A torrential downpour descended.

The rapid drumming of the rain intensified the bleakness of the night.

To overcome the strong with the weak required utmost effort; the State of Zhuang did not deserve to be spared.

Thus, the entire city of Xin’an was unprecedentedly vulnerable, lacking even sufficient troops to maintain basic order.

The battle that unfolded on the capital streets of Zhuang, lasted for a full quarter of an hour, yet no one came to intervene.

The rain relentlessly battered the long street, a heavy accusation that persisted for a long time, before those within the houses on either side cautiously ventured out into the rain to observe the situation.

Naturally, they could only witness a corpse dismembered into six parts.

The corpse of Dong A, the Deputy Prime Minister of Zhuang.

When Jiang Wang acted, his sole intention was to ensure Dong A’s demise, but in reality, he had created such a gruesome spectacle.

Soldiers who received the report arrived to cordon off the scene, nearly fainting after identifying the victim.

Those officials who had been dismissed by Dong A earlier to rest gradually gathered at the Wenhua Pavilion, yet for a long time could not agree on a course of action.

Until… Zhu Weiwo, wreathed in raging flames, flew from the border fortress of Yingge, cleaving through the rain.

Zhu Weiwo likely never considered Lin Zhengren a true rival. From the moment he sailed directly to Wangjiang City and Lin Zhengren retreated without battle, he had cast the name from his mind.

Later, he lent Jiang Wang his spear, even sending a message that if Lin Zhengren dared to bully others based on his cultivation, he would be beaten every time they met, displaying utter contempt. And Lin Zhengren truly swallowed his anger, never directly confronting him.

But in Lin Zhengren’s heart, his only true opponent was Zhu Weiwo. Of course, now he likely had to add the man who infiltrated the Lin Clan grounds wearing the mountain ghost mask.

The State of Zhuang’s all-out war had mobilized nearly all available fighting strength, yet the high-ranking officials had deliberately left Zhu Weiwo in the country.

This unspoken expectation weighed heavily on Lin Zhengren, for he understood that in the eyes of Zhuang’s leadership, Zhu Weiwo’s importance surpassed all young talents, and he was being regarded as a future pillar.

But the pressure was just pressure; Lin Zhengren would never give up.

This war between Zhuang and Yong was a good opportunity. Zhu Weiwo was certainly held in high regard, even seen by Zhuang’s leaders as a “backup plan,” a “seed for the future.” However, this also meant he was destined to achieve little on the Zhuang-Yong battlefield.

In this crucial war, if he could display brilliance and earn sufficient merit, he might yet rise to the top.

It was with this ambition that Lin Zhengren refused to allow anyone to interfere with his plans.

Leading men to sweep through the Yong territory north of the Ling Mountains, driving the populace towards the Lock Dragon Pass, was not a complicated task, only requiring ruthlessness. And he executed it perfectly.

At this moment, Lin Zhengren stopped in mid-air, bowing to a red-faced elder who hastily arrived.

“Venerable Chancellor, has the Court Marshal arrived suddenly to deliver urgent military intelligence?”

This red-faced elder was none other than Zhang Ren, the Court Marshal of the State Academy.

The Dean of the State Academy was traditionally held by the Prime Minister concurrently, but the Prime Minister did not have the extra energy to manage the specific affairs of the State Academy. The actual Dean of the State Academy was, in fact, the Court Marshal.

Lin Zhengren was naturally very familiar with Zhang Ren.

The Yong citizens being driven forward formed a long line below, constantly moving onwards. Every so often, someone held up a torch. The Zhuang side would naturally not provide guiding lanterns for these displaced people.

Their destination was before the Lock Dragon Pass of Yiyang Prefecture.

But now it seemed it might be too late; the situation was changing too quickly, too drastically.

Zhang Ren glanced down, then suddenly asked, “Lin Zhengren, how do you think driving these ordinary people forward can be effective?”

Lin Zhengren was unsure of his intentions and cautiously replied, “Haven’t the supplies given to us by the superiors already indicated their thoughts?”

Zhang Ren remained impassive. “Tell me about it.”

He could not refuse the Court Marshal’s question. Lin Zhengren thought for a moment, then spoke truthfully, “I saw that the rear army prepared many Shattered Rune Charms, so the above must have a plan. At that time, we will drive these Yong citizens to attack the city, allowing them to hold the Shattered Rune Charms forward. Once they break a single array rune, they can retreat and be spared death. If Han Yin orders them to be killed, he will certainly lose the support of the people; if he ignores them, then the Lock Dragon Pass array will surely be broken.”

Zhang Ren sighed. “Using this method to attack the city, even if we win, I fear it will be difficult to win the hearts of the people.”

“Venerable Court Marshal is right,” Lin Zhengren said cautiously, carefully choosing his words. “However, at present, we probably cannot worry about that so much; victory is the most important thing. As for the hearts of the people, they are easily manipulated and can be gradually nurtured.”

Zhang Ren looked at him meaningfully. “You are a talented individual.”

Although Lin Zhengren had interacted with Zhang Ren many times, such figures never revealed their preferences or dislikes. Their true personalities were difficult to fathom. Lin Zhengren himself was not confident and could not judge whether his answer would satisfy Zhang Ren.

Therefore, he simply said humbly, “Venerable Court Marshal is too kind.”

“There is a task to entrust to you,” Zhang Ren lightly brushed off the topic, as if he was just casually asking. “Some unexpected events have occurred in Xin’an City. I am not clear about the specific details, so I need to select a few clever State Academy disciples to go back and see what is happening and report back as soon as possible.”

He looked at Lin Zhengren. “I think you are very clever and very suitable for this task.”

Lin Zhengren’s face showed no joy or sorrow, making it impossible to discern his true emotions.

Upon hearing this, he simply bowed and said, “I am grateful for Venerable Court Marshal’s recognition, Zhengren will certainly accept the command. However, the matter of Lingbei Prefecture…”

“You don’t need to worry about that; I will find someone to take over,” Zhang Ren patted him on the shoulder. “Just handle this matter well.”

“This student obeys,” Lin Zhengren bowed and accepted the order. As he turned around, a flash of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes.

Unexpected events in Xin’an City?

Even the Prime Minister doesn’t know what’s happening there, yet he’s telling me to go?

Is he afraid I’m not dying fast enough…?

He sneered inwardly, but showed no hint of it on his face.

Because in the face of the State Academy Court Marshal, he did not have the right to refuse.

Lin Zhengren had always been a very clear-headed person. In his own system of judgment, he would never take risks that he should not take, and he would never do things that he should not do.

Even his dissatisfaction with Zhang Ren was quickly thrown to the back of his mind, replaced by more important information and judgment – Zhang Ren had probably been the Court Marshal for too long, forgotten the cruelty of the world, and now probably valued people with kind hearts more. If he were to interact with him again in the future, he would have to adjust his performance.

Thinking about all aspects of the matter, Lin Zhengren still embarked on the road back to the State of Zhuang.

From Lingbei Prefecture back to Xin’an City, the entire route was within the control range of the Zhuang army, so he could fly freely and recklessly.

Even if it was just to make an appearance, he could not delay too much and allow those fellow disciples who had also received orders to run ahead of him.

It was not until he approached the Hualin County that Lin Zhengren slowed down, observing the situation with extreme caution.

To his surprise, Hualin County was very peaceful, with no unrest.

The expected danger did not occur.

This doubt persisted until he stepped into Xin’an City.