Fu Shifeng

Chapter 350: Dan turns into smoke
"Be gentle, be gentle! If this thing hits you, it can blow you all to death!"

In the Yan army formation, the captain in charge of commanding the trebuchet shouted at the top of his lungs. There happened to be two shirtless warriors in front of him, and they carefully moved a large and heavy iron and stone bullet to the leather nest where the bullet was held.

There is a fuse on the iron stone bullet, which is quickly ignited with a fire breaker. Immediately, an order sounded from behind, and nearly two hundred soldiers pulled the ropes together to move the trebuchet, which was comparable to a tall building.

The wooden tip pole, which was more than three feet long, was like a giant beam. When it was swung, it made a sound of breaking through the air, and the iron and stone bullets that were burning with sparks were suddenly thrown away.

The iron and stone bullets flew more than 400 steps, passed over the heads of the Yan army's forward array, and flew towards Guancheng ahead. Some soldiers looked up and saw the stone bullets, with a look of awe on their faces.

boom--

With a loud noise, the iron and stone bombs hit the Tongguan city wall, bursting and shattering. Various flammable materials such as black paint and grease inside came into contact with sparks, causing a huge explosion in an instant. The raging flames mercilessly swallowed dozens of Xia army soldiers.

The iron and stone fragments flying everywhere due to the explosion hit the mortal body like a torrential rain, exploding into clouds of blood, causing bursts of screams, and causing an entire section of the battlements to break and collapse.

"Drag them down! Drag the injured ones down! The others are carrying sandbags and help me seal the gap in the city wall!"

After months of fierce fighting, although this was not the first time that the generals of the Xia army had seen a similar situation, and they knew how to deal with it, the power of these iron and stone bullets today was much greater than before, and the temporarily reinforced city wall was actually blown up. A bit loose.

However, before Xia Jun could repair the city wall, a second wave of iron and stone bullets came one after another. Seeing that they were about to cause heavy casualties, more than a dozen sharp wind knives flew out and directly chopped the iron and stone bullets into pieces in mid-air. The middle city wall detonated in advance, turning into a scorching wave of air that pressed over Guancheng.

Ren Fengxing was seen standing in the sky above the city wall, with the wind whistling around him and his clothes flying, like an immortal. When the Xia Army soldiers on the ground saw him personally intercepting the enemy's stone bullets, they cheered and their morale was greatly boosted.

But Ren Fengxing himself did not dare to take it lightly. The methods displayed by the Yan army this time were more violent and powerful than those in the previous months. Even the attack distance of the trebuchet was longer. The explosion of the iron and stone bombs could even make Xiu Chenggang. The angry master was injured.

At first, when the Yan army took out the explosive stone bombs to bombard the Tongguan city wall, the Xia army was almost shocked and their morale collapsed, mistakenly thinking that it was thunder descending from the gods in the sky.

Even a well-informed expert like Ren Fengxing couldn't figure out how Yan Jun caused the stone bomb to explode. If it were induced by spells, it would be too extravagant.

Fortunately, when the Yan army attacked the city not long ago, a stone bullet flew over the city wall and landed in the open space without exploding. After Qi Jingyang ordered people to cut it open, he invited experts to come and inspect it. Taoist priest Zongshenggong, who was proficient in alchemy, discovered that the stone bullet was filled with substances such as sulfur, nitrate, and stone fat. Once ignited, a fire would break out. , or even exploded, carrying fragments of stone bullets, killing people and horses. Even if the power was not enough to directly collapse the rammed earth city wall, it could still force ordinary soldiers to dare not take the lead.

Later, according to the news from the spies lurking in the Yan army from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it was learned that this kind of thing was called gunpowder and was created by a Taoist in Junshan, Jizhou Prefecture.

At first, gunpowder was just the product of failed alchemy and the explosion of a cauldron. However, as Fujun Mountain was close to the Jingsai Army under the command of Youzhoujie Town, the officers and soldiers of the army discovered that the gunpowder was loud and powerful, and could frighten horses, and was effective against Donghu cavalry. It was so good that it was adopted by the military.

Gunpowder had not attracted much attention before. It was not until the attack on Tongguan failed for several months that the Yan army concentrated its material resources on improvements, which made the power of gunpowder much more powerful.

"Fu Junshan? Jingsai Army?"

When Ren Fengxing reported this matter to Chang Qing, the young emperor was quite curious about novel things such as gunpowder, but Master Wen who was standing by him seemed to have thought of something, which prompted Chang Qing to ask.

"Perhaps you haven't noticed that when Cheng Sanwu joined the Youyan Army, he served in the Jingsai Army." Master Wen explained: "Because the Taoist priests in Fujun Mountain are good at refining gold wound ointments and are also proficient in bone setting, so we follow The generals and officers in the army often come and go, and Cheng Sanwu also recognizes them."

"Senior, do you think Cheng Sanwu has something to do with the gunpowder?" Chang Qing pointed to the cut open stone bullet.

"Then it's hard for me to say."

……

"Hahahaha - thanks to the gunpowder of Master Qingxu, this attack on the city can proceed very quickly!"

In the Yan army's formation, Kang Yaluo stood on a temporary wooden platform and looked at Tongguan. He saw the trebuchets throwing iron and stone bullets filled with gunpowder one after another, causing dozens of fireballs to rise up on the towering city wall, like thunder. The sound was earth-shattering.

Under the wooden platform, a skinny Taoist laughed helplessly. This time, the power of the gunpowder doubled. It was not because he came up with some secret elixir recipe. He simply mixed the gunpowder with finely ground elixir. In order to test the gunpowder earlier, It was so powerful that it accidentally killed more than a dozen Yan Army soldiers.

I think back then, I originally planned to rely on the outer elixir method of subduing fire passed down by my master, hoping to turn stones into gold, but I failed to achieve anything, and even blew up the cauldron to the sky several times.

In order to alleviate the pain of being short of money, Qing Xuzi planned to bake colored glaze in an attempt to gain access to the powerful. As a result, a businessman brought high-quality glassware from the Western Regions, causing him to lose all the temple property, and he was eventually reduced to making a living by drawing talismans on people.

If a reckless man named Cheng Sanwu hadn't seen him pitifully and used the money and silk given by the army to help him, he might still be suffering from the wind and cold in a small rural temple.

Unfortunately, there was a big battle later, and I heard that almost all of Cheng Sanwu's troops were wiped out. He himself retired due to injury and returned to his hometown, so the two never met again.

Now Qingxuzi's gunpowder was created by chance and was reused by the Yan army. The fame and wealth that he had dreamed of in the past came one after another. He was even respected as a real person by Kang Yaluo, wearing a purple robe and a gold seal. He was so honored that he himself couldn't help but sigh about the world. Impermanence.

But after more than half a year, Qing Xuzi's impression of Kang Yaluo and Yan Jun had dropped to rock bottom, and he even had the idea of ​​sneaking away several times.

When the army was still near Luoyang, Qing Xuzi also went to the Heyang area. He remembered that Cheng Sanwu said that his hometown was here, and he wondered if he could find his old friend. But when he arrived, the city and countryside had been ravaged by the Yan army until ten rooms were empty. There were corpses everywhere, and not even a few adult men could be found.

"I have decided!" Kang Yaluo walked off the wooden platform, raised his hand and patted Qingxuzi on the shoulder, almost knocking him down: "After we capture Chang'an, I will appoint Qingxuzi as the leader of the Taoist sect and rule the world for me. Taoist!"

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." Qing Xuzi was extremely reluctant, but he did not dare to refuse politely.

Kang Yaluo laughed loudly, holding out his fat and bloated belly, walking with difficulty, and shouted loudly: "My sons, attack the city!"

With an order, thirty war drums sounded together, one of which was made from the skin of the ancient exotic beast Kui Niu. The sound of the drums spread throughout the surrounding mountains and rivers, shocking the hearts.

More than a dozen trebuchets were still throwing iron and stone bombs filled with gunpowder, suppressing the top of Tongguan City. Although they could not completely collapse the city wall in a hurry, they could prevent the Xia army soldiers from climbing to the city to defend, thus covering the Yan army. The infantry advanced. After months of fierce fighting, the Yan army had figured out the various strategies of the Xia army. This time, in addition to the frontal army continuing to attack Tongguan, there were also 20,000 troops on the north bank of the Yellow River, approaching Fengling Ferry.

For this reason, the Yan army cut down trees in advance and built a considerable number of small boats and fast boats in order to cross the Yellow River and circle to the side of Tongguan for a pincer attack.

Moreover, in order to succeed in the battle and prevent the soldiers and horses from the two towns of Heshuo stationed in Jinyang from going south to support, the soldiers and horses of Youzhou town even crossed the Taihang Mountains from Jingxing and attacked the northern capital of Daxia directly. All parties were fully prepared.

Kang Yaluo stepped on a strong slave and rode a flame-maned black horse with difficulty. He saw a strong man holding a huge stone blade, throwing away the military formation and running towards the city gate. He jumped into the two-foot-wide ravine. Crossed over.

"Good man, who is that subordinate? Why haven't I seen him before?" Kang Yaluo asked the Cui staff who was accompanying him.

"He is Tu Weijun, originally from Chang'an's Ministry of Internal Affairs." Staff Cui flattered with a fake smile: "Because he couldn't stand the Ministry of Internal Affairs treating him like a slave, and he heard that your Majesty recruits talented people regardless of their origins, so he switched sides. Surrender. However, he knew that he had not accomplished any merit, so he planned to go up first to repay His Majesty."

Kang Jialuo was very pleased with what he said and laughed loudly when he saw Ren Fengxing flaunting his sleeves and blocking Tu Weijun at the top of the city. A fierce battle broke out between the two.

Gunpowder and stone bullets can certainly suppress ordinary soldiers, but an innate expert like Ren Fengxing can naturally deal with them calmly if they block or avoid them.

But the Yan army obviously understood this, so before the infantry approached Guancheng, a group of masters rushed out first. Among them were martial arts masters who had defected to the Yan army, as well as various teachers, especially Turle shamans and Zoroastrian priest.

The Turle shamans shook their heads, danced like birds and animals, swung bone sticks or wooden staffs, and struck the naked and blood-stained sacrifices. The hair of the living people grew crazy, and the muscles and bones were deformed, turning into a group of semi-human beings. The half-wolf monsters let out a long howl and ran towards Guancheng in groups.

As for the Zoroastrian priests, they are neatly dressed, with white and red robes in clear order. They hold torches or candlesticks and chant blessings in unison, with an ups and downs rhythm, like a song. Bits of fire light rose up and gathered together, turning into an eagle, shining brightly like the scorching sun, and also flew towards Tongguan.

One day at a time, it’s unstoppable. Obviously they are two different schools of magicians, and it would be extremely difficult for them to be compatible with each other. But now, under Kang Yaluo's command, they are able to work together tacitly.

Seeing the wolf demon eagle approaching first, Ren Fengxing was secretly annoyed. Fortunately, he smelled a scent of sandalwood and immediately felt at peace. He was able to deal with Tu Weijun's strong attack with his sword, and Lord Zhanmeng's voice rang in his ears:

"It's good for me, a poor monk, to deal with Tu Weijun. When I meet you, please take care of heaven."

Ren Fengxing soared into the air and said without forgetting: "Be careful, this beast must have been taught before, and his martial arts skills are better than before."

Tu Weijun yelled for kill, and when he was about to pursue him, he suddenly saw a gray shadow coming from the other side of the city wall. He tapped the eight-foot stone blade lightly with his toes. Shape is controlled.

"Long time no see. Is Tu Weijun okay?"

On top of the stone blade, an old monk in gray robe stood on one foot, with the other leg crossed on his knee. His face is old, but he has kind eyebrows and kind eyes. His body exudes sandalwood, which makes people feel peaceful. This person is Zhan Mengjun, the second seat of Gongchen Guard.

"die--"

Tu Weijun shouted loudly, and his body swelled up like a rubber ball. In a blink of an eye, his facial features disappeared among the twisted flesh. He grabbed Zhanmengjun's ankle and beat him hard to the ground.

A fierce battle began on the ground, and the situation in the sky was no less favorable. Ren Fengxing looked at the dazzling Zoroastrian eagle, raised his arms and sleeves, and caused the eight-pole mysterious wind to gather, trying to smash the bright eagle.

However, this bright eagle is like a living creature. Its wings are spread out, and the strong wind that can shatter iron and stone cannot damage it at all. It rises in the wind, fluttering its wings and swings down hundreds of thousands of light feathers like arrows, shooting towards the inner side of Guancheng. Plan to attack ordinary Xia army soldiers.

Ren Fengxing was startled, but fortunately, a cloud of smoke suddenly appeared in mid-air in the city. It seemed gentle, but it was able to push away the light arrows.

The haze rolled back and turned into a whisk, which was held in the arm of the young-looking Luo Gongyuan.

"The formation is complete, everyone is in his position. As the chief, there is no need to worry about what's behind you." Luo Gongyuan flicked the dust, and the smoke passed by. The momentum of the flying iron and stone bullets slowed down, and even the flames on the fuses were extinguished.

The iron and stone bullets that landed steadily were immediately moved away by the Xia Army soldiers. As if they had been prepared, they moved to the city to place a safe trebuchet.

Different from the Yan Jun's trebuchet that required hundreds of people to pull the rope together, the one used by the Tongguan Xia Jun looked like a steelyard with a huge weight hanging on it.

The iron and stone bombs were put on the trebuchet, and the fuse was re-lit. At the command, the "weighing weight" suddenly dropped, with the tip pole raised high, and the iron and stone bombs were thrown back at the enemy's formation.

Even if they didn't see the almost identical explosion, according to pre-calculations, the iron-stone bombs should have fallen directly into the Yan army's formation, causing a lot of casualties.

At this time, the half-wolf monster driven by the Tule shaman also relied on its sharp claws to cling to the uneven wall. Without the need for a ladder or wooden frame, it climbed directly onto the Tongguan city wall, roaring and bumping into the people who were still trying to repair the city wall. The Xia army soldiers here.

"kill--"

When the Xia Army soldiers saw the group of half-wolf monsters, they did not waver or retreat at all. They shouted at the same time, and greeted them with swords and spears, blocking the half-wolf monsters from the shield wall and spear forest.

"I have to say that the Daxia garrison did deal with it in a very methodical manner. If there is no more combat power, Kang Yaluo may still not be able to fight in. Even if tens of thousands of elites are killed, it will still be a futile and extremely dull battle."

Kong Fang was sitting on the steps in front of the government office. At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on the battlefield ahead, and no one paid any attention to the green-robed official.

Looking up at the Yuedu Temple on the terrace to the south, although the specific location of the Huangji Altar cannot be seen, a ray of skylight can be faintly seen penetrating the clouds and slowly shining down, gradually gathering the power of creation of heaven and earth.

"Okay, it's time for me to show off my skills."

Kong Fangfang stretched, and his figure suddenly transformed into a Forbidden Army guard wearing heavy armor and holding a halberd, and rushed towards the Huangji Altar in a majestic manner.

(End of this chapter)