This day, the north wind was bitter and the sky overcast.

The Southern Dynasty received reports from scouts that Northern Dynasty forces were attacking Xiangyu Pass, one hundred li from Yang Pass. Though Xiangyu Pass had few garrison troops, its terrain was extremely treacherous. While Yang Pass had flat terrain, it was heavily fortified with Southern Dynasty troops. With Xiao Yin’s current forces, attacking either location would be very difficult.

For so long, Xiao Yin hadn’t launched major attacks. This time, not knowing if he had devised a good strategy, Hua Zhuyu felt vaguely uneasy.

Ji Fengli and Wang Yu immediately deployed troops – sending forces to reinforce Xiangyu Pass while strengthening Yang Pass’s defenses. This battle aimed to completely crush Xiao Yin and end the Northern Dynasty’s southern ambitions.

Hua Zhuyu rode from the training ground into the military camp in full armor, dismounting before the central command tent. Stroking her horse’s mane, she slowly walked toward the central tent.

She had been summoned from the training ground by soldiers. Two days ago, Wang Yu had sent Tang Yu leading fifty thousand troops to intercept Northern forces at Xiangyu Pass, while the remaining one hundred thirty thousand troops trained formations at Yang Pass. Of course, she wasn’t the only one training formations – reportedly Ji Fengli had also been secretly training formations.

Just now, she had led Tiger Roar Battalion soldiers in formation practice for a while, her back completely soaked with sweat that felt cool in the wind. Standing before the central tent, she wiped sweat from her forehead before slowly entering under a soldier’s guidance.

Inside the tent were Ji Fengli, Wang Yu, Lan Bing, and commanders from various battalions, including Nangong Jue.

Ji Fengli sat at a table studying terrain maps. Hearing a soldier report Commander Bao’s arrival, his hand holding the map trembled slightly, but he didn’t look up.

Seeing Hua Zhuyu enter, Wang Yu smiled: “Commander Bao, your formation training has been excellent these past days.”

Hua Zhuyu’s sharp gaze swept over Ji Fengli before settling casually on Wang Yu, curving her lips in a smile: “General flatters me.”

“Good, everyone’s here now. Let me explain what the Prime Minister and I just discussed about upcoming battles – we’ve decided on a risky move. This time, Northern forces have allied with Western Liang troops and will definitely launch a general assault on Yang Pass. We’ve been in stalemate with Northern forces for quite some time. The Prime Minister’s idea is to send elite troops to secretly circle behind Northern forces, cutting off their rear and disrupting their offensive. Attacking from north and south, we’ll completely crush Northern forces.” Wang Yu said gravely.

Hua Zhuyu frowned thoughtfully. This was indeed a good strategy, but a risky move. Done well, Southern Dynasty soldiers could achieve great victory; done poorly, these elite troops would be in danger and might be completely annihilated. This meant penetrating deep into Northern Dynasty territory as an isolated force – once discovered, there would be no escape. However, thinking about it, this seemed the best available strategy.

“If we can think of this strategy, Northern forces will surely guard against it. How can we successfully reach their rear?” Nangong Jue asked.

Everyone’s attention immediately focused on Ji Fengli.

Ji Fengli rose from his chair with hands behind his back, signaling Nangong Jue and Lan Bing to hang up the terrain map. He walked slowly to the map, tracing a line from Yang Pass through Lianyun Mountain to the eastern desert: “To circle behind Northern forces, we must pass through Lianyun Mountain. The nearest route is directly over Lianyun Mountain into Northern Dynasty territory. But Northern forces will surely guard this route heavily – we’d be easily exposed. So we must take the eastern route around Lianyun Mountain, through Eastern Yan’s desert, then north back into Northern Dynasty territory.”

This statement caused an uproar.

One commander asked: “Prime Minister, isn’t detouring through Eastern Yan too dangerous? We’re unfamiliar with Eastern Yan’s routes, and it’s desert terrain without supply provisions. We’d also need to avoid detection by both Eastern Yan and Northern Dynasty.”

Ji Fengli narrowed his eyes: “Therefore, it must be well-trained elite troops, and not too many, or we’d be easily exposed.”

“In that case, I think Commander Bao leading Tiger Roar Battalion’s elite troops would be most suitable. Their practiced formations can maximize attack and defense power with minimum numbers.” Wang Yu said gravely.

“No!” Ji Fengli suddenly looked up, his expression complex and deep.

The tent fell silent. Wang Yu’s gaze swept across the generals’ faces before finally frowning: “If other battalions go, we’d need to send over ten thousand men – too conspicuous. If someone else leads Tiger Roar Battalion, the formations likely won’t reach full effectiveness.”

This formation had taken Hua Zhuyu many days of drilling with soldiers to master. Her position as the formation’s eye was crucial – if replaced by someone else, effectiveness would surely decrease greatly. Worst would be disrupting the formation – once formations fell into chaos, trouble would follow. Ji Fengli’s eyelashes trembled. Actually Wang Yu was right – if there was a suitable candidate in the camp, it would undoubtedly be him. But penetrating as an isolated force was extremely dangerous.

“Prime Minister, please reconsider. A brave and strategic officer like Commander Bao – not using him where most needed would be wasteful. I believe Commander Bao is the most suitable choice. Please grant permission.” Wang Yu clasped his hands.

“Yes, Prime Minister!” Other officers also spoke in unison.

For some reason, Hua Zhuyu’s heart felt uncomfortably blocked. What was this situation? It seemed like Ji Fengli was protecting her – did she need his protection? Ji Fengli stood facing the terrain map with his back to everyone, his silhouette cold and aloof.

“Commander Bao, what are your thoughts?” Ji Fengli’s voice drifted over, calm as wind.

Hua Zhuyu furrowed her brows, clenched her hands into fists, and stepped forward: “This commander is willing to lead troops!”

Her bright armor rang out clearly, as firm and resolute as her words. With her abilities, she could complete this mission. Moreover, she didn’t need Ji Fengli’s protection. Ji Fengli had no more words. After a long time, he suddenly turned around, his handsome face covered with frost, cold phoenix eyes staring directly at Hua Zhuyu.

This was the first time since that night that Hua Zhuyu faced Ji Fengli at close range. She forcibly suppressed her inner emotions, looking at Ji Fengli with a calm expression. Ji Fengli also returned her gaze coldly, his expression proud and aloof.

“If so, then give the order!” He spoke slowly, word by word.

Wang Yu was delighted and immediately took up the command token to issue military orders. Next, the generals discussed strategy for a while before dispersing.

Ji Fengli walked out of the central tent with hands behind his back, striding quickly through the military camp. His handsome face was frosty, his entire being emanating icy coldness. Camp soldiers seeing him were like seeing the King of Hell, trembling and not daring to greet him.

He returned to his supervisor’s tent and entered.

Rong Si was bending over organizing things on Ji Fengli’s desk. Hearing footsteps, she straightened up. Seeing his frost-covered expression, she was startled, her smile freezing.

“Prime Minister, what happened? Have Northern forces attacked?” Rong Si asked worriedly.

Ji Fengli raised his eyebrows, his expression immediately softening as he glanced down at her: “Not yet!” After a pause, he added: “This battle is extremely dangerous. You should leave here – I’ll have guards escort you back.”

Rong Si put down what she was holding and shook her head, saying softly: “I won’t leave. Wherever you are, I’ll be there! I must stay with the Prime Minister – we’ll live and die together!”

“No!” Ji Fengli said coldly, quickly walking to sit at the desk.

“Prime Minister, let me stay! I don’t want to leave you!” Rong Si walked behind him, pleading desperately.

“Your martial arts aren’t advanced enough. Here, I fear I won’t have time to look after you. This is a military camp that will soon become a bloody battlefield – extremely dangerous, you know? How can a woman stay here? Pack immediately and return to Xi Jiangyue. You needn’t pretend to be Rong Luo anymore – just wait at Xi Jiangyue.”

“Then I’ll wait at Xi Jiangyue for you to come…” Rong Si walked before Ji Fengli and nestled in his embrace: “Prime Minister, you must take care too!”

With soft jade and warm fragrance in his arms, Ji Fengli immediately stiffened, instinctively moving to push away. His raised hand was about to touch Rong Si’s body when he forcibly restrained himself and stopped. He placed his hand on her shoulder, saying casually: “Alright, go pack!”

Rong Si nodded reluctantly and left.

Ji Fengli narrowed his phoenix eyes, gazing at the desk before him. The black and white pieces from the chessboard that had been set up were now all collected by Rong Si. That unfinished game would forever remain unfinished – there would probably never be another chance to complete it.

That night, the moon was dark, stars sparse, wind cold.

Hua Zhuyu led three thousand Tiger Roar Battalion elite troops over Lianyun Mountain from the east. The deep night mountains loomed like silent monsters that could devour them at any moment. The path underfoot was treacherous – one careless step could mean falling off cliffs.

Everyone carefully led their horses, finally crossing Lianyun Mountain by dawn the next day and entering Eastern Yan territory.

Before them stretched vast desert. Though only October, wind and snow already filled the air. Such harsh weather made travel even more difficult. Moreover, the ground here was full of gravel, so thick sheepskin wrapped the horses’ hooves.

The three thousand-man column wound across the white snow. After walking briefly, they spotted a herd of yellow sheep. Soldiers cheered, drawing bows to shoot several sheep. After a day’s journey, at dusk the soldiers made camp to rest and lit fires to roast the sheep. Hua Zhuyu quickly walked to the fires and ordered all extinguished. Actually, the desert was still a hundred li from Eastern Yan’s nearest city, but caution was always best.

She said coldly: “This is desert – vast and endless. Lighting fires attracts attention. We must not be lucky.”

Soldiers hurriedly extinguished the fires, saying worriedly: “But how do we eat this yellow sheep? It’s such a waste to throw away.”

After finally hunting sheep, would they ruin it like this?

“Eat it raw!” Hua Zhuyu coldly dropped these two words. These troops from the capital had suffered too little – they probably hadn’t eaten raw meat. If these were her Orphan Army subordinates, such things wouldn’t need her concern.

“Eat… eat raw?” One soldier repeated with furrowed brows: “Can we chew through such big chunks of raw meat?”

Hua Zhuyu walked before him and drew the precious sword from the soldier’s waist, signaling him to step back. She wielded the blade like wind. In the heavy dusk, they couldn’t see how she moved the sword, only the cold blade light leaping and flashing before their eyes.

Finally, she sheathed the sword and the blade light faded.

Looking again, the mat beside the yellow sheep was piled with thin meat slices. In this cold weather, the meat slices froze hard as soon as cut. One soldier picked up a slice and put it in his mouth, exclaiming it tasted good. Soldiers eagerly began eating and learned from Hua Zhuyu to butcher the other sheep.

After eating, before departing, Hua Zhuyu received a message by carrier pigeon that Xiao Yin had led troops to attack Yang Pass. Immediately, everyone hurried north. But just as they were about to leave Eastern Yan territory, they encountered pursuing cavalry.

Hua Zhuyu quickly ordered soldiers into formation, fearing Northern Dynasty troops had come to ambush. In moments, the cavalry reached them. The leader wore a brilliant red robe fluttering in the wind, golden ingots on the robe gleaming in torchlight. This outfit could only belong to Eastern Yan’s Prince Rui, Dou Qianjin.

Dou Qianjin reined his horse and looked around, smiling wickedly: “Who’s the leader?”

Hua Zhuyu steadied herself, not expecting that briefly lighting fires had drawn Dou Qianjin. Eastern Yan’s vigilance was truly high!

Among the four nations, Eastern Yan most advocated peace and maintained friendly relations with the other three. They had boldly borrowed passage through Eastern Yan precisely for this reason. But this was still dangerous because Dou Qianjin had visited the Northern Dynasty, intending marriage alliance, and had even gone to the Southern Dynasty with Xiao Yin seeking Ying Shuxie. Hua Zhuyu felt this person was extremely complex.

If he was close to the Northern Dynasty, their movements would surely be revealed to Xiao Yin. She steeled herself and rode slowly out from the formation. Actually, Hua Zhuyu was somewhat timid about Dou Qianjin – she was technically his runaway bride. Fortunately, he had never seen her true face.

“It’s you?” Dou Qianjin looked at Hua Zhuyu, clearly stunned: “Aren’t you the eunuch beside Huangfu Wushuang? You’re actually fighting wars?”

Hua Zhuyu narrowed her phoenix eyes and said coldly: “What of eunuchs? Driving out foreign invaders is every Southern Dynasty person’s responsibility. Please let us pass, Prince Rui.”

“Such imposing manner!” Dou Qianjin suddenly hooked his finger, drawing out copper coins tucked at his waist. His peach blossom eyes narrowed as he smiled lazily at Hua Zhuyu: “What if this prince won’t let you pass?”

Hua Zhuyu raised her silver spear and said unhurriedly: “Then don’t blame us for being impolite.” If he wouldn’t let them pass, they’d force through – no other choice. They needed to reach Northern Dynasty territory as quickly as possible to attack Xiao Yin’s rear.

“Good, this prince will accompany you. If you can break through my five thousand elite troops, I’ll let you go!” As Dou Qianjin’s words fell, his long eyes suddenly narrowed and he hurled a copper coin at Hua Zhuyu.

Hua Zhuyu extended her spear to catch the coin, which spun on the spear tip. That spinning force nearly made her unable to grip her silver spear. She cried out softly, infusing the spear with true energy. With a ringing sound, the coin spun along the spear and flew back out. This seemingly harmless weapon was quite troublesome to handle.

Dou Qianjin reached out to catch the golden copper coin, looking at it distressedly – Hua Zhuyu had chipped a small notch. Unexpectedly, Dou Qianjin’s copper coins really were made of gold – not hard enough, easily chipped. Taking advantage of Dou Qianjin’s distress, Hua Zhuyu gave a clear whistle. Soldiers behind her immediately formed ranks and, led by Hua Zhuyu, charged at Dou Qianjin’s troops.

Dou Qianjin raised his copper coins, three golden lights flashing through the air, immediately felling three soldiers. But this didn’t damage the formation’s flow – soldiers from the side quickly filled the gaps.

This charging elite force swept through like a hurricane, breaking through the five thousand-man formation and racing north.

“Your Highness, should we pursue?” A soldier beside Dou Qianjin asked unwillingly.

“No need. If they want to fight, let them fight!” Dou Qianjin played with his copper coins casually. Actually, he hadn’t intended to stop them, just wanted to test these Southern troops’ strength. Unexpectedly, they were truly formidable.

But that little eunuch was truly impressive. He beckoned, and his personal guard hurried to his side. He whispered: “Go investigate Xiao Yin’s attitude toward this little eunuch.”

“Yes!” Though the guard didn’t understand why His Highness was suddenly interested in this little eunuch, he obeyed.

Hua Zhuyu led the elite troops north. At night they found a mountain hollow to camp and rest. Calculating the distance, they should reach Northern forces’ rear by dawn the next day.

The night was quiet when distant hoofbeats faintly approached. Hua Zhuyu’s heart jumped – had Dou Qianjin led troops in pursuit? Sentries quickly reported: “Commander Bao, Northern forces discovered ahead!”

All soldiers were alert. Hearing hoofbeats, they quickly rose and took cover, preparing for battle.

Hua Zhuyu squinted ahead. In the faint moonlight, a column of troops appeared. From the hoofbeats and formation length, about a thousand men heading north.

This column surrounded a carriage in their midst. They traveled urgently, seemingly anxious to return to the Northern Dynasty.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart stirred slightly – could Wen Wan be in that carriage? With major battle imminent, was Xiao Yin sending her back to the Northern Dynasty?

The column drew closer. Finally, they also discovered Hua Zhuyu’s force and immediately surrounded the carriage defensively.

“Who goes there?” A rough voice called out.

“Give the order! We’ve been discovered!” Ping, who had been hidden in Tiger Roar Battalion, seemed to see through her hesitation and whispered in her ear.

Hua Zhuyu narrowed her eyes, a flash of cold determination crossing them. With a clear whistle, soldiers spurred their horses forward.

“Southern troops!” A Northern Dynasty soldier shouted.

As the voice fell, a Northern bugler raised his horn. Hua Zhuyu saw this in the dim moonlight. Too late to draw bow and arrow, she raised her hand and her silver spear traced cold light, flying toward the bugler’s chest. The horn’s shrill sound was instantly cut off as if strangled.

This location wasn’t far from Northern forces’ main army. If the horn sounded, they would be exposed tonight.

“Defeat these Northern forces as quickly as possible. Don’t let anyone escape.” Hua Zhuyu commanded coldly.

This was the shortest yet most brutal battle in Hua Zhuyu’s years of commanding. In less than half an hour, the thousand-man column was completely annihilated.

Blood scent filled the air. Hua Zhuyu had no strength left to look at the battlefield, reaching for the wine pouch at her saddle and draining it. Strong liquor burned down her throat – drunk too fast, too strong, with such heavy blood scent in the air, she seemed to return to her first battlefield, feeling extremely uncomfortable. Ping leaned over from his horse to gently pat her back, sighing softly.

“Commander Bao, what about Miss Wen?” A soldier suddenly asked.

Hua Zhuyu straightened on her horse and squinted. Several soldiers escorted a woman over. The person in the carriage was indeed Wen Wan. Wen Wan was from the Southern Dynasty – everyone knew this. But last time outside Yang Pass city, she had played “Sha Polang” for Xiao Yin. Everyone knew she now completely sided with the Northern Dynasty.

Hua Zhuyu looked coldly at the escorted Wen Wan, seeing her spine straight, almond eyes wide, red lips pressed together, staring coldly back with proud, disdainful eyes.

“Tie her up. Don’t hurt her, but bring her!” Hua Zhuyu met Wen Wan’s arrogant gaze and spoke casually.

“Demon!” Wen Wan bit her lip and squeezed out two words through her teeth.

“Gag her!” Hua Zhuyu pulled her reins and rode off without looking at Wen Wan.

The soldiers behind, receiving orders, didn’t know how to gag Wen Wan. After thinking, feeling that pressure points were too good for her, they tore a blood-stained cloth strip from a dead Northern soldier’s robe and stuffed it in Wen Wan’s mouth. Blood scent and sweat stench rushed from her mouth to her head. Wen Wan nearly fainted from rage.

Hua Zhuyu led soldiers to reach Northern forces’ rear at dawn. They could distantly hear war drums thundering, horns blowing, and shouts shaking the sky.

Hua Zhuyu led three thousand elite troops into the Northern Dynasty army camp and set it ablaze. This day brought howling north winds – fire spread immediately, engulfing the vast camp in roaring flames.

Hua Zhuyu raised her long spear and shouted: “Kill!” Leading the formation in arrow-like attack formation, they struck diagonally into Northern forces from behind. Like countless sharp arrows, they instantly pierced Northern forces’ heart.

On the battlefield, Southern and Northern Dynasty soldiers were fighting intensely.

Suddenly seeing thick smoke rising from their rear, Xiao Yin was greatly alarmed. Looking back to see horns sounding, knowing enemies had attacked, his heart jumped in shock. While puzzled, he saw a silver-armored general leading several thousand men charging from behind. The leading general’s silver spear danced up and down, wherever it passed, Northern Dynasty soldiers fell in chaos.

Xiao Yin’s purple eyes narrowed. He waved his banner and shouted coldly: “Block them! Block them!” Just then, Southern Dynasty soldiers who had been mainly defensive also charged forward.

Both armies engaged in fierce battle on the open field.

Wind sounds, drum beats, horn calls, battle cries, screams of pain… wove together into a tragic, heroic song of death.

After long fierce fighting, Northern forces fell into chaos. Attacked from front and rear, countless died. Xiao Yin knew clearly that continuing this way, Northern forces would surely lose. He knew the situation was hopeless. Just now his rear camp had burst into flames – supplies were probably burned too. But he refused to give up!

It seemed he had to use his final move. Originally he hadn’t planned to use it because such methods were clearly dishonorable, but today he had no choice.

He suddenly ordered his flag bearer to signal. Horns sounded as a carriage slowly emerged from the formation.

It was the same carriage Wen Wan had sat on playing “Sha Polang” that day, but now the person sitting on it wasn’t Wen Wan, but another woman.

This woman was not as glorious as Wen Wan had been that day. She was bound tightly and tied to the carriage. Her white silk dress was stained with large patches of fresh blood, like blooming flowers. Her hair was disheveled and hanging behind her head. Her face was extremely pale, and in her autumn water-like black eyes was deathly stillness.

“Left Prime Minister.” Xiao Yin used his internal energy to shout loudly so that the tens of thousands on the battlefield could hear clearly. “This woman, I hear, is your bride-to-be! Last night, quite unfortunately, she was invited by this emperor to be a guest. I wonder if her life is enough to make the Left Prime Minister open Yang Pass’s gates and let my army in.”

Xiao Yin’s words stirred up a thousand waves.

Southern Dynasty soldiers stopped attacking. Commander flags moved and horns sounded. Ji Fengli in white robes and silver armor rode slowly from the formation, Tong Shou with sword on the left, Nangong Jue with spear on the right, followed by numerous generals.

The battlefield’s bloody wind lifted Ji Fengli’s flowing ink-black hair, making it flutter behind his head. His gaze swept over the woman, a flash of grief and anger in his eyes. In an instant, he was already smiling: “Would the mighty Northern Emperor use such methods to achieve victory?”

Hua Zhuyu led Tiger Roar Battalion charging out from the Northern army camp to join Southern Dynasty soldiers. She reined in her horse and stood between the two armies, looking back toward the Northern army position.

Black clouds covered the sun above, layers of dark clouds.

In the opposite mass of Northern Dynasty troops, under the gold-edged black central command flag, several generals surrounded Northern Emperor Xiao Yin on horseback. His black iron cold armor flowed with dark, somber gleams. The hook spear in his hand reflected intimidating cold light from its tip into his stern purple eyes.

Hua Zhuyu’s gaze swept over the carriage beside him. Several soldiers surrounded it, completely blocking the person on the carriage. Though she couldn’t see the woman from this angle, from Xiao Yin’s words, Hua Zhuyu understood that the captured person should be the woman Rong Si who was with Ji Fengli.

Bride-to-be!

So this Rong Si was already Ji Fengli’s bride-to-be.

A lieutenant who had been following Hua Zhuyu in battle whispered: “Commander Bao, should we bring out Miss Wen now and exchange her with the Northern Emperor to save the Prime Minister’s wife?”

Hua Zhuyu waved her hand: “Let’s see first!” She wanted to see how Ji Fengli would save his bride-to-be this time.

“How about it? Has the Left Prime Minister decided?” Xiao Yin stared directly at Ji Fengli, his purple crystal-like eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke coldly.

Ji Fengli rode forward a few steps, his lips curving into another smile – that smile was extremely wild and unrestrained: “My woman is definitely not one who fears death! But if any of you dare touch her, you’d better carefully consider the consequences!” Though his voice was as casual as wind, it made hearts tremble with fear.

Xiao Yin laughed loudly, raising his chin with overwhelming presence: “Consequences? What kind of consequences?”

Ji Fengli still smiled at the corners of his mouth, saying casually: “Nothing much, just making all of you accompany her in death.” He spoke lightly, as if joking, yet no one on the battlefield dared treat his words as a joke.

Xiao Yin threw back his head and laughed loudly: “The Left Prime Minister has such big words! To encounter an opponent like the Left Prime Minister with both literary and military strategy – this life is not wasted.”

The two exchanged words without any anger, neither willing to lose dignity before their armies.

“How about this Prime Minister makes a deal with the Northern Emperor?” Ji Fengli asked with a smile on his handsome face.

Xiao Yin raised his eyebrows: “Oh? What stakes does the Left Prime Minister use to make a deal with this emperor?”

Ji Fengli narrowed his phoenix eyes with a half-smile: “The stake is letting your Northern army retreat safely. Today’s battle has reached this state – surely the Northern Emperor has thought clearly. Even if our army yields Yang Pass, what of it? We can retake it later anyway, only increasing casualties for both nations.”

Xiao Yin raised his eyebrows coldly: “What if this emperor doesn’t agree to this deal?”

“Nothing much, except you wouldn’t be retreating safely but returning in crushing defeat.” Ji Fengli spoke with lazy indifference.

In the current battle, Northern forces clearly showed signs of defeat, or Xiao Yin wouldn’t have brought out Rong Si. But to make Northern forces return in crushing defeat wouldn’t be easy either. So when Ji Fengli said this, not only did Xiao Yin not believe it, even Hua Zhuyu didn’t believe it.

Xiao Yin gave a look to his nearby guard, who raised his large sword and placed it against Rong Si’s neck. The blade pressed tightly against her fair neck; the blade’s light reflected the gleam in her eyes. She gazed affectionately at Ji Fengli, her dark eyes full of reluctance.

Ji Fengli gripped his reins tightly and said sternly: “So the Northern Emperor ultimately doesn’t believe this Prime Minister’s words. If so, this Prime Minister will say no more. Just don’t regret it later, Northern Emperor.”

As Ji Fengli’s words fell, a siege tower slowly approached from the Southern Dynasty troops. Ji Fengli leaped down from his horse and slowly climbed the tower. He stood tall on the tower, his calm, waveless phoenix eyes narrowing, reflecting the faint light from the sky’s edge with hidden sharpness.

He reached out to take a command flag from the table before him, waving it several times. Horns sounded following his flag movements – long and short notes echoing across the battlefield.

Xiao Yin’s purple eyes narrowed slightly as he saw Southern Dynasty troops begin moving with the horn sounds, sometimes spinning like whirlpools, sometimes like dragons soaring and turning left and right. He watched dizzily, his heart secretly alarmed. Beside him, Left Commander General Zhang Xi called out quietly: “Your Majesty, the Southern Dynasty is forming battle arrays!”

Xiao Yin’s heart sank slightly, but his expression showed no change as he asked coldly: “Can you tell what formation it is?”

Zhang Xi’s face tensed as he carefully observed the formation, suddenly saying: “Not good, our army is surrounded.”

Hua Zhuyu had long known Ji Fengli was secretly training soldiers in formations, not expecting this formation to have such great power. It looked like the familiar Nine Palace Formation, but upon closer inspection was vastly different.

Northern Dynasty soldiers were already outnumbered by Southern Dynasty forces by tens of thousands. After the recent fighting, the numerical disparity was even greater. Originally, relying on Northern forces’ fierce fighting, even in defeat they wouldn’t suffer crushing losses. But now, with the formation activated, tens of thousands of troops were trapped within.

Hua Zhuyu looked back at Ji Fengli, seeing him raise his hand and lift flags with unhurried, composed movements. Yet such leisurely, elegant motions seemed to control all things in heaven and earth.

“How about it? The deal this Prime Minister mentioned – how has the Northern Emperor considered it?” Ji Fengli called out loudly from the siege tower.

“Zhang Xi, didn’t you study formations? Can you tell what formation this is?” Xiao Yin asked Zhang Xi beside him quietly.

Zhang Xi answered gravely: “It looks like the common Nine Palace Formation, but seems vastly different. This formation is much more powerful than Nine Palace Formation. I’m afraid our army will have great difficulty retreating safely. Your Majesty, perhaps consider Ji Fengli’s deal. If we don’t release this woman now, he absolutely won’t let us out of the formation. If we’re trapped in the formation too long, who knows how many troops we’ll lose.”

“Don’t touch this woman yet. Let’s try charging first. This emperor doesn’t believe we can’t break out of this formation.” Xiao Yin said coldly, full of dominance and arrogance.

He raised his head and shouted toward Ji Fengli: “This emperor doesn’t want to negotiate!” Immediately, he deployed troops to charge out.

“Your Majesty,” Right Commander General Da Qi rode to Xiao Yin’s side and said loudly: “Such a beautiful delicate woman – why not bestow her upon this general? This general will take the Left Prime Minister’s bride-to-be right before his eyes!” Da Qi deliberately used internal energy to amplify his voice, clearly delivering it to everyone’s ears.

“Yes, yes, hahaha…” Laughter came from all directions in the Northern Dynasty troops.

Xiao Yin’s eyelid twitched, his purple eyes narrowing as he frowned, staring silently at Ji Fengli.

Ji Fengli suddenly straightened on the siege tower, his ink pupils filled with coldness.

Hearing these words, Hua Zhuyu felt inexplicable sadness surge in her heart. She could no longer remain calm, her hand gripping the reins suddenly tightening. Just then, a tearing sound rang out – apparently Da Qi had torn the woman’s clothing.

The already heavy atmosphere on the battlefield, because of this tearing sound, seemed like a taut string that could no longer bear the pressure and was about to snap.

Ji Fengli’s beautiful phoenix eyes suddenly narrowed, a barely perceptible flash of pain in their depths. His hand gripping the command flag tightened, slowly lowering the flag as he prepared to descend from the siege tower.

“Wait!” A clear voice suddenly rang out.

Hua Zhuyu rode slowly forward, a lazy smile on her lips: “You can’t touch her!”

Ji Fengli and Xiao Yin both turned to look at her, both startled.

“It’s you?” Xiao Yin narrowed his purple eyes and snorted coldly: “Tell me, why can’t we touch her?”

Hua Zhuyu gazed at this clearly familiar yet utterly strange face before her, smiling: “You might want to see someone!” She gave a look to the lieutenant behind her. Understanding, the lieutenant beckoned, and Wen Wan, bound hand and foot, was brought out from the formation by several soldiers, lying across a horse.

“The Northern Emperor feels such deep affection for Miss Wen – would you bear to let Miss Wen suffer the same humiliation?” Hua Zhuyu raised her dark eyebrows and asked sternly: “How about an exchange?”

Xiao Yin’s gaze slowly settled on Wen Wan. He raised his eyebrows and suddenly laughed loudly: “I thought it was something important. This woman is originally from your Southern Dynasty. If you want to take her, just take her. Kill or torture her as you please, no need to tell me. Besides, I heard she previously admired the Left Prime Minister, and the Left Prime Minister was also infatuated with her. Do you dare harm her?”

“Using your own people to threaten us – what a brilliant idea! Hahaha…” Da Qi laughed wildly, and the Northern Dynasty army erupted in mocking laughter.

Hua Zhuyu frowned. Apparently Xiao Yin didn’t care about Wen Wan at all, but that night in the Northern Dynasty, Hua Zhuyu had personally seen Xiao Yin’s devoted care and deep love for Wen Wan. So she absolutely didn’t believe his current words.

She ordered soldiers to bring Wen Wan down from the horse. Her silver spear flashed, the spear tip pointing directly at Wen Wan’s heart as she said coldly: “If the Northern Emperor truly doesn’t care, don’t blame my spear for being swift.” With that, she exerted force and the spear tip slowly pierced one inch, bright red blood flowing from Wen Wan’s chest along the spear tip.

Xiao Yin’s purple eyes narrowed coldly. Hua Zhuyu saw this and yanked out the torn cloth gagging Wen Wan, squinting coldly: “Miss Wen, you can call for help, understand?”

Wen Wan let out a hoarse cry and called: “Don’t kill me!” Her voice was extremely weak.

“If someone is willing to save you, I naturally won’t kill you!” Hua Zhuyu grabbed Wen Wan’s hair and pulled back. Wen Wan cried out in pain.

“Louder!” Hua Zhuyu said coldly. The more miserable the better – just now Xiao Yin had clearly shown emotional reaction.

“Save me, save me!” Wen Wan used all her strength to shout loudly.

“Northern Emperor, open your eyes wide and see how deep my spear tip has penetrated. Is it about to touch her beating heart?” Hua Zhuyu looked up and shouted at Xiao Yin.

Xiao Yin’s gaze immediately focused on the spear tip in Hua Zhuyu’s hand. He knew the spear tip’s length – now it had clearly penetrated halfway. If she exerted more force…

Xiao Yin’s breathing suddenly became rapid, though his expression remained cold as frost.

Hua Zhuyu stared fixedly at Xiao Yin. Actually, before stabbing the spear in, she had already bent the spear tip nearly to breaking. When she stabbed just now, she used a clever technique – the spear tip was angled inside, so even with more force it wouldn’t touch the heart. She didn’t want to kill Wen Wan. But from outside, it indeed couldn’t be seen – only that Hua Zhuyu’s long spear tip had penetrated most of the way, with blood dripping along the spear tip. In this situation, everyone would think Hua Zhuyu really intended to kill Wen Wan.

“Since the Northern Emperor is willing to sacrifice her, I won’t be polite.” Hua Zhuyu spoke slowly, raising her hand as if to thrust the spear in.

Just then, Xiao Yin shouted coldly: “Wait, this emperor…”

At the same time, Hua Zhuyu’s wrist felt slightly numb, as if hit by something. Her wrist immediately went sore and she couldn’t grip her silver spear.

Xiao Yin saw clearly. The “wait” he was about to say turned into laughter as he turned to squint at Ji Fengli on the siege tower.

Hua Zhuyu angrily turned to glance murderously at Ji Fengli, vaguely seeing his slightly raised cloud sleeves.

So Ji Fengli couldn’t bear to sacrifice either Wen Wan or Rong Si!

At this moment, she knew all efforts were wasted.

Wen Wan was no longer their bargaining chip! Xiao Yin already knew Ji Fengli couldn’t bear to let Wen Wan die, so using Wen Wan to exchange for Rong Si was impossible. Actually, perhaps Ji Fengli had never intended to use Wen Wan for exchange – after all, Wen Wan was also a woman he liked. Otherwise, why would he have abandoned her for Wen Wan originally? Even though Wen Wan followed Xiao Yin, even though she betrayed the Southern Dynasty, he still couldn’t bear to kill her.

She slowly withdrew her long spear and ordered soldiers behind her to guard Wen Wan well.

Xiao Yin reached out and pulled Rong Si down from the carriage, throwing her onto his guard Qing Yun’s horse back, shouting coldly: “Left Prime Minister, we’ll take this woman first. Your formation – this emperor is very interested in breaking through!”

Ji Fengli stood on the siege tower and picked up various colored command flags again.

Dark clouds rolled and cold wind howled.

Just as Xiao Yin threw Rong Si onto the horse’s back, fierce wind lifted her scattered hair. Black hair tumbled as a face gradually became visible – small chin, mouth stuffed with cloth, high straight nose, desolate eyes, slightly raised heroic eyebrows, full forehead…

Hua Zhuyu’s breathing suddenly stopped.

After that instant, she suddenly understood what made her breathing stop – it was Rong Si’s face. This face seemed familiar to Hua Zhuyu, very familiar.

This face was very similar to Jin Se’s face that she often dreamed of. This was Jin Se’s face…

Jin Se!

Hua Zhuyu’s phoenix eyes widened instantly, then narrowed slightly.

Was this real or a dream?

Could it be that Jin Se wasn’t dead? Or was she seeing things?

She wanted another look at that woman, but unfortunately, the disheveled hair again covered her face as she was seized by Qing Yun and pressed onto the horse’s back.

Looking again, Xiao Yin had already begun charging through the formation with his troops.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart began beating wildly and uncontrollably. She hadn’t seen clearly – just that instant – so she urgently needed to see that face clearly.

All the shock and questions only swirled in her mind for an instant. In a flash, Hua Zhuyu spurred her horse and charged forward.

At this moment, Hua Zhuyu’s mind was blank.

The fierce battlefield became mere emptiness in her eyes. The fighting soldiers before her became that night’s stark red blood on white snow; the war drums and horns became Jin Se’s screams that night. Before her was only that figure being taken away by Qing Yun.

How she hoped that was Jin Se.

From behind came a loud shout: “Danger, Commander Bao!” But she didn’t hear, only spurring her horse forward.

If that really was Jin Se, she had never imagined she was still alive, never imagined they would meet on a battlefield in such a way. Moreover, this scene was so similar to that night.

That night, she had been rendered powerless by Ji Fengli’s poison and couldn’t help at all. Today, she could no longer watch helplessly as Jin Se faced any danger.

Hua Zhuyu’s dark eyes instantly turned blood red. Perhaps that was just a woman who resembled Jin Se somewhat. After all, her face was covered with blood and dirt – she couldn’t see clearly. But even with just one chance in ten, she hoped that person was Jin Se.

Hua Zhuyu turned her spear tip, sweeping it in a circle through the air. With one horizontal sweep like carrying wind and thunder, dozens of men screamed and fell. Looking again, Hua Zhuyu’s figure was like a meteor, charging straight toward enemy forces.

Ji Fengli saw from afar that Hua Zhuyu had charged alone into enemy ranks, his heart immediately sinking. He suddenly waved his flags, horns sounded, ordering Hua Zhuyu to retreat. But Hua Zhuyu seemed deaf, showing no reaction.

Helplessly, Ji Fengli changed flag signals. Southern Dynasty soldiers’ formation shifted as hundreds of Southern soldiers surged forward to surround Hua Zhuyu.

Hua Zhuyu fought like a madwoman, injuring several of her own soldiers before continuing to pursue on horseback.

Ji Fengli handed his command flag to Lan Bing beside him, saying coldly: “You must find a way to trap Northern forces. Only then can we rescue Rong Si.”

Lan Bing nodded and took the command flag, saying solemnly: “Prime Minister, rest assured, I’ll command with full effort.”

Ji Fengli leaped down from the siege tower directly onto Zhu Yang’s back, pursuing in Hua Zhuyu’s direction.

Closer, closer, almost there.

Hua Zhuyu broke through layers of encirclement, catching up behind the horse carrying Rong Si.

Her wild charge – Southern Dynasty soldiers dared not stop her, Northern forces couldn’t stop her. This charge disrupted even the Southern Dynasty soldiers’ formation.

A silver spear thrust toward her – that was Xiao Yin’s guard Qing Yun. Hua Zhuyu raised her silver spear, the tip trembling slightly, dazzling cold light forming streams that dazzled the eye, blocking Qing Yun’s strike.

Two soldiers on the side, seeing Qing Yun was no match for Hua Zhuyu, swung their swords toward Jin Se’s chest. Obviously they had received Xiao Yin’s previous orders – if they really couldn’t protect her, they absolutely couldn’t let her be rescued.

In this instant, wind lifted the woman’s hair again. Hua Zhuyu clearly saw the face before her – eyebrows, eyes, mouth, nose, all clear. It was indeed Jin Se, and she had obviously been stabbed unconscious by this sword.

“No…” Hua Zhuyu shouted coldly. Just then, Qing Yun’s long spear reached her face again. Hua Zhuyu couldn’t dodge, reaching out with her left hand to grab the spear tip thrusting straight at her face. The blade pierced her palm, blood slowly dripping along the spear tip.

Hua Zhuyu’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. Her arm exerted force, sending internal energy along the spear shaft. Qing Yun’s grip was shocked and his spear fell to the ground. Her right hand’s long spear simultaneously thrust toward those two soldiers.

At the same time, Ji Fengli in silver armor also arrived.

The white robes under his silver armor were already covered with spots of blood, quite fierce. His phoenix eyes flashed with cold, condensed light.

Wherever the white figure passed, Northern Dynasty soldiers fell from their horses. Left Prime Minister Ji Fengli finally revealed in this battle the martial arts he had hidden for years.