Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

After placing the apricot in his mouth, the sweet taste transported Lu Zhang back to his childhood days, where he eagerly watched his uncle climb the tree with his parents working the fields nearby, scolding and laughing at the uncle's antics.

No sooner had the apricot settled in his stomach than it turned into a warm current. In an instant, Lu Zhang felt his poisoned, weakened body rapidly healing, even the arrow wound seemed to itch as if mending.

"This apricot!" Lu Zhang suddenly realized that the old apricot tree in his childhood home was no longer just any tree—only the legendary Immortal Fruit could have such miraculous effects.

"If I'm not mistaken, this old tree has probably developed a spirit due to Immortal Law bestowed by Mr. Lu, turning it into an Immortal Seed. For ordinary people, this fruit can strengthen the body, fortify the essence, vitalize the living, and mend the bones.

For those of us who cultivate, it's an excellent spiritual item," Chang Chunzi explained to Lu Zhang, trying hard to peer at him with his small eyes.

After spending such time together, how could Lu Zhang not understand his intentions? He then turned to Liu Qingyun and asked, "I wonder how many fruits this old tree has borne this time; are there any left?"

"This tree bore fruit overnight, producing eighteen yellow apricots in total. Apart from the two that the master and I ate, I brought the rest," Liu Qingyun answered.

"Chang Chunzi, the Taoist priest, is a Mage accompanying the Yuzhou Army; he has performed admirably during this time. I shall boldly ask for an apricot for the priest to savor!" Lu Zhang declared.

Hearing this, Liu Qingyun said, "These apricots were indeed brought for you by the master to distribute as you see fit, Big Brother Lu!" With that, he handed over the remaining apricots to Lu Zhang.

"During this period, the priest has worked tirelessly and deserves a reward. I know that for cultivators like the priest, riches hold little allure. This apricot is given to reprieve his efforts," Lu Zhang said before taking an apricot and handing it to Chang Chunzi.

At that moment, Chang Chunzi was already beaming with joy, his normally small, round eyes nearly disappearing in his mirth.

"Thank you, General, serving you is part of my humble duty!" he said, his words modest, but his hands were quick to accept the apricot, instantly popping it in his mouth without regarding the astonishment of Lu Zhang.

While eating, he commented, "Indeed, it's an Immortal Fruit; the taste is truly exceptional!"

While they were talking, a sudden report came from outside the door—it was the Vanguard General Wu You of King of Pingnan, issuing a challenge outside the city.

"Hmph! A mere buffoon, thinking that because I am injured, the morale of my troops must be scattered and daring to come and challenge us!" Lu Zhang fumed with rage; this Wu You was merely an opportunist who now dared to flaunt his power in Yuzhou, seizing the chance while Lu Zhang was seriously injured.

"Big Brother Lu, don't be angered. I've just arrived in Yuzhou and haven't made any contributions yet. Why not take Wu You's head as a welcoming gift?" Liu Qingyun suggested.

Hearing this, Lu Zhang's eyes instantly lit up. He knew Liu Qingyun's capabilities well. In terms of military knowledge, his was deeply rooted and superior to many high-ranking generals under his command. After being trained by his uncle for so long, he was undoubtedly one of the top figures in the world.

He immediately ordered Liu Qingyun be appointed as a General and let him lead his Personal Guards into battle.

Outside Yuzhou City, Wu You was sitting proudly on horseback, leading his vast army. He seemed to envision the magnificent sight of the city burning in flames, a scene where blood and fire would build his reputation, freeing him from the title of the little brother-in-law to the King of Pingnan.

The gates of Yuzhou City suddenly opened, and a young general in white robes rode out on his horse. Wu You saw this and laughed, saying, "It seems Yuzhou really has no one, sending a milk-faced young boy to battle, you probably haven't even stopped nursing yet!"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Liu Qingyun couldn't be bothered to waste words with such a person and, holding his long spear, he rode forth.

Seeing this, Wu You was overjoyed and thought to himself, "After all, he's just a greenhorn, choosing to duel generals at his first battle."

This dueling of generals was a practice during warfare where commanders from the opposing sides would fight one-on-one. Naturally, the morale of the victor's side would soar, while the loser's side would become disheartened. However, such duels demanded high skills from the generals, and those not confident in their own abilities seldom chose this option.

For those new to the battlefield, lacking experience and having not gone through life-and-death trials, unless they were exceptionally talented, they would inevitably panic, which was a big taboo in dueling generals.

Wu You galloped forward, wielding the Copper Hammer and aimed for Liu Qingyun's head. Although he had attained his current position through nepotism, his martial skills were not inferior to others.

Seeing Liu Qingyun looking young and studious, and not like someone who practiced martial arts frequently, he figured the latter would lack the necessary strength, so he wanted to overpower him with his own might right from the start.

But the moment their weapons clashed, Wu You felt as if he had collided with a wild bison charging at high speed. His Copper Hammer, which weighed a hundred pounds, felt as if made of paper and clay, was instantly sent flying by the Silver Spear; with a single thrust, Liu Qingyun unseated him from his horse.

Seeing this, the soldiers of the Yuzhou Army burst out in exhilarating roars: "Yuzhou, Yuzhou!"

The sound swept through the battlefield like thunder, and Liu Qingyun felt as if endless strength surged within him. He shouted loudly, "Follow me!" and the soldiers of Yuzhou Army eagerly followed.

When the army of the King of Pingnan saw their vanguard crushed, their morale plummeted. Seeing the Yuzhou Army's unstoppable momentum caused their spirits to sink even further.

Seeing Liu Qingyun leading his troops in an unstoppable charge, fear instantaneously took root in their hearts.

Liu Qingyun, dressed in his white robe, charged into the enemy ranks as if entering a realm devoid of opponents. The commanders sent by the King of Pingnan to stop him were killed almost instantaneously upon confronting him. He broke into the central command tent in an instant, causing the King of Pingnan to hastily retreat. Liu Qingyun roared loudly and chopped down the central army's flag.

The army's flag is the soul of its force, and with its fall, the situation became dire. The enemy troops lost their will to fight, each thinking only of fleeing.

Chang Chunzi stood atop the Yuzhou City Wall, alongside a nearly recovered Lu Zhang, watching Liu Qingyun charge left and right, causing chaos within the ranks of the Marquis of Pingnan's army.

"Duels, charges, slaying generals, capturing flags—all done in one breath. Congratulations, my lord, for he is truly a born warrior!" Chang Chunzi could not help but exclaim in admiration upon seeing Liu Qingyun's performance.

He was also secretly amazed, "Truly fitting for someone destined by the Destroyer Star, capable of defeating thousands of enemies!"

Lu Zhang was overjoyed as well; as a man experienced in warfare, he loved such fearless and invincible generals the most. Although he had many renowned generals under his command, there were few like Liu Qingyun, who could decapitate enemy generals amid thousands of troops.

"With the deep hereditary knowledge of the Qingyun Family and having studied many days by his uncle's side, today is truly a day for him to make a name for himself!" Lu Zhang also sighed in remembrance.