: General Siyuan, the Ghost General!

2025-07-25 Author: Gu Zhenren

: General Siyuan, the Ghost General!

Year 973 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Luo Si was framed by the main family line and died tragically, his body lost without a trace, denied entry into the ancestral hall. His resentment transformed into a vengeful ghost, and he fell into the underworld.

Year 974 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

His soul was eroded by hatred, drifting muddled along the banks of the River of Forgetfulness, nearly dissipating. He received guidance from the Grey Bone Elder, who taught him the mental cultivation method "Forgetting Love Guide," using the waters of the River of Forgetfulness to refine away his attachments, and he vowed to repay the kindness.

Year 980 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Enlisted in the army, appointed as a Squad Leader.

Led five disabled soldiers to set a whirlpool trap at Desolate Beach, ambushing and killing the leader of a bandit group. Showed initial talent for naval warfare and was promoted to Platoon Leader.

Year 982 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

In the escort battle on the Yellow Scarf River, he used a damaged boat as bait, leveraging underwater currents to counter-kill Jiuyou River Bandits and captured enemy boats. Awarded the honorary title "River of Forgetfulness Water Brave" and promoted to Centurion of the Blackwater Army. After the battle, he personally wrote the "Ten Rules of Boating" to train new recruits, achieving notable results.

Year 986 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Deployed a hundred light boats in a deceptive formation, luring the Drowned Legion into a shallow bay. After secretly accumulating water pressure for three days, he suddenly unleashed a whirlpool attack, annihilating three thousand enemies. Promoted to Lieutenant General.

Year 990 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Defended Broken Dragon Gorge against the Skeleton Fleet.

Besieged by the Skeleton Fleet for over three months, nearly exhausting all supplies and ammunition, he went fishing to calm the troops' morale. During fishing, he comprehended the military tactic "Accumulating Scales at the Abyss."

Proactively abandoned the large ships, using thousands of small boats to launch a night raid outside the city, overwhelming and destroying several enemy warships with an ant-swarm tactic.

The Skeleton Fleet retreated. Luo Si successfully saved himself, though severely wounded, and was granted the title "General Siyuan, the Ghost General."

Year 993 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Transferred to North Deer Immortal City for recuperation, concurrently serving as City Guard Commander.

Quelled the riot at the Smiling Face Gambling Den.

Purified the Alley of Resentful Infants.

Year 995 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

External enemies invaded. The City Lord of Firmice Immortal City fell. Luo Si was specially transferred to serve as City Guard Commander and Acting City Lord.

Spent seven days surveying hidden reefs, adjusted angles to redirect currents, resolved the Ice Rush River tide, ensuring the smooth flow of the grain route.

Detected Soul-Devouring Yin Earthworms, repelled them with soul waves, protected ninety percent of the herb fields, thwarting the external enemies' plot.

Year 996 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Quelled the violent uprising of fierce souls in the Ice Cavern without damaging the seal in the slightest.

Year 997 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Completed special training at the Bone-Erosion Beach and pioneered the new troop type: Frost Prison Contemplation Guards.

Year 998 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Promoted to Commander of the Northwest Frost Halberd Army.

Guarded the border, slew thousands of enemies, made the Ghost Wolf packs dare not invade, bringing peace to the border.

Year 999 of the River of Forgetfulness Calendar.

Ordered to attack the White Paper Immortal City in the mortal realm, appointed as Temporary Commander.

After reading Luo Si's service record booklet, Sun Lingtong sighed, "I never thought that Ghost General Luo Si, having been dead and in the underworld for only twenty or thirty years, has already reached the position of a regional commander."

Zeng Jide, nearby, withdrew his spiritual sense: "He received guidance from the Grey Bone Elder. I suspect there's planning behind this. Luo Si's official career has been step-by-step, too smooth."

Sun Lingtong frowned: "Why is this Nascent Soul cultivator rushing here in such a hurry to retrieve Luo Si's service record? Could it be..."

Zeng Jide said: "An official's service record booklet is equivalent to a life tablet or soul lamp in a super sect; it's a powerful means of restraint."

"What else could it be?"

"Nothing more than using this service record to deal with Luo Si."

"Seems this Luo Si isn't obedient and needs to be taught a lesson."

Sun Lingtong nodded; his guess was the same.

He couldn't help but worry: "The River of Forgetfulness Underworld's attitude towards Luo Si has taken a sharp turn for the worse. Could it be that he held back on the battlefield, intentionally slacking off, raising suspicions?"

The Altar Battlefield.

The torrent of military tactics ravaged the Imperial Guard positions, almost instantly crippling the entire defending force.

Both sides were so shocked that only the screams of the severely wounded and the sounds of the tactical assaults running rampant could be heard.

Countless gazes, sharp like arrows, shot directly at Luo Si.

If those looks could kill, Luo Si would have been pierced by ten thousand arrows, dead beyond dead.

Under the gaze of thousands, Luo Si remained calm, as if the one who turned traitor and overturned the battle situation wasn't him.

His eyes even seemed slightly unfocused, staring at the military tactic "Accumulating Scales at the Abyss" before him, recalling the moment of his sudden comprehension back then...

Broken Dragon Gorge, true to its name.

The jagged black rocks on both sides interlocked like the fangs of a giant beast, firmly clamping down on the most turbulent and dangerous section of the waterway.

Turbulent waves roared, crashing against the gorge walls, shattering into a sky full of foul-smelling Yin energy spray, only to merge back into the endless torrent.

Luo Si, then still a Lieutenant General, was ordered to guard this crucial choke point, intercepting the main force of the Skeleton Fleet.

After more than three months of fierce battle, most of Luo Si's warships were destroyed, arrows, talismans, and other supplies were depleted, and the defensive formations became increasingly difficult to repair.

The hastily built, simple water fortress deep in the gorge swayed like rotten wood in a storm, heavily besieged by the Skeleton Fleet. The ever-present Yin wind on the river, passing through the fortress, carried whispers of despair.

Luo Si had exhausted all options and confirmed there would be no reinforcements.

He knew he was in a hopeless situation, but his great vengeance remained unavenged; he was unwilling to give up.

Morale was like a bowstring stretched to its limit, on the verge of snapping at any moment.

Luo Si knew he had to stabilize morale.

Otherwise, defeat and death would be imminent.

Until the last moment, he didn't want to give up, even though he saw no hope.

Military provisions and equipment were exhausted.

To stabilize morale, he had to find another way.

Fortunately, he had the hobby of fishing, so it became simple.

Every dusk, when the Skeleton Fleet's attacks subsided, he would go alone to the most prominent overhanging rock at the gorge entrance. Below the rock was where the main stream of the River of Forgetfulness converged with the raging currents of the Mingjiao River, full of whirlpools, undercurrents, and rolling Yin winds.

He wore no armor, only a black inner robe, holding a fishing rod, casting long lines, fishing.

Each cast of the rod, each gaze at the subtle ripples on the water, was done with a focus and calmness akin to a martyr's devotion. Silence enveloped him, and strangely, it enveloped the entire water fortress as well.

The soldiers hid behind broken hulls, watching their general with exhaustion, even numbness.

The suffocating despair and anxiety were slowly suppressed and settled by a deeper, colder force within this silent ritual.

Luo Si sat for long periods as if cast in iron, outwardly composed and calm, but inwardly anxious,苦苦思索 (bitterly pondering) how to break through the desperate situation.

Only three main warships remained, and none were a match for any of the Skeleton Fleet's large ships. The surviving small boats were numerous, but each could carry at most five people; what use were they?

As he pondered without solution, his gaze pierced the river surface, spotting a faint blue light drifting quietly underwater.

It was a school of small fish arriving as silently as dust.

Then, more tiny blue dots lit up one after another, gathering like fine dust, their shadows gradually forming clear outlines—an immense, layered school of fish!

They churned quietly underwater, their bodies trembling imperceptibly, emitting a mysterious blue light.

Suddenly, billions of tiny lights rapidly converged, forming a surging,奔腾 (galloping) river of blue silver, silently sweeping through the water.

The light illuminated long-sunken broken weapons, remnants of equipment, and shipwrecks, lighting up the silent underwater battlefield.

A single small fish was as insignificant as dust, but now, the school of fish gathered, creating whirlpools that changed the direction of the underwater currents, forming a massive spiral undercurrent, like a tornado—a colossal force for a time!

Luo Si's heart was struck as if by a hammer.

The light of sudden enlightenment pierced his divine sea, breaking through the dimness of his mind, illuminating the chaotic waters within his heart.

"Our military strength is exhausted, we are in a desperate situation, like water accumulated in this deep valley, the abyss like a beast's maw, capable of swallowing all living things."

"However, the closer we are to the abyss, the more we must hide our scales within the water."

"We are as weak as these small fish, gathering hidden at the bottom of the abyss, silent and unnoticed... waiting for the fleeting flash of light, when the dust gathers, unified and coordinated, forgetting life and death, we can become a torrent."

"The longer the abyss accumulates, the more unstoppable the force when it breaks through the waves."

"Once unleashed, it can become the strongest undercurrent, swallowing everything!"

The countless wrecks and broken weapons at the river bottom, in the deepest silence, seemed to erupt with their former shouts, now echoing thunderously in Luo Si's divine sea.

Luo Si reeled in his line.

A drop of water fell from the empty hooktip, returning to the abyss.

His decision was made.

He turned to face the countless pairs of eyes in the water fortress—some blank, some weary, some faintly hopeful.

Returning to the camp, he issued an order, his voice so calm it was almost indifferent: "Abandon the ships."

Everyone was stunned.

Abandon the ships? In this aquatic dead end, abandoning ships was no different from cutting off their own escape route.

Luo Si's gaze swept over the three main warships, battered and almost out of spirit stones for the驱动法阵 (driving formations), without any attachment: "The large ships are useless, mere targets. Destroy them, take their refined iron keels to forge spears and arrows. Prepare the remaining small boats and rafts with oil and Yin fire talismans."

The orders were concise, each word carrying immense weight.

That night, taking advantage of the dense river fog and the slight laxity bred by the Skeleton Fleet's obvious advantage, countless small boats set out simultaneously.

Under the enhancement of the military tactic 【Accumulating Scales at the Abyss】, each small boat acted like a single fish in the school, coordinating closely. They attacked in unison along the river's flow,不计牺牲 (regardless of sacrifice), advancing wave upon wave!

This was the ant-swarm tactic!

Each attack from a light boat was as weak as an ant's bite. But when dozens, hundreds of these tiny attacks erupted simultaneously, it was like a school of fish stirring, creating undercurrents and abyssal forces.

Deadly chaos spread among the massive Skeleton warships! The piercing screech of breaking keels, the crackle of Yin fire licking hulls, the panicked shouts of the crew...

One, two... several colossal behemoths listed and disintegrated in the darkness!

Luo Si led the charge. The soldiers swarmed over the large ships like ants covering a堤坝 (dyke), climbing and entangling. The sounds of fierce battle tore through the heavy fog, the firelight reflecting off the gorge walls like hellish flames.

The enemy general was both shocked and furious; he had never seen such a bizarre, tricky, clinging-like-a-bone-ulcer tactic! Seeing his large ships falling one after another and morale crumbling, he had no choice but to order a retreat. The massive, menacing Skeleton Fleet turned around in disarray before Broken Dragon Gorge for the first time.

A successful battle, a counterattack from a hopeless situation!

Upon returning from victory, Luo Si was critically wounded, near death, and carried back to the water fortress.

The Prefect personally wrote an order of commendation and, mindful of Luo Si's垂钓悟道 (enlightenment through fishing) and his abyss-like defense of Broken Dragon Gorge, bestowed upon him a new, more fitting title that matched his current mindset and military tactics—General Siyuan, the Ghost General!

It signified his mind as deep and immeasurable as an abyss, and praised his enduring, unyielding nature, accumulating strength to strike decisively and achieve success in one move!

The past dangers, rich and vivid, were ultimately condensed into a brief, plain description in his service record booklet.

His unfocused gaze sharpened. Luo Si concentrated, observing the results of his action.

This strike of his had been long in the making, both in terms of accumulated force and premeditation.

"Accumulating Scales at the Abyss" mobilized the vast majority of Luo Si's troops, its power terrifying, instantly killing and wounding countless Imperial Guards.

Luo Si's control was precise and ruthless, specifically targeting the Hundred Ghosts Old Mother.

As a result, the latter frantically deployed defensive measures, held on for three breaths, but ultimately perished under the洪波 (flood wave) of "Accumulating Scales at the Abyss"!

The over ten thousand strong Imperial Guard was also crippled; a large central section of their formation was completely cleared, leaving only remnants in the four corners, all fleeing in terror.

Everything was in chaos.

Lord Cold Smoke trembled violently, shouting in shock and fury: "Luo Si, you traitor!"

Luo Si's subordinates were both shocked and angry, surrounding him, holding weapons and magical tools: "Luo Si, what's going on? Are you being controlled?"

Luo Si's defection at the critical moment was earth-shattering! With just one strike, he overturned the entire battle situation.

Despite such a惊天 (world-shaking) act, he himself remained calm, his deep eyes reflecting the scene of the Azure Scorch Army charging forward.

His gaze quietly settled on Ning Zhuo. He responded faintly: "I also thought about a clean break, but the situation evolved this way, forcing me to act."

"Everyone, my apologies."

"I am a good person."

"What the heck?!!" His subordinates were utterly bewildered.

Luo Si suddenly raised his voice, his words echoing across the entire battlefield, proclaiming a manifesto:

"The Way of Heaven is clear, the Laws of Ghosts are resplendent!"

"I uphold the will of Heaven to punish the disloyal, wielding celestial punishment to strike down the rebellious!"

"The Lord of the River of Forgetfulness, originally entrusted with the underworld's bounty, tasked with balancing the River of Forgetfulness. Yet his greed devours the heavens, his demonic heart obscures the sun, his crimes fill the netherworld—"

"First Crime: Disturbing Yin and Yang! The Celestial Ghost perished in antiquity, its remnants should have returned to silence. The Lord of the River of Forgetfulness used foul earth to mold bones, turbid qi to forge veins, refining them on the altar, attempting to steal celestial endowment!"

"Second Crime: Usurping the Royal Decree! Holding the esteemed position of Prefect, yet unsatisfied with his authority, coveting the Celestial Ghost's remains—acting like a bandit despite his kingly status! Such greed invites the scorn of gods and ghosts alike!"

"Third Crime: Massacre and Sacrifice! Under the pretext of 'Offering to the Calamity,' he commits acts of blood sacrifice! The millions of living beings of White Paper Immortal City have all become fuel for his furnace. The green blood of the common people stains the white paper—such demonic deeds are intolerable even in the Nine Hells!"

"Fourth Crime: Imprisoning the Righteous and Severing Ties! The Water Burial Valley Master, upholding celestial secrets and maintaining tranquility, was like a second parent to me, his virtue benefiting the underworld. The Prefect, relying on his strong authority, forced him to obscure the heavens, imprisoned my benefactor in a cold pool, locked the star tracks in a secluded valley! I now repay this kindness; how can I allow a jackal to imprison a phoenix?"

"Today, I take up arms and raise the banner of rebellion, not to betray my lord, but to follow Heaven's will! You treat the River of Forgetfulness as your private tool, viewing the myriad ghosts as straw dogs;"

"A dark lord is without virtue, but an enlightened ruler is in sight! I take up the sword to follow the dragon, to reset the universe!"

"The punishment of Heaven is clear, illuminating my courage and loyalty! With the enlightened ruler by my side, my blade grows colder!!"

In war, one must seize the moral high ground. This principle, Luo Si understood very well.

Both sides: ...

Lord Cold Smoke trembled with rage, denouncing repeatedly: "Traitorous scum! Shameless to the extreme! Silver-tongued and deceitful! Deserving of death ten thousand times over!"

Ning Zhuo, however, seemed thoughtful.

Sun Lingtong had previously explored the underworld alone and encountered Luo Si by the River of Forgetfulness, receiving his help.

Therefore, Ning Zhuo knew many inside stories, including Luo Si receiving guidance from the Grey Bone Elder.

Among those present, Ning Zhuo was the first to accept this fact.

Qing Chi: "What did he say?"

Ning Zhuo transmitted via spiritual sense: "Never mind that, attack with full force!"

Qing Chi: "Oh!"

Under the young woman's command, the Azure Scorch Army seized this critical opportunity, charging forward like a sharp blade straight into the heart of Luo Si's forces.

Luo Si's army, having had too many troops withdrawn earlier, their morale severely shaken and plummeting, was momentarily weak and exhausted, suffering countless casualties, unable to mount an effective defense.

(End of )