My Cultivation Starting from Archery-Chapter 643 - 213: Sentencing the White Robe to Death

Capital City.

Imperial Palace.

Zhongjue Hall.

Over the past few months, Prince Regent Cao Huan and the Cabinet officials have been eating and drinking here, never leaving even a step away.

The western battle is crucial—once there is a mishap,

the Great Sheng Dynasty could face...

the possibility of a pincer attack from three sides and complete disintegration!

Months had passed since the White Robe had been requested from Liangzhou.

The last report from Jiazhou stated that the White Robe led the entire army across the river to assist Cloud Top Prefecture, only to be forced to leave the city for a decisive battle.

During the process, the enemy and our side clashed several times, but neither side emerged victorious.

Then, it was the frontal clash of 170,000 troops against 350,000 troops.

They continued several days without rest, waiting here around the clock for news.

"Report—"

"Urgent report from Jiazhou—"

Finally, the long-awaited voice rang out.

"How is it?!"

Cao Huan abruptly stood up from his seat, "What's the result?"

All eyes were filled with nervous expectation.

"Your Highness!"

The soldier presented the battle report with both hands, "Chen Dushi engaged the West Qi Army outside Cloud Top Prefecture, fought several bouts, both sides suffered losses, but now the flags are down, and our army has withdrawn into Cloud Top Prefecture to hold fort."

"Suffered losses both ways?"

Everyone, including Cao Huan, read through the battle report one by one.

Thus the atmosphere became even heavier.

"Chen Sansi, also didn't win?!"

This was the first time.

Even the White Robe didn't achieve immediate success.

"Not being defeated is already phenomenal."

Cao Zhi spoke, "170,000 against 350,000 in a frontal confrontation on the plains, with the enemy having a 'Military Immortal' and warriors above Martial Saint level, under these circumstances being undefeated, whom else could achieve that?"

Minister of War Ming Qingfeng, too, had to acknowledge this fact.

Now the problem is,

what do we do next?

"If we drag on like this, our supplies won't last much longer."

Minister of Revenue, holding a stack of ledgers, said, "In recent three years, many states in the western region had a poor harvest, most of the grain and fodder were transported from other places; the roads are long and treacherous, often out of ten stone of grain, only one stone arrives at the front line, the loss of supplies can reach up to 90%!"

"Otherwise- please negotiate peace?"

Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun cautiously said, "If it really comes to that, shall we cede the land west of Mang Mountain to them?"

"Absurd!"

Hearing this, Prince Regent Cao Huan suddenly became furious, "Does our Great Sheng Dynasty have a precedent of ceding territory as compensation?!"

"Your Highness, calm your anger!"

Minister of Revenue quickly said, "Your humble servant only considered this from the national treasury's perspective, if Chen Sansi cannot win within the allotted time, we will definitely run out of grain and fodder!

"After we run out of grain and fodder,

"the remaining 150,000 troops will also collapse...

"By then, negotiating for peace won't be so easy anymore."

"Your Highness."

Minister of War Ming Qingfeng spoke, "I think, given the gravity of the situation, it's best to inform His Majesty of the circumstances, whether to continue fighting or to negotiate peace by ceding territory, only His Majesty can make that sacred decision."

"Lord Ming."

Cao Huan, supporting his forehead, "Please join me on a trip to Longevity Palace."

The two of them, escorted by guards, made their way to Longevity Palace, but were stopped outside the door.

"Mr. Huang?"

Ming Qingfeng puzzled, "We have important matters to discuss with His Majesty, please report to him."

"His Majesty is currently meeting with distinguished guests."

The eunuch's arm barred the door like steel, "Your Highness and Lord Ming, please wait here for now."

...

Longevity Palace.

Lakeside in the back garden, within a pavilion.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Daoist."

A middle-aged cultivator absent-mindedly tasted the tea, finally finding an opportunity to speak, "May I know when Daoist will provide an explanation?"

"Hmm."

Emperor Longqing put down his tea cup and said unhurriedly, "Are you sure it's not just a coincidence of names, but the exact same person?"

"I am sure."

Li He firmly said, "Both are Martial Cultivators, and your subordinate Chen Sansi happens to be the direct disciple of Guardian Sun Xiangzong—it can't be wrong.

"Daoist, no, let me address you as Your Majesty for a moment. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

"Your Majesty's servant, in Daze Fang City, successively killed several of my stewardship deacons, including a junior from the Li family with a top-grade spiritual root!

"Aren't you supposed to give me an accountability?"

"Li He Daoist, please specify."

Emperor Longqing maintained a calm demeanor throughout, "What kind of accountability do you want?"

"Very simple."

Li He said sternly, "Your Majesty only needs to hand over the person to me, let me take him back to Daze Fang City for public execution, to deter all the robbery cultivators and uphold the dignity of my family."

Emperor Longqing spoke indifferently, "Li He Daoist perhaps isn't aware, with the ongoing battle up front, I had just recently deployed Chen Sansi to take command of the troops?"

"So what?"

Li He emphasized, "The junior he killed, though proclaimed to have mediocre talents, actually possessed a top-grade unusual spiritual root. My family has had only such a person in a hundred years; are we supposed to just let that go?"

"The life and death of My subjects are not up to outsiders to decide. I will take note of this matter for now and plan it after the war is over."

Emperor Longqing's tone remained even, but his voice started to reveal traces of dragon might, "Li He Daoist, if there is nothing else, please return on your own."

"Do you mean just let it be?"

Li He rose abruptly, anger apparent in his tone, "Since the Daoist refuses to hand over the person, I will have to retrieve him myself!"

Just as he was about to fly away, a sword edge suddenly appeared in front of him. The Dragon Abyss Sword, unbeknownst to when it was unsheathed, was hovering three inches in front of him, directly targeting his face with its sharp edge.

"Cao Kai!"