A long announcement startled everyone into freezing their movements.

Under the cart, Jing Hengbo, who had been listening to the commotion with closed eyes, suddenly opened them.

In an instant, even her chest seemed to ache, frothing with fresh, burning blood foam from last night.

Gong Yin!

He wasn’t dead!

That knife hadn’t been able to kill him!

Or was he actually near death but forcing himself to patrol the nine gates to stabilize the situation?

Had he come now to pursue her?

Could he truly not let her go free, only satisfied by seeing her dead?

A bitter taste rose in her mouth, slightly sweet with blood, as if last night’s events in the wind and snow were replaying—that person who had never disappointed her dealing her a vicious final blow.

This blade’s momentum continued unabated, determined to sever the night’s snow?

All around fell silent. She heard Yi Qi and the others’ slightly angry breathing, heard the troublemaking general quickly withdraw his spear and retreat, heard Tie Xingze rapidly avoiding toward the back of the wagon, heard the crowd slowly dispersing and prostrating themselves.

“I won’t kneel to him…” the Seven Kills said in a tiny voice.

Yi Qi immediately received a kick from Yong Xue.

The silent little girl who seemed to have no presence kicked someone for the first time, startling Yi Qi so much that his legs went weak and he actually knelt down.

“If you want to die, die yourself—don’t harm my Big Bo!” Yong Xue’s voice was fierce.

The six silly senior brothers actually didn’t care about kneeling or not. Seeing Yi Qi’s kneeling posture was amusing, they immediately started kicking each other, each one kicking the others down to kneel as well.

Jing Hengbo had prepared for the seven to burst into action, but who knew Yong Xue would solve it like this—was this called “one thing conquers another”?

This group all knelt around Jing Hengbo’s cart, ready to snatch her away at any moment.

But Jing Hengbo herself was lost in thought.

With things having reached this point, if he really was coming for her, she couldn’t escape anyway. She discovered her mood was actually idle now.

All around was silent except for the rustling sound of wind blowing broken snow. Jing Hengbo gazed blankly through the cart’s gaps at the outside—a stretch of green city wall showing its yellow earth foundation, dotted with mottled snow. Near the city wall seemed to be a stall with a clay pot quietly steaming.

She suddenly remembered the clay pot soup she’d eaten that day at the Yelu residence.

“…You might think Gong Yin is strange in various ways and unfit to be a husband. But I tell you, he either doesn’t speak to me or says unpleasant things, but what he’s said so far has all been true. He rarely smiles, mostly giving me cold looks that are quite annoying, but the first time he smiled at me was genuine—he smiled because I passed the welcoming ceremony. He dislikes many people, you could say the whole world are his enemies, and even now I’m not sure how much he really likes me, but I feel that even if it’s just a little bit, it’s real.”

“This dish is a bit like our Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. Do you know why this pot of vegetables smells so good? Because every ingredient in here is real, high-quality, moisture-free, carefully selected premium ingredients, which is why this pot of soup and vegetables tastes so good… Emotions are the same way.”

The emotion of this lifetime—initially held with firm faith and trust, ultimately proven by fate to be wrongly invested.

Just like this pot of soup, repeatedly added to and boiled.

Deep water and scorching fire, tumbling and overturning, finally entering the glutton’s belly.

Her eyelashes suddenly trembled.

She saw a snow-white horse.

From her angle, she could also see the rider’s snow-white long boots, the hanging snow-white hem of his garments. The robes were thin, fluttering in the wind like pale clouds. On the robe’s edge hung none of the sachets and jade ornaments commonly worn by men of the time. Clean and neat.

She knew this person would have a jade belt binding an extremely slender waist.

She knew his clothing from inside to outside was all snow-white, all thin.

She knew there would be a pearl at the collar, usually pale gold.

She hated her knowing, her inability to easily forget. Some memories were too deep, carved into the heart’s tablet. To erase them required tearing sinews and flesh, blood flowing freely.

From his riding posture, she regretfully discovered he was still the same as before—perfectly straight.

It seemed he truly was unharmed.

Once again, an urgent desire to practice martial arts surged in her heart.

That horse slowly approached—he was actually coming this way. Jing Hengbo clearly heard the Seven Kills’ breathing becoming increasingly urgent, Yi Qi’s fingers remaining at the cart’s edge, ready to draw weapons at any moment.

Jing Hengbo stared unblinkingly at that white figure. Two zhang, one zhang, half a zhang, three chi, two chi…

The atmosphere was stretched so taut it was about to explode.

Yi Qi’s weapon was already half-drawn; from another angle, one could see the black blade surface.

Gong Yin suddenly stopped.

Right beside Jing Hengbo’s cart, half a chi from her.

Yi Qi’s shoulders stiffened so much he nearly cramped.

Jing Hengbo stared tightly at Gong Yin’s boots.

So close… so close…

A defensive dagger was right at hand—one stab could reach him. Her knife techniques were sufficient to cripple him permanently.

Her fingers slowly moved, an irrepressible desire. With a flick of her fingertip, the blade was already in her hand, turning a bright gleam in the dark compartment.

In the light, a scene from the past suddenly flashed.

“Are you planning to skin beasts or humans?”

“Mind the joints. The joints!”

“Enter at the three-point mark, good, right, lift!”

“These hundred rabbits and roe deer—you’re responsible for finishing them today.”

“Gong Yin, what you’re teaching me doesn’t seem like beast-skinning technique. It’s not killing techniques, is it? Be careful I don’t get skilled and slaughter you.”

“You’re welcome to try.”

In the darkness, tears suddenly streamed down her face.

Those memories preserved in the past—clearly beautiful yet already broken beyond repair.

Dust fell from under the cart, mixing with tears and flowing into the corners of her mouth. She swallowed hard, not wanting to forget any flavor of life.

From beginning to end, Gong Yin said nothing and didn’t look at the cart. He seemed to be looking at the city gate.

Then Jing Hengbo heard Meng Hu’s voice announcing in a long call: “Jade Guard and Kang Long exchange shifts. The last batch of city exiters may leave. In a quarter hour, the city gates close!”

Immediately, large groups of soldiers rushed over—all Jade Guard soldiers in white standard leather armor, replacing the Kang Long positions.

The Seven Kills, Tie Xingze, and others all breathed sighs of relief, quickly pushing their cart to follow the crowd exiting the city. Jing Hengbo watched helplessly as the cart moved extremely fast, getting farther and farther from Gong Yin.

Now if she wanted to kill him, she couldn’t.

Having lost this opportunity, perhaps they would never meet again across the vast world. This lifetime’s hatred and love would only be frozen in last night’s blood at Imperial Plaza, forever left in Imperial Song.

He was at the city gate, she in the cart. He in the light, she in darkness.

Growing farther and farther apart.

Jing Hengbo closed her eyes.

Not striking was right. When others were willing to humble themselves for her life, by what right could she not suppress her killing intent for others’ safety?

Just as they were about to exit the city gate.

Suddenly the gate entrance shook, as if military horses were approaching, the ground trembling faintly. Several riders galloped across the horizon like splashing wind. The mounted soldiers dismounted before even reaching the gate, urgently announcing in long calls.

“Report—the Yan Kill Army claims their master was wronged and wishes to appeal before the State Preceptor. They have now approached the city gate!”

Without his shouting, everyone had already seen the Yan Kill Army appear like wind on that horizon of rolling dust and smoke.

In such cold weather, they still wore leather armor with bare chests, thick arms with bulging veins. Even without horses, their speed was swift as galloping steeds, reaching the city gate in the blink of an eye.

“Close the gates!”

The gate guards immediately closed the gates. The heavy double gates slowly drew together.

At this moment, Jing Hengbo’s cart was right in the center of the gate!

From the rapidly approaching Yan Kill Army formation, several riders suddenly leaped out. The riders were far more robust and powerful than ordinary Yan Kill soldiers, laughing loudly with voices like great bells.

“Grab some hostages for fun, then negotiate with that boy Gong Yin!”

Voice and person arrived together. A large group of cavalry charged over, immediately capturing the batch of people who had just exited the city. The few leading riders saw that cart and grinned: “Want vegetables!” They reached out to snatch it.

“Go home and suck your mother’s milk!” Tian Qi raised his hand and slapped away the opponent’s palm.

“Good skills!” The Yan Kill soldier’s eyes lit up. No longer bothering with guarding those who had just exited, they all surged forward. Tian Qi, Yi Qi, and others all rushed out, leaving only Tie Xingze to protect the women and cart.

The city gate was still slowly closing. Sweat broke out on Tie Xingze’s forehead—should he push the cart out or pull it back into the city?

Push it out, and they’d enter the Yan Kill Army’s encirclement.

Pull it back, and they’d enter Gong Yin’s encirclement. Even worse, Yi Qi and those unreliable ones had already fought their way outside the city. If he pulled the cart back and the gate closed, even their protectors would be gone.

In this instant, even the usually steady and wise Tie Xingze couldn’t decide.

Behind him, Meng Hu called out loudly: “The gate is closing—enemies approach! Those exiting the city, quickly retreat!”

Tie Xingze looked back, bit his teeth, and pulled the cart backward.

Jing Hengbo suddenly said: “Go outside!”

With the noise of people and fighting, she was still some distance from Gong Yin, so speaking loudly wouldn’t attract attention.

Immediately, Gong Yin’s robes trembled slightly.

Hearing Jing Hengbo’s words, Tie Xingze was startled but still instinctively followed her instruction, pushing the cart outward.

Just then, a Yan Kill soldier reached for the cart. The two forces collided, and with a crash, all kinds of vegetables from the cart scattered across the ground.

At the same time, the city gate was about to close. The cart was stuck in the gate, and with a bang, the two heavy doors struck the cart.

With creaking sounds, the cart cracked open.

The hidden compartment was exposed.

Jing Hengbo suddenly sat up.

Inside and outside the entire city gate suddenly fell silent.

Gong Yin on horseback stiffened.

In this moment, the air seemed to freeze, leaving only two pairs of eyes gazing at each other. He looked down from high on his horse, she suddenly raised her head from the cart in the gate’s gap.

Across the city gate, armies, Imperial Song, and a night of blood, fire, and betrayal, they looked at each other.

Time was both so brief and so long.

His robes rose and fell, as if still that night on the bed at Fenglai Qi, seeing his propped elbow, cool eyes, and pale moonlight.

Her long hair fell disheveled and scattered, as if still that day on the Jade Guard Palace bridge when he carried her, listening to her drunken confessions to heaven and earth, her black hair tangled on his shoulder.

A lifetime, a moment—never lost, never forgotten.

Like lightning.

Lightning flashed, and the next moment she waved her hand. A withered branch above his head suddenly fell, also shooting toward him like lightning!

He didn’t move, as if he had forgotten his surroundings, or perhaps simply didn’t deign to acknowledge this weak strike.

“Crack!” Meng Hu struck out, his scabbard shattering the branch. Gray dust scattered, staining his snow-white robes.

He slightly lowered his eyes, seeming to look at his soiled garments, or perhaps just unconsciously.

Meng Hu gritted his teeth, looking at him then at her. Yu Chun continuously rubbed his face with his chubby hands, as if wanting to rub away both his skin and the words in his heart.

But Jing Hengbo had already been pulled out of the city gate.

A Yan Kill soldier laughed loudly: “Why block the door without going in or out? Come on!” He reached out and dragged the cart, now only its bottom remaining, outside.

The gate guards hurriedly pulled the windlass. With a rumbling sound, the city gate closed.

At the last moment of the gate closing, he only saw her suddenly close her eyes. The early morning sunlight flashed pale gold on her forehead, solemn and distant like ancient carvings on cave walls.

Eyes closed, cutting off that final glance.

The city gate closed.

The reins in his hands suddenly broke silently, leaving two deep red marks on his palms.

Meng Hu turned his head away. Yu Chun stood on tiptoe, anxiously looking at the city gate then at Gong Yin, ultimately not daring to speak.

Jing Hengbo was dragged out.

Suddenly fierce wind passed overhead. She instinctively ducked her head.

“Bang!” A crack sounded on the city gate as a Yan Kill soldier who had charged closest threw his battle axe, grazing Jing Hengbo’s head before embedding viciously in the gate!

The city gate was hard iron-clad—for an axe to penetrate it required what arm strength!

And this was just an ordinary Yan Kill soldier!

Jing Hengbo opened her eyes to see Yan Kill soldiers surging toward her like a tide.

Yi Qi and others had already been surrounded by groups of Yan Kill soldiers fighting separately. The Yan Kill soldiers had excellent field combat experience—almost immediately, they separated Yi Qi and others, only surrounding without attacking, only moving without engaging, deliberately exhausting them. This angered the Seven Kills into yowling.

Though the Seven Kills and Tian Qi had high martial arts skills, they lacked experience against military formations. They made strategic errors from the start—scattered and surrounded while protecting Yong Xue and Zirui, they were forced farther and farther from Jing Hengbo.

Jing Hengbo found herself alone in an ocean of Yan Kill Army.

All around were the crying, panicked civilians captured earlier, surrounded by tall, fierce Yan Kill soldiers radiating killing intent. She only looked up, squinting at the warm light on the horizon.

No matter how heavily it snowed last night, the sun still came out this morning.

“This woman has guts!” Yan Kill soldiers always admired courageous people. Seeing her composure, they became somewhat interested and gathered around.

These Yan Kill armies had a completely different style from the disciplined Jade Guard and Kang Long armies—they seemed more casual and indulgent, chatting and laughing even on the battlefield, but their individual combat strength was also higher.

“Take my blade!” Someone drew his sword and chopped down, the blade light hanging like silk above her head.

She raised her hand, made a fist, and placed it over her heart.

The blade light stopped exactly one cun above her head. The striking soldier’s arm was like iron, veins bulging, the blade motionless.

The other soldiers laughed heartily.

“Indeed good courage! Just for this courage, we won’t make things difficult for you! Just be our hostage!”

Jing Hengbo ignored their words, raising her fist to slowly beat her chest three times.

Like the gesture the Yan Kill soldiers had once made at the welcoming ceremony.

The laughter stopped abruptly, and everyone fell into an eerie silence.

After a long while, the soldier who had drawn his blade sheathed it with one motion, lowered his head, and stared with large copper-bell eyes, carefully examining Jing Hengbo’s face.

Jing Hengbo cooperatively raised her head, showing him a brilliant, flower-like smile.

The soldiers fell silent again, seeming not to expect this woman who looked weak and bedraggled, whose essence seemed completely scattered, could still show such a brilliant, dazzling, beautiful smile at such a moment.

Some people’s inherent elegance shows its true color only after experiencing trials.

That soldier stared wide-eyed, murmuring after a long while: “…Queen! How did you become like this?”

He examined Jing Hengbo from head to toe, hardly believing his eyes.

Some soldiers finally recognized her, others looked at her with complete strange curiosity, but what made Jing Hengbo slightly relax was that the hostility and killing intent were gone.

Her guess had indeed been correct.

“Long time no see,” she smiled. “Are you trying to rescue State Preceptor Yelu? I just came out of the Yelu residence. He seems to have been taken by the Kang Long Army.”

A general-like figure in the crowd said: “The Yelu family has a mutual assistance agreement with us. We heard about the upheaval in Imperial Song—quite a number of people might be implicated, so we came to Imperial Song to receive State Preceptor Yelu. How is he now?”

“Not bad,” Jing Hengbo said. “I think he seemed prepared for his possible situation. Are you planning to attack Imperial Song?”

“Not quite that far.” The general grinned. “Yan Kill is an independent isolated army with limited numbers. Though attacking Imperial Song would be fun, we’re not crazy enough to risk our brothers’ lives for it. We just want to put some pressure on Gong Yin to make him spare State Preceptor Yelu.”

“Gong Yin won’t kill Yelu Qi, but he also won’t allow him to continue occupying a high position after this incident,” Jing Hengbo said lazily.

“Right, if we hold you hostage to threaten Gong Yin, would he immediately release Yelu Qi?” The general’s eyes lit up. Seeing Jing Hengbo’s expression, he quickly added: “Pretend, pretend.”

Jing Hengbo chuckled.

“Even if you took my corpse to him, he wouldn’t even blink,” she said with a laugh. “But in other words, if you said you’d trade my head for Yelu Qi, he might actually agree.”

A suffocating pain filled her chest. She slowly coughed twice.

“Wife!” Yi Qi finally charged over disheveled, wailing in mid-air: “Let go of my wife! I’ll fight you all…” Looking down to see Jing Hengbo chatting and laughing with the Yan Kill soldiers, he was stunned. His energy deflated, and he fell down with a bang.

He rolled over and got up, looking at Jing Hengbo, then at those soldiers who stood with arms crossed, grinning at him. After being dazed for a long while, he said dejectedly: “Wife, how can you charm so many people wherever you go? I’m not criticizing you—you’re friendly enough, but too friendly. As an excellent woman, you should have at least a little bit of reserve to match your status…”

“Shut up,” Jing Hengbo snapped impatiently. “Keep babbling and I’ll only be reserved with you alone.”

Yi Qi immediately shut up. The Yan Kill general laughed heartily and waved his hand: “Stop fighting, acquaintances, acquaintances. Disperse!”

Yan Kill soldiers would fight when told to fight and stop when told to stop. In the blink of an eye, the crowd dispersed with loud laughter. Tian Qi and Seven Kills had just been in fierce battle, and suddenly found their opponents gone—no enemies left before them.

“During the original welcoming ceremony, we promised you three times of assistance,” the general said loudly. “Yan Kill keeps its word. We will release you and your companions—this is the first time.”

So the three chest beats meant three times of assistance. Jing Hengbo pursed her lips, somewhat disappointed—she had thought it meant eternal loyalty.

Thinking this way, she gave a self-mocking smile. Had she been reading too many fantasy novels? For such an unruly, arrogant, wild army born in the wilderness and destined to die in battle, repaying kindness generously was their style. Pledging complete allegiance for someone’s small favor would be absurd.

For such an army, three times of assistance was already generous repayment. She didn’t want to waste this first time.

“This time doesn’t count, right?” She bargained. “I’ll give you an idea that can get Yelu Qi out, at least ensure his safety, and let you vent your anger magnificently under Imperial Song’s city walls. Consider it gratitude for sparing me and my companions. We’ll call it even. Then you’ll still owe me three times of assistance, okay?”

“Hahaha, Queen, you’re truly shrewd! Just for this shrewdness—agreed!”

The crowd gathered around her. Jing Hengbo raised her head, looking toward Imperial Song’s city walls. Flags fluttered fiercely atop the walls. Imperial Song’s walls always displayed three flags. The largest and foremost was the founding emperor’s golden phoenix flag, renewed annually and never lowered. The second was the flag belonging to the current queen. Since she hadn’t officially ascended the throne, the blood-red banner bore no patterns, waiting for her coronation day to display her emblem and title. The third flag was called the Imperial Song flag, representing Imperial Song, but over the years had become the representative flag of the Great Wilderness’s actual ruler, changing hands with each ruler. Now this flag, like the current Right State Preceptor, was snow-white and heavy, patterned with black water and white mountains. It was said this flag was renewed daily.

The three flags were Imperial Song’s symbols, forever guarded by heavy troops, never to be damaged or changed unless dynasties fell.

A white figure stood beneath the flags—Gong Yin was looking down from the city walls.

Looking at that silhouette was like seeing ice curtains hanging over her heart.

She tugged at the corners of her mouth in a half-smile.

She was leaving.

In the short term, she wouldn’t return to Imperial Song, but when she did return, it certainly wouldn’t be in today’s bedraggled state.

She would leave a gift.

Imperial Song, today we will remember each other.

Raising her hand, she pointed at the city wall. “Tell those on the wall: Half the contents of the Imperial Scroll, I gave to Yelu Qi. If you don’t want Yelu Qi to use this to cause trouble in Imperial Song, you know what to do.”

Yi Qi immediately transmitted her words far and wide.

On the city wall, Gong Yin’s eyebrows trembled slightly.

Suddenly footsteps came from behind. He didn’t turn around. Jing Jun’s voice rose, light yet stubborn.

“She indeed only took out half the Imperial Scroll. The rest, along with that half, are what concern us… After she escaped, she did go to the Yelu residence. Did she really give it to Yelu Qi? If that thing is truly in Yelu Qi’s hands, then we absolutely cannot let him remain in Imperial Song. He’ll use it to cause trouble!”

As she spoke, she walked forward with elegant posture and warm smile.

“Stop.”

Gong Yin’s voice was cold as ice crystals, stern as if carrying killing intent.

She froze.

“You…”

“Within three zhang of the city wall, you are not permitted to appear.”

She was stunned. After a long while, she reacted with disbelief, shrieking: “Gong Yin! What right do you have to treat me like this! Are you afraid she’ll be upset seeing me? You—”

“What right do you have to speak to me like this?” Gong Yin cut her off, his tone sharp as a blade. “Do you think that because you lost your memory, I lost mine too?”

Jing Jun suddenly stiffened completely.

The air on the city wall seemed suddenly frozen.

“You… you…” After a long while, Jing Jun began trembling all over, shaking more and more violently until she could barely stand. “…You… you know…”

Gong Yin fell silent. On his ice-and-snow-like cheeks passed a trace of abnormal pale red. His eyes grew even more profound, full of disgust.

“I will make you queen,” he raised his hand, signaling Meng Hu and others to drag Jing Jun away. “Beyond that, don’t challenge my patience anymore. Don’t try to appear before me again. Want to live? Then speak when I allow you to speak, and shut up when I tell you to shut up.”

“Gong Yin—” Jing Jun was pressed down by Meng Hu’s hand and pushed away, struggling to reach out in desperate appeal, but that back was like a snow mountain, majestically distant at the horizon’s end.

Her heart trembled. She let her hand fall in defeat and despair, thinking of his resolute, domineering tone just now—different from his usual cold indifference, carrying a sharp, deadly urgency. Like a night traveler coming from snowy ground with blade in hand, eager to slaughter heaven and earth, to change the world.

An ominous premonition suddenly swept through her heart. She seemed to see a shabby room’s dark shadows, a solitary lamp at a cold window, herself turning around unsteadily, her hair white with premature aging under moonlight.

She shivered violently.

…

On the city wall, Gong Yin stood perfectly straight.

“Tell them,” he said to Meng Hu with slight weariness, “Yelu Qi committed treason with solid evidence. Now, together with his family and household members—one thousand three hundred forty-two people in total—they are detained separately at Jade Guard Office and Imperial Song Prefecture. The Imperial Scroll is not a national treasure. It can only buy one person’s freedom. Let them consider.”

Meng Hu looked at him worriedly and relayed the message.

Hearing this, Jing Hengbo smiled.

Such swift action, such great killing intent.

The military power and popular support gained by sacrificing her had finally taken effect. If the Kang Long Army hadn’t completely submitted, how could he so quickly imprison the originally powerful Yelu family entirely?

Cheng Gumo and the others had miscalculated. An overlord—did they really think he would abandon his kingdom for a beauty?

A thought suddenly flashed through her mind.

Perhaps Gong Yin’s suicide attempt at Gong City and his defense of her at Liuli Square were just for show. Deliberately making everyone think the State Preceptor valued the Queen more than his own life, that he would oppose the world for her sake. This provoked the opposition’s ambition, using her as queen to unite in pressuring Gong Yin, trying to force him to abdicate to protect her.

Then when the moment came, he decisively reversed course, catching everyone off-guard with no more reason to rebel, forcing them to submit even more completely. On the other hand, he could thus see clearly all the opposition’s faces and strength, making it easier to deal with them without wasting effort guessing and passively waiting.

This was his usual method of removing tumors—steady, precise, ruthless, not hesitating to first place himself in danger.

She laughed heartily, suddenly feeling enlightened.

So this was a supreme politician.

So this was how politicians viewed the changing tides of power.

From today on, she understood too!

“We want Yelu Qi!” After laughing, she called out loudly.

The Yan Kill Army unhesitatingly transmitted loudly: “State Preceptor Yelu!”

Jing Hengbo stopped smiling, looking somewhat apologetically at the Yan Kill Army.

Sigh, bullying honest people made her feel a bit guilty.

Her insistence on Yelu Qi wasn’t from kindness. By dragging Yelu Qi out of Imperial Song, severing his connections with Imperial Song’s power structure, and publicly pinning the other half of the Imperial Scroll on him before so many people, from now on Yelu Qi would probably have to endure endless exile.

She had sworn an oath.

None of those who had participated in harming her that day would she spare.

Yelu Qi was equally culpable.

On the city wall, Gong Yin closed his eyes.

“Release him.” After a long while, he only uttered these two short words.

“I’ll go!” Yu Chun immediately hurried down from the wall to relay orders, running faster than Meng Hu. Meng Hu helplessly glared at his retreating figure.

Neither man wanted to stay on the wall at this moment, watching this scene above and below the city.

Yu Chun moved quickly. Two quarters of an hour later, the city gate opened a crack and Yelu Qi was pushed out.

He showed no joy, probably already knowing the situation, wearing a helpless bitter smile.

On the wall, Meng Hu announced again.

“Left State Preceptor Yelu Qi, having been presumptuous and arrogant, acting on his own authority and deceiving superiors, forming alliances and connections, plotting rebellion against superiors, following joint deliberation and impeachment by the ministers, is demoted three ranks, reassigned as Inspector of the Eight Tribes, to leave the capital immediately. May not return to the capital without royal decree!”

Hearing the title “Inspector of the Eight Tribes,” a trace of surprise flashed in Yelu Qi’s eyes. He looked up toward the city wall.

This position with extreme freedom, a nearly abolished position—giving it now was truly meaningful…

More importantly, with Gong Yin’s usual caution, though he monopolized power, he wouldn’t directly issue disposal orders for someone of equal rank like a fellow State Preceptor. He would inevitably hypocritically issue decrees in the Queen’s name. This current direct, domineering style…

He looked up at the sky. The sky was blue as washing, yet seemed to have a dark cloud slowly approaching.

This sky would inevitably change…

Seeing Yelu Qi emerge, Jing Hengbo prepared for his angry questioning—the Yan Kill Army might not see the trick here, but Yelu Qi couldn’t fail to understand.

But Yelu Qi only examined her from head to toe, smiled calmly, and said: “Your complexion is much better.”

“Not angry?” Jing Hengbo also smiled.

“Angry about what? After so many years of scheming for the family in Imperial Song, I’m tired of it too.” He turned to wink at Jing Hengbo. “Perfect chance to escape the whirlpool and see the world’s scenery. Ah, if it were accompanying you to see the world’s scenery, then my life’s wish would be complete.”

Jing Hengbo took this as putting on a brave face and pursed her lips, ignoring him.

On the city wall, Gong Yin watched the man and woman below chatting and smiling, his fingers on the cold wall bricks motionless.

“Queen, you said you’d leave Imperial Song a memento and let us vent our anger?” the Yan Kill Army was clamoring.

“Lend me your inner energy,” Jing Hengbo extended her hand to Yi Qi.

“You’re not suitable for using inner energy now,” Yelu Qi immediately advised. “Borrowed energy especially won’t work.”

“I’m not suitable to be queen either, I’m not suitable to live either,” Jing Hengbo didn’t turn her head. “But I’m still alive now.”

Yelu Qi shut up, discovering that not only had Gong Yin become domineering, even Jing Hengbo had become irresistible.

“Whatever my wife says is right; whatever my wife demands must be accomplished,” Yi Qi cheerfully came over, placing his palm on Jing Hengbo’s back. As soon as he touched her, he started exclaiming: “Oh my, wife, why are you so thin? Your bones seem to be showing!”

“Little Seven, you lecher,” Six Kill called out chaotically. “Quick, tell us when you touched her! How dare you not tell us!”

“In my dreams!”

Jing Hengbo laughed heartily, closed her eyes, and purple light flashed briefly between her brows.

Yi Qi’s inner power was indeed profound. Though she had no martial arts foundation and was an amateur, she still felt a hot current as mighty as a great river rushing through her five organs and six viscera. Wherever it passed, all her blood vessels seemed awakened, eager to move.

Opposite her, Yelu Qi stared at the purple light that flashed briefly between her brows, his expression amazed.

Wasn’t she supposed to lack martial arts… why could she already actively absorb Heavenly Fragrance Purple?

He naturally didn’t know that yoga’s abdominal breathing method was similar in some degree to his Yelu family’s breathing techniques, accidentally triggering the Heavenly Fragrance Purple’s transformation in her dantian. Of course, Jing Hengbo herself didn’t know either.

Moments later, Jing Hengbo opened her eyes, her listless spirit completely swept away, her gaze like lightning.

Even borrowed energy made one suddenly invigorated.

Like swallowing wind and clouds with heroic ambition.

She turned her head and fixed her gaze on the thin blade attached to the Yan Kill general’s leg.

For combat convenience, Yan Kill soldiers all wore leg bindings with extremely thin sharp blades bound against their flesh, used for final close combat with enemies.

The general was startled by her gaze and instinctively pulled his leg back. Then his eyes widened—the dagger on his leg suddenly floated up by itself!

He hurriedly reached to catch it, but the blade seemed to have its own spirit, dodging backward with a flash, then making a sharp turn, arcing like lightning straight toward the city walls!

People on the walls had already seen this scene and all changed color, dodging one after another. Meng Hu shouted: “Master, move aside!” and rushed forward.

Though the blade’s arc hadn’t yet determined its target, since Jing Hengbo had launched it, it must be aimed at Gong Yin.

Gong Yin didn’t move.

Meng Hu grew desperate. Regardless of propriety, he grabbed his shoulder to pull him back. Just as he touched his shoulder, he suddenly heard the sound of ice shattering. Startled, his hand had already slipped through a patch of cold.

The flying blade arrived, light coldly brilliant, indeed aimed at Gong Yin.

He still didn’t move, his long hair dancing without wind, covering a patch of dark gaze.

Meng Hu’s screams had changed in pitch.

“Master, you cannot…”

This heart-rending cry seemed to remind Gong Yin of something. A dark light flashed in his eyes as he raised his hand and traced with his finger.

The flying blade stopped.

Everyone had just breathed a sigh of relief, crowding around Gong Yin.

Suddenly a tremendous crash sounded above!

It sounded like something breaking.

The flagpole!

These two words immediately flashed like lightning through everyone’s minds as they looked up in shock.

They saw a piece of snow-white tilting down from the azure sky, huge and expansive, as if another heavy snow had fallen.

On second glance, they saw the Imperial Song flag—Gong Yin’s black water, white mountain flag—its pole already broken. An axe that appeared from nowhere was whistling across the flag surface, making cutting sounds as it wildly chopped the flag!

Deathly silence.

Nearly ten thousand people above and below the city stared dumbfounded at the flag slowly toppling in mid-air, an axe wildly and eerily chopping, quickly reducing Gong Yin’s banner to shreds.

It was as if a transparent divine being was suspended in mid-air wielding a battle axe, in front of ten thousand people, destroying Imperial Song’s symbol!

The axe danced without method but with wild dominance and compelling force. Its manner didn’t look like chopping a flag but like chopping a person. Everyone watching felt their hair stand on end, as if seeing blood flowing like rivers, the world in competition, someone struggling up from mud with killing intent sweeping the land.

Moments later, the Yan Kill Army, awakening from shock, erupted in an incredibly satisfying cheer.

“Excellent!”

The sound was like thunder, making Imperial Song’s walls hum and resonate.

Imperial Song’s entire city seemed to tremble slightly, everyone looking at each other in dismay, fearing that eerie axe might suddenly fly to attack the State Preceptor. They could only form layer upon layer around Gong Yin.

Only Gong Yin’s expression remained unchanged, watching with near-concentration as the axe frantically chopped his flag. Snow-white cloth fragments flew, some spattering on his face. He didn’t retreat, slowly extending his finger to catch them, staring transfixed.

Indistinguishable which was more snow-like—the cloth fragments or his fingertips.

That frenzied axe didn’t stop. After chopping the flag surface to pieces, it spun and cut the flagpole countless times, chopping even the pole into numerous sections. Finally, with one turn, the destroyed flag soared skyward, its blade surface shooting cold light in all directions under the sun!

The flag, already shredded like a fishing net, slowly descended, scattered in the snow and mud atop the city walls beyond recognition.

Everyone stared blankly at the ruined flag, then looked up at the axe that had flown high into the sky. It still hadn’t fallen but turned and headed straight for the second flag!

Everyone held their breath, waiting for another round of frenzied chopping.

But the axe went straight to the flag surface without touching the pole, making two “ripping” sounds as it carved a huge “X” on the flag!

Then it fell with a bang.

People on the walls startled backward, shouting “Protect the State Preceptor” in chaos, fearing the axe might jump up again to attack.

Gong Yin didn’t even glance at the axe, only turned to look at Jing Hengbo.

Jing Hengbo slowly and lengthily exhaled.

Extraordinary performance.

She hadn’t expected that with Yi Qi’s help, this mind-over-matter control would be so wildly dominant. Perhaps another reason was that the resentment in her heart needed a thoroughly satisfying release.

Severing the great king’s flag atop the city, eighteen slashes in mid-air above the walls, splitting thick clouds to explore the blue sky, breaking through rainbows to scatter stars!

Even if this caused her harm, it was worth it!

The flying blade was just a diversion. What she really used was the battle axe the Yan Kill soldier had earlier embedded in the city gate. While everyone’s attention was drawn to the flying blade, she secretly controlled the axe to follow the city wall upward and sever the flag with one stroke.

This was also her first time controlling two weapons simultaneously—unexpectedly perfect.

Yan Kill’s cheers reached the clouds. They disliked Imperial Song, and seeing Imperial Song’s guards so embarrassed felt like eating ice in June weather—refreshing to the core.

“Exhilarating!” The general slapped Yi Qi’s shoulder hard. “Queen Your Majesty is truly a hero! This friend—we’ve made!”

…

Jing Hengbo raised her head and pointed at the city walls.

The Yan Kill soldiers’ cheers immediately stopped.

The city walls fell into complete silence.

From some unknown time, everyone had learned to listen seriously in her presence.

Jing Hengbo pointed at the third flag’s position, where only half a bare flagpole remained.

“Those who usurp great power, who are callous and shameless, are unworthy to be Imperial Song’s flag!”

Gong Yin’s face was snow-pale, his spine straight, staring at her without blinking.

Jing Hengbo didn’t even glance at him, pointing again at the flag that should have belonged to her.

“That is my flag. My emblem is already carved—this X!” she called out loudly. “This X tells you: Today I’m the fool, but in the future you’ll all be fools!”

Above and below the city fell silent, perhaps shocked by her tone or her terrifying choice of words.

She used her last remaining strength.

“This flag—someday I will return to mend it. If you have the guts, replace it. Whoever replaces it, I’ll slaughter their entire family in the future!”

The entire city was silent.

She looked at the broken flagpole and laughed heartily.

“Exhilarating!”

As the last word left her mouth, she fell backward. Yelu Qi caught her with quick reflexes. Yi Qi was a step slow and angrily kicked the back of his knee.

The Yan Kill Army laughed in unison.

“Exhilarating!”