readytorunbook Chapter 122 Pooling Efforts and Strategies to Overcome the Crisis; Amidst Changing Circumstances, th
Chapter 122 Pooling Efforts and Strategies to Overcome the Crisis; Amidst Changing Circumstances, th
The predicament we are in right now is like a trapped beast struggling to survive.
The sword tower behind him was his powerful support.
However, in this delicate situation, it has become a constraint that is difficult to get rid of.
The high command of Winterfell took advantage of their positions, precisely because they had calculated that the Sword Tower would not launch a large-scale war against Winterfell without any evidence, simply because of a young master.
Therefore, he chose this insidious and indirect method to deal with himself.
The meat pie in Zhou Qingfeng's hand sizzled on the fire, as if echoing the anxiety in his heart.
Faced with this seemingly unsolvable deadlock, Zhou Qingfeng clearly understood that whether he handed over the treasure map and key or chose to fight to the end, he would face unbearable consequences.
The former means losing a precious treasure, which would greatly shake one's power, status, and all the privileges one possesses, causing one's reputation to plummet and one's future to be greatly affected.
The latter, however, may face endless pursuit and ultimately lose their lives.
Despite the critical situation, Zhou Qingfeng remained calm.
He knew that what he needed most right now was to think calmly.
Perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope to escape from this meticulously woven trap.
However, the space left for oneself is getting smaller and smaller, and time is becoming increasingly tight.
Faced with such a dangerous dead end, not only Zhou Qingfeng was thinking of countermeasures, but Xiao Hongyun, Ye Tingxiu, Master Chen, Jin Wei, and the old cripple were also sitting around the fire, racking their brains and thinking of ways to break the deadlock.
After frowning and thinking deeply, Xiao Hongyun spoke first: "Old Zhou, I have a plan that can break this deadlock."
"Tell me your thoughts." Zhou Qingfeng didn't look down on anyone's intelligence. Three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang. He was certainly quick-witted, but others weren't fools either.
Rather than fighting alone and reinventing the wheel.
It's better to pool our efforts and ideas; even if the plan has its flaws, at least we'll have another option.
Xiao Hongyun's eyes gleamed, and a wise look appeared on his face: "My method is to divert the enemy's attention and replicate tens of thousands of fake treasure maps and fake keys. The fake treasure maps and fake keys must be so realistic that they can be mistaken for the real ones."
"The best approach is to replicate the original treasure map and key. We can make slight modifications to the details to prevent others from noticing anything amiss. Then, we can distribute the fake treasure map and key widely, giving one to everyone."
"This move will prevent those folk cultivators from targeting us, and can temporarily break this deadlock."
Zhou Qingfeng raised an eyebrow slightly: "Old Xiao, you have indeed improved."
Xiao Hongyun flicked his fan open, chuckling lightly, quite pleased with himself. He had been working with Zhou Qingfeng for quite some time, and each time they worked together, he had been seriously learning and imitating Zhou Qingfeng's strategies.
The fact that they were able to come up with a solution to this sudden turn of events in such a short time can be considered a small achievement.
Zhou Qingfeng didn't say anything. Although the plan was ingenious, it could only temporarily resolve the crisis and not solve the fundamental problem. After all, his opponent was not these folk cultivators, but the mastermind behind this predicament.
If we don't deal with this mastermind, we'll still face unknown schemes and dangers.
"I have a plan!" Ye Tingxiu raised his hand.
Zhou Qingfeng was quite surprised and gestured for Ye Tingxiu to continue.
Knowing the urgency of the situation, Ye Tingxiu disregarded the intense pain caused by breaking the three-word silencing spell and quickly said, "Let's turn back to Winter City now and head straight for the City Lord's Mansion."
"Since the other party doesn't dare to attack you directly, it proves that they are still afraid of your status and the power of the Sword Tower."
“We can turn the tables, return to Winterfell, and reveal our identities.”
"After ensuring our own safety, we will investigate who is behind this and look for opportunities to retaliate."
Zhou Qingfeng glanced at Ye Tingxiu and wondered how this guy had suddenly become smart. Then he thought that Ye Tingxiu, this brute, probably just wanted to go back to see his lover, so he devised this simple plan.
Although this plan is simple, it requires a great deal of courage and is not a reckless idea.
Zhou Qingfeng wanted to hear what others had to say, so he said, "Everyone, please feel free to share your opinions. After all, how we proceed from here is a matter of fate for all of us."
Master Chen, drawing on his own strengths, offered his advice: "Young Master, I think we should set up a defensive formation and choose a location that is easy to defend and difficult to attack to temporarily encamp. We should set up defensive works and trap formations to force the pursuers to pay a heavy price, while also buying more time to think about the next strategy."
Zhou Qingfeng nodded. This plan could be considered a stopgap measure, not a top-notch strategy. However, given Master Chen's expertise in formations, it was indeed a demonstration of his full potential, so it was not surprising that he could come up with this plan.
Jin Wei clasped his hands and said, "Young Master, I think we should immediately contact the Sword Tower for support, inform them of our current predicament, and request that the Sword Tower send reinforcements or exert pressure to stop the higher-ups of Winter City from continuing to plot against you."
Zhou Qingfeng shook his head in denial, saying that asking for reinforcements or exerting pressure would be meaningless, as distant water cannot quench immediate thirst, and that reaching out to superiors for help whenever difficulties arise would only expose one's incompetence in handling thorny issues.
As I said before, everyone will ask for something; even a dog would do.
This plan may seem like the best strategy, but it is actually the worst one.
To achieve great things, the first thing is to encounter trouble and solve it, rather than passing the trouble on to those above you.
Anyone who dares to do that has virtually no future.
Zhou Qingfeng looked at the old cripple and said, "Mr. Liao, what are your thoughts?"
The old cripple stroked his beard and smiled: "Si Lang, with so many people offering you advice, you don't need me. Besides, I'm only responsible for protecting your personal safety; I don't want to get involved in anything else."
Zhou Qingfeng nodded slightly and didn't ask any more questions.
There are currently four paths to choose from.
First, divert attention by replicating fake images and keys, and spreading them widely.
Second, return to Winter City, head straight to the city lord's mansion, and reveal your identity.
Third, set up defenses and temporarily station troops there.
Fourth, contact the Sword Tower for help.
These core teammates basically shared most of their proposed strategies.
However, I still have two plans in mind.
One strategy is to unite all forces that can be united. I don't believe that there are no forces with irreconcilable conflicts with the higher-ups of Winter City. If there are conflicts, then there is an opportunity to take advantage of the situation and win them over to form an alliance.
Even some neutral forces within the territory of the Cold Winter might be worth recruiting into our camp.
All this can be achieved simply by rationally distributing one's own interests, which will immediately bring a group of solid allies to fight against the mastermind hiding in the upper echelons of Winter City.
Another strategy is to use the treasure to set a trap.
Since there is a mastermind behind the scenes in the upper echelons of Winter City, and this mastermind is here because of the treasure, then I can use the treasure map and the key as bait to lure the mastermind into the trap.
The plan to capture and kill him in one fell swoop and solve the root problem is good, but we have to consider a practical issue: whether we have the strength to set up a trap and kill him.
Zhou Qingfeng seems to be facing a dead end, but in reality, he still has seven paths to take. Are there any other paths he can take? Yes, there is always a way out. As long as you want to go, the path is right under your feet.
But the prerequisite is being able to discover this path before making a choice. Without sufficient wisdom and vision, even if this path is right in front of you, you might still choose to go down another road.
Each of the seven paths will determine a different course of fate.
At this critical moment, Zhou Qingfeng appeared deep in thought, but in reality, he summoned a mysterious divination stick from the depths of his consciousness.
Silently recite the command, then draw the lots!
Seven divination sticks flew out from the scarlet, mysterious divination sticks, wobbling precariously.
[The worst possible outcome: Distracting oneself by replicating fake moon-worship images and the golden key, spreading them widely, is inauspicious.]
[Bad omen: Setting up defenses and temporarily encamping, inauspicious]
[The worst possible outcome: A trap set using treasures, ominous]
[Neutral Draw: Abandon valuable assets to save your life; Draw]
[Neutral Draw: Contact Jianta for assistance, draw]
[Neutral divination: Unite all forces that can be united; peace.]
[Good Fortune Sign: Return to Winterfell, head straight to the City Lord's Mansion, reveal your identity, and good fortune will follow.]
The seven choices represent the final outcome.
If there is auspiciousness, choose auspiciousness; if there is no auspiciousness, choose peace.
Zhou Qingfeng decisively said, "Now turn around and go back to Winter City, head straight for the City Lord's Mansion, and reveal my identity."
Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances. They had considered that Zhou Qingfeng might have his own plans, but they hadn't expected him to ultimately choose to return to Winter City. However, since Zhou Qingfeng had already made his decision, they had no reason to hesitate. They believed that with Zhou Qingfeng's great talent and ambition, he could see further than they could.
Having just left Winter City a day ago, they now had to return by the same route. This was bound to be a blow to morale, but Zhou Qingfeng remained steadfast and resolute, showing no signs of discouragement.
Because he has always cultivated his mental strength, he is indomitable, resilient and durable. No matter what unexpected situation occurs or how unfavorable the situation is, he can accept it calmly and deal with it in a calm manner.
Furthermore, as the art of war says, "The wind has no constant shape, and water has no constant form."
A commander must adjust his battle strategy according to the ever-changing situation in order to be invincible. Blindly following the plan and not knowing how to adapt to the situation is foolish and will not succeed in anything.
At dawn the next day, as the sun rose, its rays shone on the city walls of the winter city, casting a cold and solemn light.
Zhou Qingfeng sat in the carriage, dressed in a magnificent outfit, wearing a brocade cotton robe with gold and black trim. This was not only a symbol of his status, but also revealed an extraordinary demeanor.
His convoy assembled outside the city gate, conspicuously raising a banner with the word "First" written on it, like a soaring eagle announcing the arrival of the young master of the Sword Tower.
The men surrounding Zhou Qingfeng were the thirty-six loyal and valiant guards of the Zhou family. Today, they had all changed into scarlet cotton robes, with delicate eagle and hound patterns embroidered on them.
The design symbolizes that they are Zhou Qingfeng's sharpest henchmen, always ready to carry out their master's orders, and outwardly they are "lackeys" under Zhou Qingfeng's command, fearless and sworn to be loyal to the death.
The cold wind howled, causing the flags to flutter loudly, and the entire team was ready to go.
Jin Wei sat firmly in the driver's seat of the carriage, gripping the reins tightly. He pointed to the ice-armored guards at the city gate and said loudly, "Quickly inform the Lord of Winter City that our Sword Tower's Fourth Young Master has arrived. Send someone to welcome him immediately!"
The ice-armored guard hesitated slightly under Jin Wei's authoritative words, then firmly clasped his hands in response: "Yes, sir!"
He turned in a flash, becoming a streak of light, and sped towards the city lord's mansion like the wind.
Jin Wei waved his sleeve lightly, giving the order to enter the city.
Immediately, the luxurious convoy carrying Zhou Qingfeng, one of the four young masters of the Sword Tower, slowly started moving in the dim light of dawn, heading towards the heart of Winter City.
The convoy moved in a long, winding path, attracting ever-growing crowds of onlookers, including many folk cultivators whose eyes burned with a mixture of fervor and greed.
Having just learned yesterday that Zhou Qingfeng possessed the treasure map and key, seeing him so brazenly enter Winter City only fueled their desire and impulse for the treasure.
"As long as we capture and kill him, the endless treasures of Xiyi City will be within our grasp!" Countless greedy cultivators secretly vowed in their hearts. They gripped their magical artifacts tightly, secretly forming hand seals, unable to suppress the excitement and ambition in their hearts, waiting for their chance to strike.
At the same moment, news of Zhou Qingfeng's visit spread to the City Lord's Mansion like lightning.
In an instant, it was as if a thunderbolt had struck in the city lord's mansion. Jiang Xun, the city lord who was immersed in the world of chess, was surprised when he heard this sudden news.
His eyes widened, and he whispered in disbelief, "What? Zhou Qingfeng actually dared to show up in Winter City so conspicuously?"
Then a barely perceptible hint of anxiety flashed in Jiang Xun's eyes.
He knew that Zhou Qingfeng must have ulterior motives for doing this, especially at such a sensitive time.
The fact that Zhou Qingfeng possessed the treasure map and key to Xiyi City had already caused quite a stir.
Its high-profile appearance in Winter City now is undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire.
If this person were to get into trouble right under our noses, it would be a truly catastrophic disaster.
Sword Tower will inevitably raise an army to punish them.
Winterfell will be drawn into a full-scale war, the consequences of which are simply unbearable.
Jiang Xun quickly gathered his thoughts and instructed his trusted confidants: "Immediately notify everyone that no matter what Zhou Qingfeng's purpose is, ensure his safety in Winter City. If he does anything that is detrimental to him, punish him severely!"
At the same time, he secretly mobilized his trusted confidants to closely monitor the situation in the city.
Especially those folk monks who harbor greedy hearts.
The situation is changing rapidly.
Overnight, Jiang Xun's original plan to use the power of civilian cultivators to intercept and kill Zhou Qingfeng, thereby reaping the benefits, was completely reversed when Zhou Qingfeng resolutely and magnanimously stepped into Winter City.
Today we have no choice but to change our strategy and do everything we can to ensure Zhou Qingfeng's safety and guard against attacks from civilian cultivators.
The situation in the city became increasingly tense, but Zhou Qingfeng's convoy continued its journey amidst the noise and commotion, as if deliberately ignoring the covetousness and malice around them.
Zhou Qingfeng glanced through the car window at the surging crowds in the streets and alleys, and a deep, unfathomable smile appeared on his lips. He knew that the one who should be worried now was not himself, but the high and mighty Lord of Winter City.
"Back off! Back off! All bystanders, get out of the way immediately!" The elite city guards of Winter City shouted in unison, their armored vehicles surging into the street like a torrent, quickly clearing a wide road for Zhou Qingfeng's convoy to pass smoothly.
Despite some dissatisfaction and resentment, the onlookers on both sides of the road were forced to retreat to the sides under the guidance of the city guards. The discussions and restless emotions among the crowd were as scalding as boiling water.
Seeing the city guards intervene in time, Jin Wei's tense nerves relaxed a little.
He had always worried that the cultivators in the folk might be driven by greed, lose their minds, and risk attacking Zhou Qingfeng.
At this moment, the city guards maintained order and suppressed the impulsive behavior of the civilian cultivators, which undoubtedly greatly ensured Zhou Qingfeng's safety.
However, Zhou Qingfeng took the initiative to leave the carriage at this moment. He calmly glanced at the people around him and waved with a smile: "Hello everyone, hello everyone! Jin Wei, look how enthusiastic the people of Winter City are."
Jin Wei watched Zhou Qingfeng's actions with extreme anxiety. He knew perfectly well the murderous intent hidden behind that so-called "enthusiasm": "Young Master, please get back into the car immediately. Don't show yourself. If someone takes extreme measures out of greed, your safety..."
If the city guards hadn't come, Zhou Qingfeng would still have had reservations, unsure of the Winter City Lord's intentions.
However, the appearance of the city guards proves that even the Lord of Winter City is afraid. Since you are afraid, then I am not afraid either.
Zhou Qingfeng remained calm and composed, stopping Jin Wei's attempts to dissuade him. He placed his hands on the car body and easily jumped onto the roof. Then, he spread his arms wide and revealed a hearty smile: "Everyone, let me introduce myself. I am the fourth young master of the first family in Sword Tower, as well as a member of the Council and the deputy governor of Sword Tower. My name is Zhou Qingfeng."