A hundred li from Flying Swan Pass, the Mo Family army with its black banners was advancing rapidly. Mo Xiu Yao rode at the front of the formation, his snow-white hair making him appear even more cold and frost-like. Though they had just annihilated a Western Ling force, Mo Xiu Yao’s brows remained furrowed.

“Greetings, Your Highness!” A rider galloped swiftly from the direction of Flying Swan Pass, stopping before Mo Xiu Yao and saluting from horseback without dismounting. Seeing his hurried manner, Mo Xiu Yao’s heart sank as he said, “No need for formalities. How is Flying Swan Pass?”

The man replied gravely, “Your subordinate is useless… the Princess Consort refuses to leave Flying Swan Pass.”

“What did you say?” Mo Xiu Yao’s handsome features instantly turned cold as iron, killing intent visible in his eyes.

The man continued, “Yesterday there was a fierce battle at Flying Swan Pass. Nearly half the garrison soldiers were lost. Additionally… the six Qilin squadrons left at Flying Swan Pass were almost completely wiped out. The Princess Consort… she refuses to leave Flying Swan Pass.” Mo Xiu Yao narrowed his eyes and asked coldly, “What about the young heir?” The man replied, “Several days ago, the Princess Consort already sent the young heir back to Li City.”

After hearing the spy’s report, Mo Xiu Yao’s expression became extremely grave. After a long moment, he commanded sharply, “Black Cloud Cavalry, accompany this prince ahead. We must reach Flying Swan Pass before noon today!”

The Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers behind Mo Xiu Yao responded in unison. After instructing Leng Huai and He Su to handle the remaining troops, he led thirty thousand Black Cloud Cavalry charging toward Flying Swan Pass.

The conversation hadn’t lasted long. When Ye Li returned to the city wall, Feng San and the others waiting there couldn’t help but sigh in relief. They had been worried that Lei Zhen Ting would become desperate and harm Ye Li. Seeing everyone’s relieved expressions, Ye Li felt no ease in her heart. She didn’t understand Lei Zhen Ting’s purpose in specifically calling her to say those things, but she truly understood his determination to breach Flying Swan Pass and his plans afterward. Therefore, their real difficulties still lay ahead.

This time, Lei Zhen Ting indeed showed no mercy. Several hundred thousand Western Ling troops launched relentless attacks without pause. The Mo Family army, reduced to merely a hundred thousand, naturally could no longer meet them in the field and could only defend the walls desperately. But the difference in numbers was far too great. Moreover, the Mo Family soldiers were exhausted from days of bitter fighting, while the Western Ling forces, due to their vast numbers, could rotate their troops and thus weren’t nearly as fatigued. Under these circumstances, by almost noon, the Mo Family soldiers on Flying Swan Pass were showing signs of being unable to hold on.

Even so, this far exceeded Lei Zhen Ting’s prediction of breaking Flying Swan Pass within two hours.

Soon, one Western Ling soldier climbed onto the battlements of Flying Swan Pass, followed by a second, then a third… Though many were cut down by the defending soldiers, more and more Western Ling troops made it onto the walls. Thus, the killing that had been confined below the walls and the battlements began to spread to the top of the city wall. Ye Li slashed a Western Ling soldier’s throat with her blade, and as she was turning, a flash of steel swept past behind her. Ye Li hurriedly raised her hand to block, but someone pulled her aside as the Western Ling soldier wielding the large sword, his face fierce, crashed to the ground. Han Ming Yue stood behind Ye Li, still dressed in snow-white robes, elegant as ever.

“Why haven’t you left yet?” Seeing Han Ming Yue, Ye Li asked with slightly furrowed brows. They who bore the responsibility of defending the city had to stay. But Han Ming Yue held no official position in the Mo Family army and thus had no obligation. Moreover, Han Ming Xi had been sent back to Li City some days ago on official business, so Han Ming Yue had even less reason to remain here.

Han Ming Yue smiled faintly and said, “I want to see just how far the Princess Consort and the Mo Family army can go.”

Ye Li gave a bitter smile and said, “Now you’ve seen… we can’t hold on…” Ye Li felt somewhat helpless and dejected. After persisting for so many days, this was still the final result. More importantly, their defeat meant not just failure, but the price of failure. Once Lei Zhen Ting led his army through the past, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“Does the Princess Consort regret it?” Han Ming Yue asked curiously.

Ye Li shook her head and said, “I only did what I should do. Besides, regardless of the outcome, what has happened cannot be changed. What use is regret?”

Seeing her calm and composed manner, Han Ming Yue felt his own emotions settle considerably. He smiled and said, “The reason I stayed is because I thought perhaps a miracle might occur.”

“Let’s hope so,” Ye Li smiled faintly, clearly not taking his words seriously.

There are indeed many miracles in this world, but this time the miracle was not happening on their side. When everyone saw Lei Zhen Ting, who should have been gravely injured and unrecovered, leap onto the battlements of Flying Swan Pass with superior lightness skill, they couldn’t help but be shocked. At the same time, they were grateful that when the Princess Consort went down earlier, Lei Zhen Ting hadn’t tried to ambush her, because Qin Feng and the others might not have been able to resist him.

Lei Zhen Ting stood casually on the city wall, facing Ye Li. The top of the wall was now a river of blood. But those with discerning eyes understood that even with the Mo Family army’s valor, defeat was almost inevitable against an enemy several times their number. Lei Zhen Ting smiled at Ye Li and said, “Does the Princess Consort wonder why this king didn’t strike earlier below the wall?” Ye Li shook her head and said, “More than that, this princess is curious how the Marquis of Pacifying the South recovered from his injuries in such a short time?” No one knew Lei Zhen Ting’s injuries better than Ye Li. Given the Western Ling military doctors’ poor treatment, Lei Zhen Ting’s injuries should have been worse than she expected, not better.

Han Ming Yue stood beside Ye Li, his smile cultured and elegant. “That’s not so mysterious. I recall there is a martial art technique that can rapidly boost one’s potential in the shortest time. Even when gravely injured, one can temporarily exert power surpassing their normal abilities.”

Lei Zhen Ting glanced coolly at Han Ming Yue and said, “Master Ming Yue is indeed widely knowledgeable.”

Han Ming Yue stepped forward, subtly shielding Ye Li. He sighed and said, “I wish I didn’t know.” Nothing in this world comes without a price. The technique Han Ming Yue spoke of had such incredible effects, so the price required was self-evident. Lei Zhen Ting using such a technique clearly showed he had no intention of living on. A martial arts master might not be frightening, but a master who doesn’t want to live is. Looking at the proud Lei Zhen Ting before him, Han Ming Yue shook his head and said, “The Marquis of Pacifying the South is a hero of the realm, why choose such a hopeless path?”

Lei Zhen Ting didn’t anger, didn’t even show a ripple of emotion. He had reached a dead end now. Though he never quite understood exactly how Mo Xiu Yao had outmaneuvered him, defeat was defeat, and he dared to acknowledge failure. But before that, he could still do something for Western Ling, or rather… he could still deal Mo Xiu Yao one more vicious blow.

“The Marquis should know Mo Xiu Yao’s temperament. If… something were to happen to the Princess Consort, these hundreds of thousands of troops under your command…” Han Ming Yue reminded him quietly.

Lei Zhen Ting nodded with a smile and said, “Many thanks for Master Ming Yue’s reminder, however… from the moment they followed me to attack Flying Swan Pass, they never expected to live. So… I’m afraid I cannot accept Master Ming Yue’s kind intentions.” Han Ming Yue sighed. If possible, he didn’t want to fight Lei Zhen Ting. With his martial arts, perhaps in ten years, he could fight Lei Zhen Ting to a draw, but now it was truly impossible. Moreover, the reverse cultivation technique Lei Zhen Ting used was itself a heaven-defying art that concentrated all one’s power in a short time. In the current situation, within twenty-four hours, Lei Zhen Ting’s power was twice his normal level. Forget about him – even if Mo Xiu Yao himself came, it would be questionable.

Lei Zhen Ting looked Ye Li up and down as she stood beside Han Ming Yue, asking curiously, “Does the Princess Consort truly not blame Mo Xiu Yao at all?”

Ye Li raised her eyes, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. “This princess doesn’t understand the Marquis’s meaning.”

Lei Zhen Ting laughed heartily, “The Princess Consort is a clever person, how could you not understand my meaning? If not for Mo Xiu Yao’s schemes, how would the two hundred thousand garrison troops at Flying Swan Pass and the Princess Consort’s Qilin end up trapped here by me, now facing total annihilation? Does the Princess Consort truly harbor no resentment at all?”

Ye Li lowered her gaze, pondering for a moment before saying quietly, “Though this princess may not be skilled at weighing gains and losses, I still understand what it means to achieve the greatest victory at the smallest cost. From the Prince’s position, his decision had all benefit and no harm. Why should I harbor resentment?”

Lei Zhen Ting studied Ye Li for a long while, finally sighing helplessly, “I had thought… never mind. If the Princess Consort thought like an ordinary women, you wouldn’t be the Prince’s Consort. Princess… this king must offend you.” With that, Lei Zhen Ting ceased talking. His gaze toward Ye Li instantly filled with killing intent, an overwhelming pressure bearing down on her direction. Lei Zhen Ting wasn’t one for idle talk; the only reason he had said so much to Ye Li was because he was certain Mo Xiu Yao couldn’t return so quickly, and he wanted to sow discord between Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li. If the Prince’s Consort died harboring resentment toward the Prince, what kind of blow would that be to the Prince who loved his wife like life itself? Unfortunately, Ye Li’s mental fortitude was unexpectedly resilient and steady, completely unmoved by his words. Lei Zhen Ting could only abandon his plan with some regret.

Without Lei Zhen Ting speaking, Ye Li and the others knew the current situation was unavoidable. Ye Li calmly drew two pistols, one in each hand, and aimed them at Lei Zhen Ting. Lei Zhen Ting looked curiously at the objects in her hands, “Are these what wounded me?” Ye Li smiled faintly, “The Marquis can try again.” Before her words faded, two loud bangs rang out as bullets shot toward Lei Zhen Ting. He flashed aside with lightning speed, evading them. Though the two shots were missed, Ye Li wasn’t discouraged. Her hands remained steady as she continued tracking Lei Zhen Ting’s figure, her pistols producing continuous loud reports. The bullets’ speed was fast, but Lei Zhen Ting seemed even faster. Everyone only saw what appeared to be a phantom image moving freely across the city wall. When Ye Li finally stopped, Lei Zhen Ting reappeared atop one of the battlements. Looking down at the battle robe draped behind him, there was a small hole that had appeared at some unknown time. Lei Zhen Ting couldn’t help but praise, “Good weapons. If only… if there were more of these things, this king might have to be somewhat wary. But it seems the Princess Consort doesn’t have many more.”

Ye Li didn’t conceal anything, nodding, “Indeed, this princess only has two. Originally I didn’t expect to use them against the Marquis of Pacifying the South.” She had only wanted to test Lei Zhen Ting’s current abilities. Now they had seen – Lei Zhen Ting’s current power likely exceeded even Mo Xiu Yao and Ling Tie Han.

Lei Zhen Ting nodded and smiled, “Since the Prince’s Consort has made her move, now it’s this king’s turn.” With that, Lei Zhen Ting drew his sword and swept it toward Ye Li. This move of Lei Zhen Ting’s was extremely plain and ordinary, without any flourishes. But everyone present could feel its killing intent and terrifying power. Han Ming Yue’s expression changed as he drew his sword simultaneously, striking at Lei Zhen Ting’s sword energy. Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Wei Lin, and the others beside Ye Li also moved at once, trying to block Lei Zhen Ting’s strike.

Ye Li dodged sideways. After the battle with Ling Tie Han, she understood that when facing true supreme internal masters, she had no advantages. The reason she hadn’t encountered any danger before was that she had never met masters of Lei Zhen Ting and Ling Tie Han’s caliber before. Ye Li took a deep breath, looking back at the Mo Family soldiers and Western Ling troops still locked in battle nearby. By now both sides were engaged in face-to-face combat to the death, fighting to the bitter end.

Lei Zhen Ting’s current power was far beyond what Han Ming Yue and the others could resist. At the price of burning away his life, Lei Zhen Ting’s martial arts instantly reached the peak state of his life. In one strike, Han Ming Yue and Zhuo Jing were sent flying over ten steps away, while Qin Feng and Wei Lin crashed into the city wall, both spitting blood.

Having knocked down all four with one move, Lei Zhen Ting ignored them. He chopped down at Ye Li with a clean, decisive sword strike. Ye Li hurriedly retreated several steps, but Lei Zhen Ting’s sword energy seemed to follow her like a shadow with consciousness. Seeing no path of retreat left, Ye Li gritted her teeth. A cold light flashed in her hand as she charged toward Lei Zhen Ting instead of retreating. A trace of a smile crossed Lei Zhen Ting’s lips, seeming to mock Ye Li’s overconfidence.

On the city wall, a cold light flashed. In an instant, it struck Lei Zhen Ting like lightning. Sensing the threat of a master of the same level, Lei Zhen Ting immediately abandoned Ye Li, raising his hand to block the attack.

Not far away, a figure in blue civilian clothes stood on the city wall behind Ye Li. The newcomer looked coldly at Lei Zhen Ting and said, “Since when does the Marquis of Pacifying the South enjoy bullying the weak? If you want to fight, why not find me?”

Ye Li had dodged Lei Zhen Ting’s sword and caught her breath slightly, retreating to the side to leave the battlefield to Ling Tie Han. Lei Zhen Ting cast a somewhat regretful glance at Ye Li, who had retreated to Han Ming Yue and the others’ side, then looked at Ling Tie Han and said, “You know how to pick your moment.” Ling Tie Han replied calmly, “Weren’t you the one who told me to find you?”

Lei Zhen Ting frowned, “You couldn’t have arrived this quickly.” By his calculations, by the time Ling Tie Han arrived, he should have already dealt with everything. Ling Tie Han held his sword and said, “Indeed, it shouldn’t have been possible. But some days ago, someone told me that if I didn’t arrive early, I might not see you again. Now it seems he wasn’t wrong.” Lei Zhen Ting’s current appearance looked powerful, but only for these twenty-four hours. After twenty-four hours, he would not only lose all his martial arts but his life as well. Ling Tie Han was also a supreme master of the world, and naturally understood what had caused Lei Zhen Ting’s current condition.

“Mo Xiu Yao again?! He could calculate even this situation?” Lei Zhen Ting frowned.

Ling Tie Han didn’t conceal anything, nodding, “Indeed, I met him ten days ago. But he told me that within ten days, the Marquis of Pacifying the South would certainly die at Flying Swan Pass. If I wanted to find you… it would be best to arrive before those ten days. So… I arrived at Flying Swan Pass two days ago. Unexpectedly, I saw quite a show.”

Lei Zhen Ting naturally understood what he meant by “quite a show.” But having reached this point, there was nothing left to be angry about. He flourished his sword and said, “In that case, let’s begin. After killing you, there will still be time to deal with the Prince’s Consort. At this point… whether this king lives or dies makes no difference.” The Western Ling soldiers had already received his orders earlier – once they breached Flying Swan Pass, they were to ignore everything else and cause maximum destruction throughout the Northwest region. Once these troops scattered throughout the Northwest, even if Mo Xiu Yao’s million-strong army returned, they would have quite a headache. In such circumstances, whether Lei Zhen Ting remained as commander truly wasn’t so important anymore.

Ling Tie Han nodded gravely, saying, “Very well, the grudge between us should have been settled long ago. In this battle, if this seat dies by your hand, it means my skills are inferior. If you lose… this seat guarantees to never trouble Lei Teng Feng again.”

Lei Zhen Ting smiled with satisfaction, “In that case, this king has the advantage. Please!”

“Please!”

“Princess Consort.” Qin Feng pressed against his faintly aching wound while watching the two men facing off by the city wall. His gaze toward Ling Tie Han was particularly complex. Who could have imagined that the one saving the Princess Consort’s life this time would be Ling Tie Han, who had nearly killed her before? Unexpected that the Prince had secretly arranged such a move – if Ling Tie Han hadn’t arrived in time, with their martial arts skills, they really would have had difficulty saving the Princess Consort from Lei Zhen Ting’s hands.

Ye Li nodded, saying gravely, “Don’t worry about them. Stop the Western Ling soldiers from entering the pass at any cost.”

Qin Feng and the others responded in unison, “We obey!”