Yan Qing's side had completely taken control of the situation, let's turn to Chen Yuan's side.

After instructing Yan Qing, Yue Shan, and others, Chen Yuan didn't linger. He directly led all the remaining Sky Patrol Guards, each mounted on a horse, and headed towards the military garrison of the Martial Preparedness Army.

According to the information he obtained in Qingzhou, the Commandant of the Martial Preparedness Army in Tangshan Prefecture was named Du Ming. He didn't have any significant background and was a retired lieutenant general from the border army.

His presence in Tangshan Prefecture had always been low.

Because his strength wasn't considered strong, only at the mid-stage of the Profound realm, he was no match for the Qing Envoy Song Jingang. He had been suppressed all these years.

Fortunately, he also knew the principle of self-preservation. Apart from the matters within the Martial Preparedness Army, he didn't care about anything else, truly minding his own business and keeping his distance.

And Song Jingang didn't push him too hard either. The two sides were like water in a well that doesn't interfere with river water. After all, if Du Ming were forced away, what if an even stronger Martial Preparedness Commandant came?

It was better to live in peace like this. As long as he remained obedient, there was no need to target him.

This was the information from Qingzhou, and from what Chen Yuan heard, it was roughly the same. Du Ming's presence had always been low, so he didn't push too aggressively.

If he could be subdued, it would save other troubles.

After killing Song Jingang yesterday, he sent a letter to Du Ming, but the latter had not replied. That's why he decided to personally meet the Martial Preparedness Commandant, taking advantage of today's opportunity.

The Martial Preparedness Army camp of Tangshan Prefecture was some distance away from the Prefecture City. Compared to other prefectures, this place was considered very far, which also revealed Du Ming's style of doing things.

He simply didn't want to get too involved with Song Jingang.

Galloping on horseback, after about half an hour, the group of Sky Patrol Guards arrived before the Martial Preparedness Army camp. Soon, they aroused the alertness of the military camp.

They began to prepare defenses in an orderly manner.

When Chen Yuan and his men reached about two hundred meters from the military camp, a battle formation had already been set up. More than two thousand elite soldiers stood silently, holding long spears, their faces fierce as they warily watched Chen Yuan.

Raising his hand, stopping the others from advancing, Chen Yuan rode forward alone, facing the army, somewhat like attending a meeting alone.

Slowly scanning over these Martial Preparedness Army soldiers, Chen Yuan nodded almost imperceptibly, secretly thinking that this Du Ming wasn't entirely useless.

At least the training of these soldiers hadn't been neglected, and they still had some courage and fierceness.

He just wondered how they would perform on the battlefield.

"Chen has come to visit the Martial Preparedness Army. Why doesn't Brother Du show himself for a meeting?" Chen Yuan's voice was infused with Astral Qi, echoing for a thousand meters, reverberating above the military camp.

After a moment, an echo came:

"The Demon Blade has come in person. What instruction do you have?"

Immediately afterward, a streak of light shot out from the military camp, a figure standing in the void, wearing black armor, holding a blood-colored spear, his figure upright.

It was the Commandant of the Martial Preparedness Army, Du Ming.

Chen Yuan's figure rose up, meeting the figure. The two were about thirty meters apart, and he could see Du Ming's appearance clearly. Except for his slightly small eyes, there was nothing remarkable about him.

As for his cultivation aura, it was also more than a level behind Chen Yuan. In comparison, he was suppressed.

Similarly, Du Ming also saw the lineup of the Demon Blade, who was spreading a fearsome reputation.

To be honest, he felt somewhat inferior upon seeing him.

Chen Yuan's appearance was too outstanding, and coupled with his young age, he was made to look like a waste. After all, the young man in front of him was now a Prefecture Qing Envoy.

And he possessed great fame, and was a top talent on the Hidden Dragon List, with unlimited potential in the future.

And him?

He had lived for fifty years in vain and couldn't compare to the other.

He should know that he wasn't really unwilling to fight for power, it's just that he didn't have the ability. Song Jingang alone could suppress him to death, forcing him to guard his own acre of land within the Martial Preparedness Army.

It was really suffocating.

As for competing with Chen Yuan?

That was even more wishful thinking. He couldn't even beat Song Jingang, let alone Chen Yuan, who killed Song Jingang in an instant? So when Chen Yuan sent a letter earlier, he pretended not to see it.

He thought that no matter what the other party's intentions were, as long as he didn't participate, could the other party really push him too hard?

Who knew, the other party really came.

And came with the Sky Patrol Guards, glaring at him like a tiger watching its prey, as if to remove him along with Song Jingang.

"Instruction is too much to ask, but I have a piece of advice to give."

Chen Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, an aura of composure radiating, as if he wasn't afraid of the other party suddenly attacking. As if even if the other party had any means, he could easily break them.

"Qing Envoy Chen, please speak."

Du Ming said in a condensed voice.

He wanted to see what tricks Chen Yuan could pull off.

"I, under the order of Golden Envoy Jiang and Governor of the State, have come to cleanse Tangshan Prefecture. Golden Envoy Jiang once said that Tangshan Prefecture has completely rotted, and told me to remove all these dregs."

"What does Envoy Chen mean by this?" Du Ming's face darkened slightly. What did it have to do with him that Tangshan Prefecture was rotten? Chen Yuan's words included him in the scolding.

"Listen to me finish first."

"Alright."

"When I arrived in Tangshan, I saw that it was indeed the case. From top to bottom, the entire Sky Patrol Department and the government were rotten. I naturally couldn't bear this anger for the sake of the people, so I first caused a great disturbance in Lushui County.

Then, taking the opportunity, I removed Song Jingang and Chen Yongzhi, thoroughly cleansing the Sky Patrol Department. Now, the Tangshan Prefecture Yamen has also been taken."

The more Du Ming listened, the heavier his heart became. He didn't expect that Chen Yuan had already taken the Tangshan Prefecture Yamen. What great courage!

"According to my previous practice, the Martial Preparedness Army must also be taken. However, I accidentally heard some things about Commandant Du, and know that you are not in the same gang as Song Jingang and Wu Zhi. Therefore, I will give you a chance."

Chen Yuan stared at the other party.

The reason for saying so much, of course, wasn't to pad the word count, but to slowly disintegrate Du Ming's defenses, letting him know the stakes. If he didn't listen to advice, he could also take down the Martial Preparedness Army in the same way as he took down the Sky Patrol Department and the Prefecture Yamen.

His words worked, Du Ming's heart sank. He took a deep breath and said, trying to maintain his composure:

"Qing Envoy Chen, you truly have great courage. You must know that the Prefecture Yamen does not belong to the Sky Patrol Department. You dare to take action, are you not afraid of being held accountable afterward?"

"Afraid? I never knew how to write the word fear." Taking Jiang He's Golden Envoy token from his bosom, he said lightly:

"I have been ordered to cleanse Tangshan, and have the authority to control everything. I believe Commandant Du has also heard of my background, and knows that what I say is not false."

"Golden Envoy Jiang really authorized you?" Du Ming's face changed.

The imperial court has always followed the principle of separation of powers, precisely to prevent local powers from growing too large and disobeying orders. After all, if military, political, and martial powers were all held in one person's hands, that would be like a local emperor.

Within the Prefecture region, who could restrain him?

Moreover, the other party had a great backer like Jiang He, running rampant in Qingzhou wouldn't be anything.

"In troubled times, heavy punishments should be used. Golden Envoy Jiang's token is here. Would I deceive you?" Chen Yuan's tone was calm from beginning to end.

Du Ming didn't dare to say that he was lying. After all, this guy was too calm.

Of course, what Chen Yuan said wasn't a lie.

Although Jiang He didn't say to let him control everything, he did say to let him thoroughly cleanse Tangshan. Wasn't the implied meaning that he should control everything? After all, someone must replace those who were cleansed.

At least, that was how Chen Yuan understood it.

"What opportunity is Envoy Chen going to give this general?" Du Ming stared intently at Chen Yuan and said.

"From now on, obey my orders in everything. If so, I will guarantee your life." "What?"

Du Ming's eyes widened. Chen Yuan actually wanted him to submit?

He should know that their ranks were equal, no matter where they were. This made it somewhat difficult for him to accept.

"I have the authority to cleanse. If you don't obey, today I will give you a charge and let Commandant Du be completely cleansed. Comparing the two, which one does Commandant Du think is suitable?"

"I am of equal rank with you? How dare you say to listen to you in everything? It would be fine to say that you want me to cooperate, but submission is absolutely impossible. Tangshan is the world of the imperial court, not Chen Yuan's world."

Du Ming took a deep breath, trying to boost his confidence.

"Just because my name is Chen Yuan. If you don't obey, today is a dead end. Don't say I didn't warn you!" Chen Yuan snorted lightly, and a soaring aura began to erupt.

It was as if a fierce beast was about to open its eyes, causing Du Ming to feel somewhat solemn.

Chen Yuan had one more thing that he didn't say explicitly, and that was that once he completely subdued the Martial Preparedness Army, this Tangshan Prefecture would truly be his world!

"You"

Du Ming clenched his teeth. Even Song Jingang had never coerced him like this, but today Chen Yuan dared to be so arrogant and conceited. And yet, the other party possessed strength that he couldn't match.

"This Commandant can cooperate with you in the future." This was Du Ming's concession.

"I only ask you one question, will you submit or not?"

Chen Yuan took a step forward, his aura astonishing.

Subduing people is nothing more than coercion and enticement. The previous was enticement, and now it is coercion!

Du Ming's chest rose and fell, and the right palm that tightly gripped the spear was now sweating. He had a premonition that if he didn't submit today, he would die under the other party's blade.

And he would die for nothing. Chen Yuan might even give him a charge and execute his nine generations of relatives. Song Jingang had already achieved this.

As a Prefecture Qing Envoy, he was not only killed, but also had his ten generations of relatives killed, with heads rolling.

His eyes flickered, and he hesitated.

It would be fine if he had a background, but he didn't have any strong background. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been assigned to such a dangerous place as Tangshan Prefecture. No one would speak out for him if he died.

After a few moments, he said in a deep voice:

"If you want me to submit, you must first defeat me."

"Are you not afraid that I will kill you with one strike?"

"We will only compare one move. Whether I win or lose, I am willing to listen to your orders."

Chen Yuan's words frightened Du Ming, and he quickly changed his words. That's right, what if Chen Yuan killed him with one strike?

The other party was very likely to be able to do that.

Chen Yuan: "???"

"No matter what, Du is of equal rank with you. If I submit with just a few words, who would look up to me in the future?"

Chen Yuan stared at him, smiled, and shook his head:

"There's no need to fight. Don't you just want to see my strength? Today, I will let you see it. If you are not convinced afterward, we can fight again."

"Alright, then I will see Envoy Chen's high skill." Du Ming retreated a few steps, opening the distance.

Chen Yuan glanced at him, held the blade with one hand, and his aura began to gather. Blood energy shook, and true essence boiled. In the next instant, he drew his blade and slashed, and a dragon's roar echoed in the void.

A terrifying blade ray of nearly twenty zhang in size, directly slashed horizontally in front of thousands of soldiers.

"Boom!"

In an instant, a huge crack was cut out on the ground. If one looked closely, one could see a gully that was several zhang deep. The ground was cracked, and dust flew for a long time before dissipating.

At this moment, the world fell silent. The cold wind howled, and everyone stared dumbfounded at the mark on the ground that resembled a small river.

Soldiers and Sky Patrol Guards were all shocked by Chen Yuan's power.

Du Ming in the void gasped, secretly thinking:

"This child is so terrifying!"

How many strikes could he withstand with such power?

If he resisted head-on, he would definitely become a dead soul under Chen Yuan's blade.

"How is it?"

Chen Yuan turned his gaze to Du Ming.

"Envoy Chen's saber technique is divine, Du is inferior." Du Ming lowered his head.

Faced with such strength, he only had despair.

He could not resist!

No wonder he could kill Song Jingang with his blade. With such strength, he could probably sweep through Tangshan.

Chen Yuan smiled: "Then what you said just now?"

Du Ming took a deep breath and bowed:

"From now on, I am willing to submit to you, and listen to your orders. I only hope that you will not make things too difficult for me."

"You will know who I am in the future."

Chen Yuan waved his hand, and Astral Qi lifted Du Ming.

Coercion and enticement were in place, and the next step was to subdue him. Naturally, the way he addressed him had to be changed. Du Ming was more than a decade older than him, so calling him Brother Du wasn't too much.

From then on, he had a Profound realm expert in his hands, although only limited to Tangshan Prefecture, but it was enough for him.

Although Du Ming's strength was average, he had been here for so long and could give him some help.

Sensing the intimacy in Chen Yuan's words, Du Ming breathed a sigh of relief. What he feared most was that Chen Yuan, this young man, would order him around in everything and treat him like a dog.

This was something he could never accept, even if he died.

Having been in a high position for many years, he also had his own pride.

After that, without Chen Yuan saying much, Du Ming directly made a Blood Oath of the Heart Devil. This was the only thing that could truly restrain him. His initiative also made Chen Yuan think highly of him.

"Please, my lord, come into the camp for a chat." Du Ming lowered his posture and gestured.

"In that case, I will intrude."

Chen Yuan laughed heartily and entered the military camp. It was the first time he had entered a military camp, and he was quite curious and satisfied.

The military battle formations, coupled with various weapons, meant that the Sky Patrol Department was no match in a head-on fight.

From then on, Chen Yuan completely subdued Du Ming and controlled the Martial Preparedness Army.

And from then on, he completely controlled the official forces of the entire Tangshan Prefecture.

And his feat of deciding Du Ming's fate with one strike, along with the news of the siege of the Prefecture Yamen, once again shocked the entire Tangshan Prefecture!

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Two chapters, eight thousand words offered! Ding Ding Little Stone refuses to be short!