Chapter 111: The conspiracy

Long Tao adopted the new practicing schedule immediately. The avatars and even the one accompanying the convoy started wearing a whole set of those. The major components that Long Tao used were breastplate, arm and wrist guard, knee guard, and shoes. The additional weight made him uncomfortable for the brighter part of the day. But he kept on accommodating the new equipment.

The core strength building training, which was purely physical was difficult then it used to be. But Long Tao persisted. Then came the weapon training, which major concentrated on swinging the weapon while being in a still position. Long Tao chose the exercise to build up his arm muscle and strength and create more stamina. The strike's power control was a real issue in his case. He continued the weapon training for a long time. The second phase was finally over after numerous swings of all the weapons.

The last phase was the biggest problem. It was the part where Long Tao started his Qi training. The equipment started showing its characteristics as soon as e regulated his Qi. The first Qi training he did was a simple movement training while increasing the amount of Qi output. Long Tao really had to admire the capabilities of the stone. The weight went on increasing more and more. Although Long Tao was a constant trainer, this was the first time he was feeling this exhausted from just walking around. 

The next part was using his normal body attack techniques. The punch, kick, and movement arts using Qi were even more exhausting than usual. Finally, Long Tao was able to complete the whole set of training regimes. Even though Long Tao had an enhanced self-healing and Qi replenishing ability, this squeezed out every bit of oil he had in this system. Long Tao decided to take a break before going to the next set of training, but he was still wearing the equipment. 

The convoy-

The convoy finally entered the Chu borers, where they were met with the North-eastern army soldiers. They instantly recognized Long Tao who was sitting at the forefront of the carriage. The Dragon general was back. "Report to the tribunal and the general's manor that o am back. The princess would be proceeding to the Black-buck dwelling. The further meet can occur there.". The soldier bowed to Long Tao and left without saying another word. 

The News of the convoy returning spread like a wild-fire. The princess had left with the newly appointed vice-general Long Tao. The news of them suffering various assassination attacks was wide-spread throughout the camp. There was also the incident of the royal guard caption, along with maids and soldiers being the moles within the convoy. But each of those people was wiped out. Especially the letter sent by Long Tao which clearly stated that the enemy has been decapacitated. The general received the news and proceeded towards the black-buck dwelling.

"I would like to arrange a meeting with the princess." He spelled out to the receptionist who was instantly surprised after seeing the general being present here. Sometime later, three people were seated in the conference room of the squad. "I could just hope you didn't face too many problems while returning princess. "Fortunately, due to the magical spell-work of Sir Long, the assassins chose to retreat and leave the convoy alone general. How is the situation at the borders now? "

The general gave Long Tao a quick glance before looking back at the princess "The situation is on the positive side as of now. The Chu country is working on its border relations and the soldiers seem to be less violent as of now. The clashes have reduced to some extent. Overall, I would say that the peace talk was somewhat peaceful. What is the situation in the Chu capital?" The princess gave a brief account of what happened there. 

"You really are an arrogant fellow. First, you decided not to bow to the king, you injured their prince and even challenged the King To a duel. I hope the actions were fruitful vice-general Long Tao. ". "I assure you they were. I seem to have found some rare jewels and my duel with the king was eye-opening. He was kind enough to point my flaws out perfectly." The general discussed the matters regarding the Chu royal court for some time.

"I would like to warn you about the undercurrents that are slowly enveloping the Jiao country. There seems to be a big plot brewing and the conspirators have deep pockets along with an incredibly close reach to the Jiao clan itself. I wouldn't be surprised if someone from your clan is involved in it too. You need to keep your eyes open for any irregular actions around you and be aware of the shadows. We are not yet clear who might be in there. Especially the main family needs to be extra vigilant."

The princess agreed to the words spoken by the general. There seems to be something off about the whole situation. Long Tao's words were making here think amount the past of the clan and the members. Who might have a possible motive to have employed such a large amount of killers? "I would like to request the general for something.". "Anything for you princess.". "I would like Sir Long Tao to accompany me for some more time. "

Before the general could reply, Long Tao took the lead to reject the offer. "the plan doesn't sit well with me princess. I hate going to the capital city anyway. Besides, you would have your own guards arriving tomorrow to pick you up at any moment. I would like to stay and train in the camp. The trip has postponed my goals by quite a large extent. I would like to return to a normal scenario for once. "

The princess didn't expect a straight forward rejection. "I thought us to be friends Sir Long. ". "that we are, but my time is still a precious princess. I don't want to get involved in royal politics. I would rather improve my strength, to face the adversities I may confront in the future. I hope you have a safe return trip and which you luck regarding the investigation for the culprit behind the situation. Thank you." Long Tao was about to leave when the general suddenly spoke out. 

"I think you should go with the princess vice-general. You don't need to oppose the proposition directly. Let's make a deal. If you agree on accompanying the princess, I will be lecturing and mentoring you for a whole month in personal duels and all the missions your squad accepts during your absence would result in double the points they are worth. What do you think Long Tao was not attracted towards the point, but the tutoring session with a peak Qi general was rather appealing. He could improve his strength in so many sections. "Fine, I will agree on the proposition." Long Tao left the room.

"Trade properly with this guy princess. He is the most unpredictable and dangerous card in my sleeve, and I am presenting him to you. Use his services wisely, otherwise even I can't predict what the outcome would be. "The princess nodded in agreement. Long Tao was an extremely cunning but wild person with a heinous attitude. He wouldn't show even a shred of mercy to his enemies. The princess wanted him to one of her supporters. She could somewhat control the fate of the country then.

Somewhere in the Jiao country-

There were three figures present in the black hall. All three of them were seated and discussing something. "I would like to know the reason you have sent a summon for me. Is the task so impossible for you? Do I need to contact the black-dagger hall for their services? They would at least provide me with some satisfactory results except the death of subordinates and pawns on my side. " The figure sitting in the middle of the hall listened carefully.

"I would not force your actions but would insist on you to hear about the whole situation. The enemy in context seems to be real cunning for being able to hide their actual strength for such a long time. What makes it force is the fact that the enemy has coagulation of both brain and power. I would like you to meet someone who was assigned to this mission and hear what he has to say." The figure pointed out and a man chained and recently tortured was brought out. "This is a nightshade."

"I have only one word for these fools here. He will kill you all. You should keep a distance from him. He was able to predict each and every thought of mine since the time I have been involved in planning the attack. The placement, the distribution of manpower, the spots to be guarded. Every single step was seen through him as if it were nothing. You should hide. if he gets involved in this affair, he will mercilessly wipe your side out. "Nightshade was suffering from mental trauma. 

His name was quite known in the circles of assassins. The other two were surprised by the state he was in. "Just a single clash gave him such mental trauma. Still think that you could win the war with power alone."