were dumbstruck. None saw it coming. Zhuo Fan this time was a thorough ass kisser, blowing their wish of questioning out of their minds.
Dugu Zhantian had seen his fair share of fawners like Zhuo Fan, but never wasted time with any. Whenever they spoke, it was always followed by a long endless string of adulation.
Dugu Zhantian took a long look at him, “This backwater town has many experts it seems, even this young steward. I am in awe. Then, little brother, is it possible to see Luo Clan Head?”
“He’s eagerly awaiting!”
Grinning, Zhuo Fan bowed and Dugu Zhantian strode forward.
The Marshal could see this was all arranged by that mighty figure. He could feel getting closer and closer to him. What he didn’t know was that mighty figure was that young steward.
The four generals followed closely, with Dugu Huo jutting his chin and muttering next to Zhuo Fan, “Humph, now do you believe us?”
“Of course, I was too blind to see your greatness. I beg your pardon!” Zhuo Fan smiled.
Dugu Lin looked at him deeply but shook his head in the end.
He was Dugu Army’s strategist and knew something was off about Zhuo Fan. But he just couldn’t dare believe all of this was orchestrated by such a young pup.
Or he would be the second coming of Zhuge Changfeng…