The Grandmaster Strategist

Chapter 18 A life for a life

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, revealing two people. One of them was a white-haired old man, and the other was a handsome young man with a particularly childish look. The old man looked sluggish, and his arms were randomly wrapped with cloth strips. Blood seeped out of the gaps in the cloth strips, which made him look even more serious. In a state of embarrassment, the young man held the old man in his left hand and held a short knife against the old man's throat in 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 guard a cold look, and his cold eyes made him He retreated angrily.

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's also a matter of time. Although Ling Duan has been with Duan Lingxiao for a short period of time, his martial arts are the foundation given to him by Tan Ji, and with the guidance of Qiu Yufei and Duan Lingxiao, his martial arts have improved a lot, although they are not as good as the several demon sects brought by Duan Lingxiao this time. A registered disciple, but he has 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, when following Su Qing, Duan Lingxiao did 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 alone ten miles away because of his low martial arts. He went down to guard the horses, and thus escaped the tiger guards. But Ling Duan was unwilling to stay behind and wait. For him, Jiang Zhe was the biggest shadow in his life. His most respected general and his friends in trouble all died indirectly at the hands of this man, so he disobeyed the order. Sneak into the village secretly. 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. Ling Duan arrived late, but he saved his life.

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 failed to break out. Ling Duan knew in his heart that this time the entire army would be wiped out, and the only turning point was himself, because it seemed that Yong Jun Didn't notice his own existence. Although Duan Lingxiao has not officially accepted Ling Duan as his disciple, Ling Duan has already regarded Duan Lingxiao as his mentor in his heart. In order to save the 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. The two were protected by two tiger guards, or under house arrest. They were not allowed to leave their residence. Zhao Liang had nothing to do with it, but Zhao Xuan was. Jiang Zhe kept complaining there, which made the two tiger guards smile bitterly. Ling Duan, who has followed Jiang Zhe for a while, knows that although Jiang Zhe has an easy-going temperament, his subordinates are very strict. He has personally experienced Jiang Zhe's methods. Although Zhao Xuan complains constantly, Ling Duan can feel it with his intuition. The old man's tone was cordial, and the way he talked about Jiang Zhe was like that of a close friend or an elder. Judging from the expressions of the two tiger guards, they were not angry because of it, which showed that Jiang Zhe was not interested in this old man. Being very respectful means being very tolerant. No matter what the situation is, it shows the importance of this old man. Thinking of this, Ling Duan decided to kidnap Zhao Xuan and threaten Jiang Zhe. Of course, Jiang Zhe might not 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 defeated, Prisoner, he will never survive in this 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.

This was originally given to him by Xiao Tong. At this time, the Northern Han Dynasty scouts used a sharp weapon to capture the enemy. The arrow was tempered with strong anesthetic and could capture the enemy alive for torture. With the secret skills taught to him by Qiu Yufei and Duan Lingxiao, he successfully Knock down all four people. However, he did not take the lives of these people. 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 felt like my heart was shaking. How could such a thing happen? Two tiger guards and Zhao Liang were protecting Ji Xuan. Although Ling Duan was excellent in martial arts, he was still young after all. He would not be the opponent of the tiger guards. , and shouldn’t have succeeded silently. Su Qing whispered beside me: "Sir, that man must have used a hidden weapon with quenching 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 weak. It’s not that I didn’t know about such methods. Even the poison-quenching hidden weapons in the hands of the secret camp disciples were developed by me personally. However, I always thought that Ling Duan was a person with bright character. I never thought that he would use such methods. . Now that I think about it, I 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 know what to do.

I glanced at Ji Xuan and saw that he looked tired. 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. He saw Jiang Zhe's expression was cold. Although he was a frail scholar with an elegant demeanor, he was standing with his hands behind his back. 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, I just feel like my thoughts are flooding in. 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 was merciful and escaped. Although your lord later killed Li Hu, Ling Duan felt resentful for a long time. But now that I think about it, our lives were originally picked up by the adults. Even if the adults took them away, we would have nothing to say. If you were prudent at the time, you should have killed me all together, but you still let me go. It snowed that day. In the Di Ye shop, Ling Duan was inspired by the sound of the piano to arouse his inner demons and assassinate the Lord, but the Lord showed mercy and spared Ling Duan's life. Ling Duan did not dare to forget the three times of mercy, but Ling Duan could not forget General Tan, Li Hu's death, and now that Mr. Duan is Ling Duan, he wants to worship 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 the old gentleman very much, so he dared to threaten him. As long as the master is willing to let him go. Young Master, 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 endure humiliation. But I'm not willing to let him go like this. Subconsciously looking at Xiao Shunzi, I asked his opinion with my eyes.

Xiao Shunzi frowned. In his opinion, it was naturally 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 I have suffered serious internal injuries. My internal strength is extremely cold. Mr. Sang once taught me a mental method that can restrain me." According to the Demon Sect's mental method, his internal injuries are like maggots attached to his bones. If he 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 himself 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? Woolen cloth? Deliberately making my expression even colder, I said solemnly: "Ling Duan, since you have been by my side, as long as you let Mr. Ji go, I will spare your life, otherwise I will kill Mr. Duan first." , 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 could he know that I would definitely exchange hostages? At this time, Ji Xuan may have been wearing off the medicine, so he tried his best to say loudly: "I don't need you, Jiang Suiyun, to save me. If you want to kill me, just kill me. How can I be an insulting person?" I almost broke my teeth, this Ji Xuan , Really causing trouble for me, but if Ling Duan misunderstands that I don’t want to save him, I will be in trouble. I quickly checked Ling Duan’s expression carefully and saw that he looked more and more confident. He let Ji Xuan shout loudly and just put the short knife against Ji Xuan’s throat. Neither light nor heavy, lest it hurt him, and lest he break free. Seeing my silence, Ling Duan said loudly: "Sir, if you don't decide, I will have no choice but to kill him."

I looked at Duan Lingxiao hatefully and said, "What does the eldest son think of 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, "Sir, please decide. If you are unwilling to exchange, I have no choice but to kill this person and get some interest back."

I felt a chill in my heart. 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 couldn't take action within a few months. By the time he could take action, the Northern Han Dynasty would be on the verge of collapse, and no matter how high his martial arts skills were, it would be of little use.

I smiled bitterly and thought to myself, 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 disciple, 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 holding hostages and threatening me. 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 Master 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 take advantage. Thinking of this, he calmly said: "My lord, I have made a promise with a thousand pieces of gold. Ling Duan has never seen the young master break his promise. 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 hostage."

Duan Lingxiao shook his head slightly. At this moment, he knew very well that Jiang Zhe might not want to save his life. Just by the way Jiang Zhe instructed Su Qing to intercept him, he knew that Jiang Zhe was a thoughtful and vicious person. There will be no way for the enemy to survive. He asked himself if he faced such a situation, although it was a bit dangerous, it was possible to successfully rescue the hostages. Ling Duan's martial arts was not high. He would not think that Jiang Zhe was really a person who kept his promises. As long as he killed all outsiders who knew about it, who would know that he had not kept his promises? So maybe Ling Duan was the one who contributed to his survival, but if Jiang Zhe hadn't had such an idea, it would have been absolutely impossible for him to get this chance of survival. And Jiang Zhe wanted Ling Duan to sacrifice his life, perhaps because he wanted to retaliate against Ling Duan for damaging his dignity. But now Duan Lingxiao has no way to prevent all this from happening, unless he really wants to die here, but even if he is willing to die, he cannot save Ling Duan. He raised his head and looked at Jiang Zhe. Jiang Zhe happened to be walking towards him. His clear and calm eyes seemed to have a hint of ridicule. When their eyes met, Duan Lingxiao could clearly see a trace of surprise flashing across Jiang Zhe's face. It seemed that he had noticed He could see 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 would 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, whose expression was blank and lifeless. I knew that this young man had really given up all desire for survival, and 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 humiliate you, but you are ungrateful and run away privately. That's it. For General Tan's sake, it is understandable that you are loyal to the Northern Han Dynasty. Although I am wanted, I have not really done anything to you. You are lucky enough to survive. 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 is 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. 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 sorry for 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 against each other. 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 uniqueness, 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. 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? thing, 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 has 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 sorrow. Back then, the master had intended to accept him as his disciple, 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: "Unkind heaven brings chaos, unkind earth brings smoke; relatives and parents turn to dust, ambitions are shattered and hearts are broken, but there is nothing you can do; resentments are retaliated and hatred never ceases, but it is difficult to die when the king is kind; killing is full." I have no regrets when I am in the wild. I bleed and float and my life is ruined. You hold a crossbow and I hold a gun. I drive and ride and you follow me. The Qinshui is cold and I bury my body. I go to the underworld and my mind is peaceful. I have no fear of life and death. I am generous and generous. , my heart breaks when I see that old person!"

Duan Lingxiao listened silently, with a look of sadness on his face, silently recalling Tan Ji's voice and smile, his heart full of sadness, but suddenly he realized that he had been practicing Xuan Gong for many years, and it was difficult for him to have mood swings. Unexpectedly, now he would 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 have deep love in my heart, 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 hating him, and the kindness of his subordinates does not mean mercy. How can these things be explained clearly to others, not to mention that 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, 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 reward me?"

Duan Lingxiao drank it all in one gulp and said: "Today we fight, 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 this seriously."

I didn't comment. I just slowly drank the wine in the glass and said, "It's a pity that the eldest son did not lead the army in the battle. With your wit and decisiveness, the use of troops should not be under the control of our Majesty."

Duan Lingxiao was stunned for a moment, 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 his sect Reputation cannot distract from worldly matters, but how can we talk about it to others.

I was glad to see Duan Lingxiao go away. Fortunately, this person was not my opponent. I asked him to bring Ling Duan after his punishment. I didn’t say much. I just asked him if he wanted 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 kept his promise, that would be fine. If he escaped on the way, then I would kill him. I think General Tan Ji wouldn't mind if I killed him like this. A dishonest person.