458 Contradictions (2/2)

Except for running the business for Dragon King, Xu Xiaoyi had also been collecting information. He came to the same conclusion as Prime Minister.

The tension of the war permeated the whole Xiaoyao Lake. People living in the city escaped to the countryside, while peasants came to the city to seek shelter. Every family had dug a tunnel in their courtyard and room and they hid food in it. In this way, they could hide in the tunnel to escape soldiers when the war began.

The public outcry did not pose a threat to Dragon King yet. Common people were afraid of Dragon King, his army in particular. They were willing to trade with Dragon army as long as they received reasonable offers at the scene.

Dragon Army's supplies were provided by the Land of Fragrance and Xiaoyao Lake. Once Dragon army got into an unfavorable situation or impasse, they would completely lose support from Xiaoyao Lake. In this way, they could only rely on scanty supplies from the Land of Fragrance, which could barely support 30,000 troops and a large-scale battle. That was Zhong Heng's concern.

”Getting ready for the war goes against winning support from common people, just like Sumeru Mustard Mantra and Wayless Book. I have to choose one.

But as long as I win the war, all the difficulties will get settled.” Gu Shenwei pondered.

The soldiers and people from Xiaoyao Lake, even the whole Western Region thought Dragon King would lose the war.

Zhong Heng had spent half a month for recruitment but only got a little over 10,000 soldiers. And most of them never held a sharp weapon. Golden Roc Army across the desert gained 30,000 new recruits. These people were veterans, machetemen and bandits who had experience in fighting. They could join the war with some training.

Now, Golden Roc Fort' troops outnumbered Dragon Army. It had 80,000 troops, while Dragon King only had 30,000.

Dugu Xian complained to Dragon King nearly every day: recruits was progressing slowly, soldiers were in low spirits, they desperately lacked men. Dugu Xian was a down-to-earth general, and he never believed that miracles would work on the battlefield. Though he had read many cases of the smaller and weaker army defeating the larger and stronger army, he either doubted its truth or thought it was the coincidence.

”That's not true. The party with more troops who lost their war usually didn't follow the military rules. As a result, they made fatal mistakes. Their failure was caused by themselves,” Dugu Xian insisted.

”The party with fewer troops can work out some plans to lead them to make mistakes,” the Dragon King contradicted.

”Haha, Dragon King read too many stories. The schemes mentioned in the book are made up. If I had an elite troop, I would do nothing but move forward according to my plan. What's the point of thinking too much as victory is mine? I know Shangguan Jianyi and he won't be fooled,” Dugu Xian said confidently.

Though Gu Shenwei hadn't met that Shangguan Jainyi, he thought that he knew that commander better than Dugu Xian. ”Shangguan Jianyi loves taking risks. He wants a full victory. For it, he would be at all costs, even sacrifice many soldiers.” Gu Shenwei thought to himself.

Gu Shenwei hadn't figured out a feasible plan yet.

Dugu Xian was a qualified general. ”It's my duty to tell Dragon King of the weakness and holes in our plan.” Dugu Xian thought. After he walked out of the tent, he became confident instantly. He resolved to enhance morale by all means.

With the war approaching, spies brought lots of intelligence every day. The intelligence suggested that Golden Roc Army in Shuangquan Village would attack in the spring.

Occupied with business, Gu Shenwei set aside divine kung fu that monk left. Now, a message came from the royal palace: Queen had finished chapter 8 in the Wayless Book.

Princess had just finished half of the chapter a couple of days ago. Hearing the news, Gu Shenwei was taken by surprise. ”The scripture is difficult to manage because hundreds of books are out of order. Once they're rearranged according to the sequence, it will be easy to sort out the text.” Gu Shenwei mused.

Upon hearing the news, Gu Shenwei rode to the city instantly. The last time he had seen the Queen was a month ago.

Princess dressed up to greet Dragon King. Meanwhile, she prepared a good feast for him.

Gu Shenwei had no time to appreciate the Princess' efforts for him. After exchanging small talks with the Princess, Gu Shenwei asked her to show him chapter 8.

Princess was not disappointed for she knew Dragon King was such a person. She slowly took out a pile of papers, scribbled full of words.

Gu Shenwei went through all the papers. ”It's chapter 8. There is no mistake.

But the content is incomplete. There is an important part missing.” Gu Shenwei thought.

”Is this all?” Gu Shenwei asked with disappointment. ”I can practice Wayless Qigong bit by bit based on different chapter. But once a part is missing in one chapter, it's impossible to master it.” Gu Shenwei mused.

”No, I still have some,” the Princess replied gently with a smile on her face. Now, she resembled a qualified wife. She continued, ”I'm ignorant of these scriptures. But I think chapter 9 is also hidden in these books.”

”Give it to me now,” Gu Shenwei urged in slight excitement.

”Only if you agree to my condition first,” the Princess said.

All of a sudden, that shy Princess changed.