I Can Strengthen Infinitely

"What the master says is true; I will surely keep it in mind," Wattang said with apparent respect.

However, in his heart, he didn’t take it seriously. One must know that Yuantongzi appeared young but was an unparalleled presence in strength within the Dharma Temple, with a very high rank.

If he were to encounter an opponent even Yuantongzi couldn’t handle, then claiming the throne or empire would be impossible, and Wattang could only resign to fate.

"How is the military situation on all four fronts lately?" Yuantongzi asked.

"Apart from my Vine Armor Army, the northern, southern, and eastern sides have also already entered the Central Plains, steadily advancing and closing in on Chang’an," Wattang said as he spread out his military map in front of Yuantongzi: "Master, my army is currently here, not far from Chang’an."

Yuantongzi nodded without saying a word.

Wattang asked curiously, "Master, why have you left the Dharma Temple this time? I remember that the esteemed monks of your temple do not usually venture out easily."

"There is an item from the Dharma Temple in Chang’an that has been missing for many years, and I never had the opportunity to retrieve it. This is a great chance that I cannot miss."

"Report!"

A guard suddenly ran in from outside the tent, saying, "Reporting to the king, four vanguard armies at the frontline have inexplicably disappeared."

"How could this happen?" Wattang’s brows furrowed immediately, as he was well aware of the capabilities of those vanguard troops he dispatched.

Even if they couldn’t defeat the Great Tang’s army, escaping should not have been a problem.

The total annihilation of the troops could only occur if the opponent was extremely powerful.

To guard against the experts of the Great Tang, Wattang had taken many precautionary measures, with one or two masters from the Dharma Temple following each vanguard army. Yet, the disappearance of the vanguard army still occurred, leaving Wattang with a foreboding feeling.

Yuantongzi began calculating with his fingers, for he was skilled in the Divination Skill, but this time he couldn’t figure anything out, as if the heavenly secrets were obscured by a layer of mist, rendering him unable to discern anything.

Whenever such things occur, there are only two reasons: one is that the opponent is also highly skilled in divination, using methods to obscure the heavenly secrets.

The other is that the opponent is Life Star, making divination techniques ineffective against them.

"The Great Tang has not yet reached its end. Even at times like this, there are still talented people contributing to its cause." Yuantongzi rotated the Buddha Beads in his right hand rapidly and said calmly, "Don’t overthink it, keep advancing."

Wattang nodded: "Yes."

...

In the western and northern regions of the Central Plains, the terrain is mountainous with numerous peaks. In the past, the states of Bashu and the Northern Desert had many lords, creating a complex situation. Hence, the previous dynasty stationed people in the northwestern part of the Central Plains to build numerous mountain passes, using the mountains as a base to fend off enemies.

The Vine Armor Army advanced unimpeded, sweeping across the land like a swarm of locusts, until they reached the western part of the Central Plains, arriving at the largest mountain pass built by the previous dynasty, ’Xuanwu Pass.’

This pass stands five zhang high, its surface slanted and extremely smooth, such that even martial artists possessing Lightweight Skills cannot climb up its surface.

Thus, Xuanwu Pass was seen by the Great Tang as the key defense against the Vine Armor Army, and whether the Vine Armor Army could be kept away from Chang’an depended entirely on this pass.

On this day, three hundred thousand Vine Armor Army troops encamped below the pass. Looking from Xuanwu Pass, the horizon was filled with a sea of people, creating an oppressive atmosphere. Even with this formidable pass as a barrier, the Great Tang soldiers atop the pass couldn’t help but feel nervous and self-doubt.

Gazing at the towering walls of Xuanwu Pass, Wattang sat on his beloved steed, surveying from afar, feeling a trace of difficulty in his heart.

The Vine Armor Army was adept at charging and breaking through, but when it came to besieging and capturing forts, it was somewhat difficult. If they forcefully attacked Xuanwu Pass, it would undoubtedly result in countless casualties, which Wattang was unwilling to sacrifice.

"King, when shall we attack?" someone asked.

Wattang shook his head: "Hold on, I will ask Master Yuantongzi first."

This time, Yuantongzi accompanied the army, so Wattang had prepared a specially designed carriage for him, resembling a palace. After Wattang explained his purpose to Yuantongzi, who was inside the carriage, Yuantongzi spoke.

"Wuyun, Wufeng, you two go and help Wattang break through the pass. Make sure to do it swiftly and cleanly."

The two black-robed figures quietly standing by the carriage responded in low voices: "Yes."

External martial artists can defeat a hundred on the battlefield.

In the Inner Power Realm, they can also capture cities and seize forts with ease.

This time, Yuantongzi brought along many experts from the Dharma Temple. The two he named are powerful Martial Monks in the Ninth Layer of the Inner Power Realm.

...

Within Xuanwu Pass, all soldiers were mobilized, either preparing for battle on the walls or getting various defensive weapons ready in the rear.

This vast Xuanwu Pass housed tens of thousands of troops. Usually, apart from supplies transported from Chang’an, a part was self-sustained by the local citizens cultivating fields for food.

In the civilian area within the pass, inside a certain house.

Qin Yuesheng sat on a stone stool outside the house, with his old horse tethered to a wooden post quietly munching on grass nearby. Not far away, an old man was grinding with their family donkey.

It had been three days since Qin Yuesheng arrived at Xuanwu Pass, knowing this was the only major route westward to Chang’an. With so many Vine Armor soldiers coming, it was impossible they would take a different route.

Qin Yuesheng decided not to trouble himself searching for the Vine Armor Army but rather stay within Xuanwu Pass, waiting leisurely for them instead.