The 386th Chapter: The Sin of Being Too Talented (Continuing

mediately made a judgment.As expected, Fang Tian's painted halberd crashed heavily onto the two swords, shattering their formation and leaving its momentum undiminished.Feeling the power on Fang Tian'..."I only have a year at most," Lu Cheng added. "Otherwise, the Underworld will come to collect its debt, and I'm sure to die."

Took out a loan for a new car, it's cool looking and all, but that debt still needs to be paid back.

Moreover, this guy is a "motorhome".

"A year"

Jia Xu heard this, immediately furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

"My Lord, the battle between Yuan and Cao is not yet over, and it remains to be seen who will ultimately prevail. However, if Yuan Shao suffers defeat, Yizhou will flourish with its abundant farmland stretching for thousands of acres. Rather than allowing this land to fall into the hands of Cao Cao, we should seize it! I propose that we use Kūnjīn to consume it!" Jia Xu advised.

"Hmm" Lu Cheng pondered for a moment.

It would be better to keep it for myself than give it to Cao Cao. If the Kunpeng swallowed a thousand miles of fertile land and obtained the attributes and skills of "good farmland," then Qianjicheng's spiritual fields would see a surge!

"What do you think we should do, sir" Lu Cheng asked.

"The battles in the Central Plains have caused roads to be congested with exhausted chariots and horses, making travel difficult. My lord possesses some extraordinary abilities. Could you perhaps use them to transport me to Jizhou I am confident that I can persuade them."

Of course, Ayu still needs to sleep for a few days. It's not convenient to fly around at this size. He handed over the shock absorption inspection work to Lu Da Shi. Lu Cheng, Ah Qing, and Jia Xu then rushed to Jizhou.

Lu Cheng is also quite familiar with the road.

The war between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao entered its fifth year. Years of constant warfare had taken a heavy toll on the people, with exorbitant taxes burdening every individual.

Five years ago when I arrived here, the fields were abundant, but now, people are struggling.

Lu Cheng couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

The old acquaintance Tien Feng's residence has already been sealed off.

Even the person themselves wouldn't recognize it.

In this day and age, it's impossible to just make connections. It would be difficult to even meet the members of the Wing Prefecture clan.

Lu Cheng and his party were pacing back and forth in front of the mansion when suddenly.

"As expected of General Lü, may I have a word with you in private" A voice, old and frail, came from behind.

Lu Cheng cast a glance back.

He was an old man, who seemed to have been a manager in Tianfeng Mansion back in the day. His memory was so vivid because the automaton he tested was this very one.

Lu Cheng didn't hesitate, taking Aqing and Jia Xu with him as he followed the old man into another courtyard.

"Before the great war, the head of the house was imprisoned by Yuan Gong for his advice. After the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Gong regretted not listening to the head of the house's words, but when he heard that the head of the house was laughing at his recent defeat in prison, he ordered him to be executed." The old man said slowly, "General Lu, please come inside."

"Well, old man, who are you" Lu Cheng asked.

The old butler remained silent, slowly drawing out a token. Suddenly, the starlight on its surface blazed to life, and Lu Cheng felt a surge of response in his own piece.

Lu Chengcai suddenly understood.

"General Lu, please don't misunderstand. I'm actually not qualified enough. I was just the only one who could see the head of the family before he died."

The courtyard wasn't very big. The old housekeeper shut the door, and Lu Cheng was surprised to find that there were several literati scholars in the courtyard.

"General Lu, back then thanks to your help, with the Mohist's teachings, our master's private army, the organ-equipped cavalry, could rival a tiger cavalry. But after the master passed away, General Yuan feared a revolt from the organ-equipped soldiers and disbanded them."

Lu Cheng and Jia Xu exchanged a glance.

This Yuan Shao is senile in his old age!

In his youth, he was renowned and respected. Now in old age, he is so clueless. It's no wonder that even with the best possible starting hand, he can still play terribly.

But the butler in front of me said that.

"Sir, we are here this time to meet some influential farming families from Ji Province. Would you be able to recommend some" Lu Cheng didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

"General Lu, the head of the Tian family, Master Tian Feng, has died. It is I, a humble farmer, who now leads his household."

In fact, the old butler didn't reveal the whole truth.

He was able to follow Tian Feng for many years, and in the end, Tian Feng entrusted him with the Hundred Family Order without any objection from Qixing. This shows that he is a capable person.

Lü Cheng and Aqing, when they entered Jizhou with the sword of imperial command, the spirit-seeking plants of farmers had already responded to the Hundred Families Order’s execution.

The old butler was waiting specifically at the gate of Tianfeng Mansion for Lu Cheng and his group.

He knew that the Mo family had come here with a purpose. The front-line battles were losing ground, and soon Yuan Gong would suffer defeat. They, a group of farmers, were powerless to change the situation.

Even if Lu Cheng doesn't come, he will proactively seek out other family's representatives these days to see if he can negotiate something and break the deadlock.

"Oh" Lu Cheng's face lit up with joy. This was truly finding what one sought after without much effort. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Jia Xu, who was behind him, also bowed and walked forward.

"Sir, my lord and I have come here to discuss a matter of importance with you."

"It's alright," the old man said.

"My lord, according to historical records, during the Han-Xiongnu War, the dead invaded and slaughtered Youzhou. Ten thousand li of land became deserted. Sir, do you know why this happened" Jia Xu pondered for a moment before speaking.

Upon hearing this, the old man's face changed.

He knew it was true, having heard that at the time there was an enemy faction who controlled a territory, maintaining their supplies through the slaughter of hundreds of thousands in Youzhou.

However, historical records are vague about this matter because Lu Cheng, who was knowledgeable about it, "died." The Mobei Army suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Liangzhou. Huo Qubing and Hua Xiong led their troops into Bingmaling Cemetery for a long slumber.

"I know the people who made sacrifices have provided a place of peace."

"Yes, I'm studying history books too, and I agree. Huannu King massacred Youzhou, he must have done it for food or supplies." Jia Xu said when he heard this.

“Does that gentleman know about what happened a few years ago Cao Cao defeated Lü Bu and then routed the Yellow Turbans, gathering together scholars from Yanzhou and hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men from Qingzhou” Jia Xu inquired again.

"This is also known, ever since then, Cao Thief’s fish leaped over the Dragon Gate, soaring to great heights. Only then did he have the strength to rival Yuan Gong's power!" The elder replied, only he didn't know what connection there was between the two."

"Old gentleman, you're a farmer. I ask you, can hundreds of thousands of Qingzhou troops be sustained by just one piece of land" Jia Xu seemed to have something more to say in his words.

"Difficult," the old man pondered, then suddenly, as if he understood something.

After this, Cao Cao plundered Xuzhou, recalling the events in Youzhou mentioned above.

Could it be...

"This scoundrel plundered Xuzhou, was it for revenge against his father or because he lacked money and supplies to feed the Qingzhou army" The elder questioned in doubt.

Lu Cheng pondered thoughtfully on the side. A man like Cao Cao, a true hero, might have complex motivations for doing anything. His actions could stem from anger, filial piety, or perhaps even self-interest.

"If Xu province stores grain, and Cao Cao stores spears, then Xu province becomes Cao Cao's granary. Perhaps that makes sense, too" Jia Xu asked.

The old man pondered, this he knew, when Cao Cao fought Tao Qian back then, Yuan Gong had also sent troops to help, earned military merits, and gained quite a few benefits.

This could also be the reason why Chen Lin didn't write it when he scolded Cao Cao.

This matter, the gentry of Yizhou know it well.

"Makes sense," the elder nodded. "But what do you want to say"

"The Emperor wants to return to the Eastern Capital, but he has stayed in Xuchang for five years. Hulao Pass is guarded by my general. I can tell you, sir, that Luoyang is still a wasteland. What do you think is the reason" Jia Xu glanced around before whispering softly.

The old man was just about to say he didn't know.

Suddenly, he seemed to have thought of something.

"Is Cao Cao short on money again He might loot Yizhou after winning the battle!"

!

"

Luoyang is still really a desolate wasteland.

Year after year of warfare, Yuan Gong's defeat is already apparent. Yizhou's taxation is severe, and that Cao bandit probably is truly short on money.

In that case, if Yuan Gong suffers defeat, Cao thief might very well do the same thing as they did back then, after all, Cao A-man has done it before!

The head of the family, Tian Feng, has already been killed by Yuan Gong. The farmers in Jizhou are all in fear. This Yuan Gong is a tiger, and on the outside, there's Cao Cao, the hungry wolf, eyeing them hungrily.

When Yuan Shao was at his peak, he didn't go too far.

Now that the tide has turned, scholars and noble families in Jizhou have reason to believe that Yuan Shao cannot defeat Cao Cao. What if Cao Cao runs short of money and supplies and repeats what happened in Xuzhou

"No, no, no, sir, you're worrying too much," Jia Xu smiled. "Cao Cao doesn't have a personal vendetta this time, so he shouldn't massacre Yizhou."

That

"But everyone knows what Cao Cao's policies are: suppressing the scholar-officials, families, and annexing land. At that time, the peasant..." Jia Xu intentionally only said half of it.

The old man let out a long breath.

"

This is something we all know.

"

Inside the farming community, there's a belief that Yuan Gong is destined for defeat. The policies of Cao Cao will inevitably lead to division, suppression of farmers, and the seizure of fertile farmlands belonging to farmers, but

What else can we do

A group of farmers who work the land, Bao didn't bet right and is now reduced to eating fish.

Lu Cheng understood in his heart that it was time for him to make a move!

I am on very good terms with Lord Tian Feng. I have a plan.

The Land General, please speak.

"A farmer's crisis boils down to holding good land but facing the sin of being rich. In my opinion, farmers can't keep their land. If Yuan Gong faces a serious war, he will inevitably increase requisitioning, leaving farmers with nothing. If Cao Cao wins, it would be even worse." Lu Cheng continued, "But if farmers lose at least half of their good land, there is nothing to worry about."

The elder chuckled and said, "General Lu, you're quite the joker. We've lost our assets now, just like everyone else."

"My general's meaning is that you can wait for us, and as for the transaction, we can discuss it later." Jia Xu said from the side.

“You are all the way at Hu Laoguan in Luoyang, tens of thousands of miles away from here” The old man was somewhat surprised. What did this Mo family want by trading fertile land

Have they used it

But to find someone to take over at this critical moment is simply the best outcome imaginable. It's better than holding onto immovable farmland and exchanging it for something that could save your life, isn't it

Moreover, the current ink dealer (墨家令執) is someone that Field Family Head (和田豐家主) has previously done business with and trusts.

"There's no need for you to trouble yourself, sir. I have my own plans. Now, let's discuss the terms."

"To be honest, all we want is to save our lives. It's as simple as that, money will do too," the old butler said. A bunch of farmers like us, now the big tree is about to fall, let's just take the money and run."

"Old Master," Jia Xu suddenly leaned in, saying mysteriously, "In this chaotic world, money is truly inferior to a peaceful land. To be frank with you, we know of a place protected by ancient spirits. I shall lead the General to find this blessed land. If it were a farmer..."

"An ancient spirit" Before Jia Xu could finish, the old steward interjected.

"That's right, my general has found a carefree ancient demon fairy from the world," Jia Xu nudged Lu Cheng.

Lu Cheng was taken aback.

Wandering the world Ancient demonic immortals

Are you calling me an idiot

Oh, Kunli Great Immortal!

Lucheng suddenly blurted out a name: "That's right, Kunli Daxian! His true form is the giant northern sea carp, thousands of miles long. He has a city on his back called Qianji."

Lu Cheng spent three whole days consuming two high-star Spiritual Qi cards to summon a group of representatives to [Loyang - Longmen].

This group of people saw the charred earth, and of course, they also saw, Qianji City!

The old housekeeper and the farmers were dumbfounded when they saw the "real thing."

Lu Cheng sighed beside him.

This mount of mine

You haven't said anything yet.

You could call it a fool, it is a bit foolish. Every day it only eats, barks, and sleeps. When it really fights, besides its meat, it's useless. Let it fight on its own, it would probably be single-handedly massacred by Ah Qing, let alone escaping under the siege of Huo Qubing/Hua Xiong's army.

After all, it's still a young koopa lacking in bar forms.

But, though.

Wow!

Stylish!

That's impressive!

Several kilometers long!

!

The farmers were completely dumbfounded.

Kunli Great Immortal!

! There's really a city of a thousand mechanisms behind it!

!

You gained 10 points to your Farming reputation!

"This must be the fairy realm!" an excited peasant girl exclaimed.

You gained Farming Reputation 10!

Jia Xu, enjoying the cool breeze under a shade tree, said: "Have someone record this and tell future historians that an unnamed General Lu Cheng and a strategist surnamed Jia led hundreds of farmers from various backgrounds to Huaxia Qianjicheng during the Eastern Han Dynasty. They joined forces with followers of Mozi, Gongshuban, Yin Yang philosophy, Daoism, and Guimiao, officially ushering in the era of agricultural cultivation."

Sea-Swallowing Sect, Welcome Platform.

Su Yu Zhou is very happy today.

I bought a new car.

The Dao couple recently attained ascension and became immortals. They acquired some materials, and Su Yu Zhou painted a landscape painting himself. This magical treasure can be rolled up to serve as a mount, and when unfolded, the mountain and river map can also function as a cave dwelling!

What's this called

"RV"!

In the cultivation world, who doesn't have a flying mount If you don't, there's always a riding magic treasure.

But there are some of the combination, but not many!

The Nascent Soul elder from the neighboring mountain, rides a gourd every day, and when he's not doing anything, he hides himself inside the gourd world. He flaunts it every day.

You're the best!

He added a few strokes to it today.

Because I heard that陸承's younger brother is coming back, right

How could I not show off my new mount in front of my younger disciplesss and its surroundings. Once the situation was unfavorable, Lu Cheng could simply run away, leaving Yu Ka to hold the line. If things went badly, it wouldn't be a huge effort to repair Yu Ka afterwar...