Chapter 333: Is There a Port in Your Area?
Chapter 333: Is There a Port in Your Area?
The prison needed expanding, as the original location couldn’t hold everyone anymore.
Li Daoxuan’s field of vision had also significantly widened by then, revealing part of Huanglong Mountain. He decided to build the new prison there.
Over seven thousand prisoners were escorted by Cheng Xu to a valley in Huanglong Mountain. As they peered into the ravine, their expressions turned grim.
Didn’t this valley resemble the one where the militia had defeated them? Only with two more exits. Setting a camp in such a spot seemed utterly foolish.
Cheng Xu shouted, “Everyone pay attention! The Deity will transform this valley into your prison. Stare intently and witness divine might.”
The prisoners stood bewildered.
Suddenly, two golden hands extended from the sky…
Bathed in multicolored light.
At the sight, many prisoners fainted on the spot.
Li Daoxuan had always been gentle with Chengcheng County’s civilians. He’d carefully prepare them before revealing his hands to avoid causing panic. But with these captives, it was different.
He wanted to terrify them!
So they wouldn’t dare cause trouble later, sparing his little people effort and preventing harm during their management.
The giant golden hands seized an enormous boulder. With a deafening boom, it slammed into one valley entrance, sealing it shut. Then, with a shwhoosh, the hands scooped out a massive pit. A heavenly river came splashing down, filling the hole, transforming it into a pond.
The seven thousand-plus captives turned deathly pale. What kind of divine power was this? Moving mountains and draining seas!
Another colossal rock, mixed with vast earth and sand, was picked up. A roaring rumble filled the air as another exit was sealed shut. Soon, every valley escape route was blocked, save for one narrow passage.
The shimmering hands lowered a colossal door from the sky. Bang! It slammed into the remaining opening, sealing the entire valley into a vast prison.
Finally, the great hands set down two small castles flanking the door.
The prisoners’ faces went completely ghastly white.
“In you go! For years to come, this will be your home.”
The labor offenders shuffled obediently into the valley and settled down cautiously within.
Old Nan Feng led his 600-strong border army labor offenders in as well, mingling directly with the 7,000-plus new arrivals. It was perilous, yet Old Nan Feng felt no fear; excitement rose within him instead.
A strange grin tugged his lips: I hope they make some trouble. If I take down a few ringleaders, I’ll earn merit…and get out sooner. The more unruly they are, the faster my release! Hahaha…
Li Daoxuan watched the crowd file into the valley. His gaze swept his currently visible stretch of Huanglong Mountain, and plans began stirring in his mind.
The Huanglong Mountain area—what a prime location!
High peaks, dense forests, incredibly well-connected.
Exiting west leads directly to Luochuan County. North leads to Yichuan County. East opens to Hancheng. South connects to Baishui County, Chengcheng County, Heyang County…
It would be near-unwise not to turn such superb terrain into a revolutionary base. The only problem now was that his vision hadn’t encompassed Huanglong Mountain’s entirety, only its southern portion.
But even that patch could start laying foundations for the base.
Exactly suited with thousands of labor offenders! These men would labor in the mountains, digging and constructing relentlessly, building the base.
He tapped Gaojia Village, shifting his view back. He relayed orders to Gao Yiye: Inform Thirty-Two to draft detailed plans…
Just then, a caravan approached from the east, entering Gaojia Village.
“Hmm?” Li Daoxuan focused intently. The leader looked oddly familiar—dressed in official garments, a county magistrate.
After a moment’s thought, he remembered: Feng Jun, Magistrate of Heyang County!
Feng Jun traveled with a large entourage, bearing Fan Shanyue’s head. They’d entered Chengcheng County via Zhengjia Village, intending to cross through to report to the Provincial Governor in Xi’an.
But stepping into Chengcheng County, lush fields and blooming wildflowers greeted him everywhere. Utterly untouched by drought’s devastation!
Reaching Gaojia Village, he was met with bustling prosperity. Dumbstruck, words escaped him; only a trickle of nosebleed ran unnoticed.
Amid his bewildered stare, he spotted a familiar figure. “Mr. Bai!” he burst out, speeding towards the man. “Thank the heavens! Who would have thought we’d meet again here!”
Feng Jun beamed as he ran to Bai Yuan. “A few days ago, sir, you aided us in wiping out the Fan Shanyue bandits.” He brandished the box holding the head. “Heyang County is finally rid of this scourge! I travel to Xi’an now to personally deliver his head to the Provincial Governor.”
Bai Yuan smiled pleasantly. “Assisting you, Lord Feng, was my honor.”
Magistrate Feng scanned the surroundings in amazement. “This village…”
Bai Yuan gestured broadly. “This is Gaojia Village. Under Dao Xuan Deity’s eternal protection, the people live in joyful comfort. Fear not, Lord Feng, Heyang County will soon receive similar blessing.”
Feng Jun looked utterly perplexed, unable to grasp Bai Yuan’s meaning.
At that moment, Gao Yiye approached, clad in ritual white robes fresh from a ceremony. Seeing the “Saint Lady” arrive, Bai Yuan swiftly bowed and tactfully withdrew, placing Gao Yiye center stage before Feng Jun.
Feng Jun frowned. Standing aside for a woman to speak? What was this?
Gao Yiye smiled politely. “Greetings, Lord Feng. I am Gao Yiye, little girl and master’s wife of the Li Family here.”
Feng Jun’s eyes flickered toward the distant fortress—a noble family’s stronghold. He understood the status. “And what counsel does the lady offer?”
“Master Li has a question,” Gao Yiye continued. “Heyang County borders the Yellow River. Does a significant dock, perhaps named Qiachuan Port, exist there?”
Feng Jun nodded eagerly. “Indeed there is! One of Heyang County’s vital trade docks! In prosperous years, merchant ships gather there, unloading goods beyond count.”
Listening intently, Li Daoxuan thrilled inwardly: Confirmed! Heyang County possesses Qiachuan Port! Excellent! My vision only covers half the county now, and the port lies further east, out of sight. But a few more Rescue Index points…and my reach extends into the Yellow River! Then…hehehe…
His mind surged with images: countless plastic boats floating freely upon the great river’s currents.