Mongol general Ali Haya once said: “Without Xiang, there is no Huai; without Huai, the lands south of the Yangtze can be seized with ease.”
This statement pinpointed a particular city. Built beside water, hard as stubborn stone, it was the hometown of poet Meng Haoran and the Poet Saint Du Fu, and also the inevitable passage for wars throughout the realm. For a full thousand years, this city had blocked countless great figures traveling north and south.
When Mongol cavalry marched south and the loyal General Yue Fei campaigned north, when Guan Yu flooded the seven armies here and Fu Jian set fires at Tan Creek—for the grand cause of unification, to claim kingship and dominance, whether northern warlords reining in their horses by the river’s edge or southern heroes gripping blades at the prow of ships, everyone had to come here to fight a battle.
An unyielding fortress of bronze walls and iron barriers, it could withstand heavy cannon bombardment and endure famine and warfare. It was both the starting point of glorious military careers and the final resting place for bones buried in foreign soil. For the countless thousands of masterless lonely souls buried beneath the city, people called it thus—the Graveyard of Heroes, with the great name of Xiangyang!
On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month in the tenth year of Zhengtong, evening clouds filled the sky as ten thousand troops arrayed themselves before the ancient city of Xiangyang.
“Heroes!” The Commissioner of Nucang spurred his horse forward, raising his whip and crying aloud, “All troops unite your strength! Execute traitors and slay the corrupt! Today we act on Heaven’s behalf!”
Amid the army’s roar, a brave response rang out from the city walls.
“Fellow patriots!” The patriotic old general raised his blade and shouted angrily, “Protect the nation and defend the people with loyal sincerity! We die for our country!”
As the two armies faced off, inspirational battle cries rang out above and below the city. Four-character elegant phrases echoed through the clouds.
As evening approached, looking down from the city walls, hundreds of thousands of angry troops besieged the city. The sea of tents stretched for dozens of li like stars hanging over the vast plains, magnificent and grand.
Folding bridges and trench-filling carts—thousands of siege engines crouched on the ground like massive black man-eating beetles, ready to spit poison and harm at any moment. Dozens of zhang-high ladder carts arrayed among them looked even more like eerily tall ghostly giants with demonic faces, waiting to swing their magic fists and smash Xiangyang in one blow.
The formation below the city intimidated the court’s brave warriors, but how could the ancient city of Xiangyang before them be ordinary?
Dark qi filled the air above the city walls. This city was both the bronze walls and iron barriers of the Zhengtong Dynasty and the dismemberment execution ground of the Palace of Yama. Demon-dropping stones and wolf-tooth clubs showed their sharp fangs faintly—those ox-headed and horse-faced demons were guarding mountains of knives and cauldrons of oil, ready to punish themselves at any moment. Looking again at the iron caltrops, horse-trapping pits, and chevaux-de-frise below the city—each one hiding underground, waiting to open their bloody maws and bite oneself in half.
The great battle was about to begin. The attacking side was bloodthirsty and flesh-eating, while the defending side was cruel and fierce. As the gentle evening clouds brushed over the battlefield, in that instant, regardless of enemy or ally, whether they came first or last, hundreds of thousands of battlefield warriors simultaneously closed their eyes and silently prayed together… My wife, my love, my father, my mother—your son, your husband, he now swears to Heaven that he will return home alive.
Drums thundered, battle cries grew more passionate, and the siege was about to begin. Newly enlisted youths breathed rapidly while battlefield veterans lowered their eyes. The sharp sound of suona horns pierced their ears, and warriors on both sides fell silent.
“All… troops!” Ten thousand held their breath, everyone gripping steel blades and crouching low… “Charge!” Like thunder, the battle cry rang out as the twelfth siege battle began.
Thousands upon thousands of infantry rushed forward. Cannon fire blasted craters in the city walls. Flying ropes hooked into the indentations as infantry, steel knives clenched in their teeth, struggled to climb toward the city walls.
“Forward one step!” As enemy troops charged, the Xiangyang defending general immediately waved his banner and commanded: “Pour!”
With a rushing sound, something was poured down. A group of infantry simultaneously raised their faces, looking at the smoking substance with terrified expressions.
“Aiyaya!” Boiling oil poured down from the city walls, immediately followed by loud screams. The poor soldiers climbing the ladder carts bore the brunt and were instantly splashed by the scalding oil. In excruciating pain, he could no longer grip the ladder, and his sturdy body fell backward. In an instant, he would be smashed to pulp.
One chi, two chi, three chi… As the youth plummeted, just as he was about to be killed falling beneath the city, suddenly a giant spirit’s palm reached out in mid-air. Someone grabbed his back—it was one of Nucang’s three great vanguards, “Little Lu Bu of Xiliang,” coming to save him.
The western route army general clung to the ladder above ten thousand troops. His right hand pulled the young soldier while his left hand waved his cloak to shield his subordinates below from the boiling oil. A burning stench wafted over as scalding oil splashed onto Han Yi’s arm, immediately raising blisters.
The scalding pain pierced his heart and tore at his lungs, but he could not cry out because the child in his hands was already screaming for him.
“Mother! It hurts so much, hurts, hurts so much, hurts!” The youth struggled with his limbs, crying out in agony. The enemy showed no mercy as boiling oil continued pouring down endlessly. Han Yi waved his cloak to resist as hot rain scattered everywhere. Half the soldiers below screamed incessantly, with large numbers scalded by the hot oil. At this moment, only by urgently storming the city walls could they find a way to live.
But Han Yi, holding that young soldier, was already stuck on the ladder, unable to move. His subordinates, hearts burning with anxiety, couldn’t help but cry out: “General Han! Let go of that child and quickly climb up!”
Han Yi looked down at the young soldier in his arms. Poor child—his face was rotted, his eyes blinded. Unable to cover his features, his hands waved incessantly as if trying to hide something but not daring to touch. Finally, he couldn’t even call out for his mother, only violently flailing his limbs while crying miserably: “Aiya! Aiya!” Hearing the child’s piteous cries, Han Yi’s eyes naturally reddened. He truly couldn’t let go—this child still had a mother. Even if his eyes were blinded and his features ruined, he should still bring him home.
In this moment of impossible choice, a muffled grunt was heard as an arrow pierced his shoulder and blood flowed out. The archers on the city walls seized the opportunity and immediately rewarded the hesitating “Little Lu Bu” with a cold arrow. Though the arrow shaft trembled in his shoulder and blood flowed ceaselessly, Han Yi, despite the pain piercing his heart, only clenched his teeth tighter with no intention of loosening his grip.
“Let him go!” A shout came from below as a burly man scrambled up. This person’s feet left the ground, his five fingers like hooks—relying on finger strength alone, he could climb a hundred-zhang wall. Seeing his martial arts so formidable, this was the new route army’s vanguard commander, “Snake and Crane Double Movement” Hao Zhenxiang’s great army arriving!
“Let him go!” Cold arrows shot one after another. Hao Zhenxiang’s left hand’s five fingers held his position steady while his right hand raised his blade to deflect the cold arrows for Little Lu Bu, shouting loudly: “This child can’t survive! Release him immediately!”
Hearing his colleague’s urging, Han Yi lowered his head. He understood in his heart that as soon as he let go, that poor child would fall into the boundless hell and become a masterless ghost beneath Xiangyang city.
“Storming a city is like charging through the gates of hell—hardly one or two in a hundred survive!” Hao Zhenxiang’s eyes were streaked with red as he sternly urged again: “Let go! You have no choice! You must preserve yourself!”
“General Han! No choice! No choice! Let go! Let go!” The soldiers below kept calling out. Fire arrows flew ceaselessly around them, pot after pot of hot oil poured down, and the child in his arms continued crying without rest. Han Yi seemed to be tortured, only hesitating uncertainly.
Hao Zhenxiang was both anxious and angry. They had already stormed the city twelve times, each time difficult, each time with casualties. Who knew how many more would die in battle? Yet “Little Lu Bu” was showing weakness at this critical moment…
“Han Yi!” Hao Zhenxiang finally roared in fury, shouting: “You bastard!”
The angry man’s eyes blazed as he instantly drew his waist blade and ruthlessly lunged forward. Blood spurted out—the child in “Little Lu Bu’s” hands no longer struggled. His body twitched slightly, a trace of bitter sorrow appeared at the corner of his mouth, and that piteous crying finally faded away.
The youth no longer flailed his limbs or cried for mama—he was finally free.
“Brother!” The waist blade thrust into the wall. Hao Zhenxiang, his face showing anger, heavily slapped his comrade’s shoulder and sternly said: “We’re fighting a war!”
In war, one must kill, and in killing, one might be killed—truly no choice.
Han Yi smiled bitterly and looked up at the sky. Winter rarely brought clear sunshine, but the rosy clouds were dazzling, and tired birds returning to their nests in the distance stirred homesick feelings. He gently bid farewell to that young soldier, saying softly: “Go home, child.”
He released his right hand, letting the youth in his grasp fall. The poor child became a lone black dot, slowly about to disappear from sight…
In a moment of confusion, a thunderous roar came as a cloud-like boulder pressed straight down.
The enemy showed no mercy—someone else was about to die.
Who would it be this time? As rocks crumbled like clouds and dark clouds covered the sky, who would be crushed to pulp? Han Yi, full of bewilderment, focused his gaze and was greatly shocked—that boulder was heading straight for Hao Zhenxiang! Seeing him hanging in the air on the wall, bearing the brunt, his life was in extreme danger. Han Yi snapped to awareness and quickly extended his right hand toward “Snake and Crane Double Movement,” crying out: “Jump over here!”
“No need!” Hao Zhenxiang glanced sideways with disdain, saying coldly: “Look after yourself!”
With a tiger’s roar, “Snake and Crane Double Movement” gathered his qi and leaped, actually rushing toward the boulder. He extended his right foot and kicked the boulder with tremendous leg strength, causing the large stone to shift direction, first colliding with the city wall before rolling down. The soldiers cheered thunderously as Hao Zhenxiang flipped in mid-air, his left hand grasping a great bow and his right hand drawing the bowstring to nock an arrow, then shot a cold arrow from his aerial position.
With a humming sound, wails and screams rang out from the city walls. Blood flowed as five or six corpses fell in response—this arrow’s internal force was deep and mighty, astonishing power, piercing through a row of enemy soldiers in succession. Making the killers follow in the youth’s footsteps to report to the Palace of Yama together.
When Hao Zhenxiang struck to kill, the enemy immediately counterattacked. Bowstrings sang continuously from the city walls as fire arrows shot down mercilessly one by one. “Snake and Crane Double Movement,” relying on his powerful finger strength, gripped the city wall in mid-air and darted about everywhere—the arrows naturally couldn’t hit him. But while “Snake and Crane Double Movement” could dodge, where could the soldiers below him flee? The ladder was crowded with brave warriors, but now they were like chunks of meat carved out, ready for anyone to take. In the critical moment, the brave ones looked up and roared wildly while the timid ones covered their heads with their faces. Arrows, oil cauldrons, fire arrows, and falling stones—four types of death alternated and rotated as silhouettes fell toward the city base, their final cries of pain before death echoing through the clouds.
The youth was not alone—many accompanied him to the grave, scalded to death by oil cauldrons…
As the sun set westward and morale grew low, with fewer and fewer comrades beside him, Hao Zhenxiang gritted his teeth and climbed upward with all his strength. As soon as his form was exposed, it drew a rain of arrows shooting down from all directions. In the shower of arrows, Hao Zhenxiang took three arrows to the body, but he pressed forward regardless, clenching his blade in his teeth and gripping the city wall with one hand, then drawing a signal cannon from his waist.
He bent his middle finger and flicked—the cannon shot from his fingertip, flying twenty zhang before a firework blazed on the city wall like a bright lamp.
“Central army!” Hao Zhenxiang raised his arm toward the sky and roared in fury: “Clear the way for me!”
Boom! The Nucang main formation immediately commanded cannon fire to bombard the city walls. Large amounts of stone and earth fell as enemy troops on the city suffered heavy casualties. Thanks to Hao Zhenxiang’s life-risking firework, the cannon carts below the city also found their targeting position.
Hao Zhenxiang looked down and transmitted orders: “New route army! Storm the city walls!”
Countless corpses fell below the city, and the enemy’s offensive greatly slackened. Though Hao Zhenxiang had taken several arrows, he still shouted loudly and urgently led his troops to seize the city. Seeing the opportunity was not to be missed, Li Tieshan below also led his men in a direct assault on the city, his iron sword powerfully chopping at the iron gate with clanging sounds like collapsing thunder.
The great battle at Yunyang was led by Commissioner Jiang Yi of Nucang, commanding the three great daredevil vanguards in a joint assault on the city. At this moment, both Li Tieshan and Hao Zhenxiang were fighting bravely, but Han Yi, ranked first among the three great vanguards, was only clinging to a high place with a bewildered expression.
Ten thousand li of rivers and mountains, brocade earth… Why was the world so vast, yet hundreds of thousands of people had to squeeze together in one place, working diligently and tirelessly to make each other die? Why? Which clever young man could explain the great principles…
Seeing Han Yi, who was one of the three great vanguards, just standing there foolishly, his subordinates below shouted: “General Han! Are we going up or not?”
In the distance, Hao Zhenxiang’s angry roar came with curses: “Han Yi! If you’re not coming up, hurry up and go home!”
“Up or not… up or not…” Han Yi seemed to faint and then wake again. He forcefully struck his own forehead, muttering to himself: “Up? Isn’t it just going up…” As he slapped his head harder, he became more confused, but finally raised his square-pointed halberd and roared to the sky: “All troops…”
Winter cold wind blew, and his shout condensed into puffs of warm vapor. Following Hao Zhenxiang, another influence that echoes across distant mountains.
“Break through Xiangyang!”
The mentally unclear Little Lu Bu became the brilliant and wise Big Fool. The square-pointed halberd swung out with a strange howl, and with a thunderous sound, the city wall cracked open with a bowl-sized breach.
With the first thrust, Han Yi’s body shot up three zhang like a plant pulled from dry earth; with the second thrust, sparks flew as he passed Hao Zhenxiang; with the final thrust, the defending troops on the city walls retreated in panic, shouting: “Little Lu Bu!”
In despair, a burly figure appeared before their eyes—that ox-headed, horse-faced demon who always charged first had leaped high above the city walls. He was ten chi tall, wore a golden crown, and was clad in silver-mirrored dragon-scale armor. This was “Little Lu Bu of Xiliang”—he had come to claim souls!
Seeing Han Yi leap up and become the first to fly onto the city walls, court defenders surged forward endlessly, raising over a hundred steel shields in front, hoping to block this strike.
Han Yi laughed heartily and roared: “Get lost!” The square-pointed halberd struck down with all his might. With a tremendous sound, the steel shields in front sparked and flew, one shield after another flying from their wielders’ hands. The guards’ palms split open—they could no longer exert any strength. The fool seemed intent on venting the resentment in his heart as he single-handedly wielded the halberd, desperately striking at the remaining shields with thunderous roars and lightning-like blade work.
“Charge! Kill! Charge! Kill!” That arm-thick “square-pointed halberd” danced in his hands like a light horsewhip, flashing and striking rapidly. The sounds of striking and roaring rose and fell alternately. In moments, city walls collapsed, heads flew, and the troops on the walls were endless, all turning crimson red.
The shield formation vanished like smoke. Except for corpses covering the ground, only one man remained standing like a golden rooster, still roaring to the sky.
Han Yi, with bloodshot eyes—”I and you shall all perish together”—was the bravest and fiercest of Nucang’s three great vanguards. But he always had to wait until this confused moment to transform from fool to madman, becoming that merciless and cruel demon general.
Facing the great enemy, the demon army general let out a low growl and cast a sideways glance at the remaining soldiers. His meaning was clear—he wanted to massacre Xiangyang.
“Someone! Stop him! Stop him!” The court general commanded repeatedly as a thousand soldiers rushed to reinforce, but the terrain atop the city walls was narrow—they couldn’t harm the enemy with arrows and crossbows. Little Lu Bu charged left and right like a tiger eating sheep. Though the court forces were numerous, they could no longer form battle formations. Several deputy generals mustered their courage and desperately tried to block him, but before these poor souls could mount their suicidal charge, they heard a thunderous roar: “I am Little Lu Bu of Xiliang! Who dares face me!”
Little Lu Bu screamed miserably and charged forward to kill again. With one mighty halberd strike, countless enemy soldiers before him went flying. In an instant, he had claimed over ten lives. His anger unabated, he turned and kicked out—an oil cauldron, propelled by tremendous force, flew straight into the enemy ranks. Boiling oil spilled as dozens of soldiers cried out in agony, rolling on the ground one after another.
Little Lu Bu, his eyes bloodshot with killing, raised his right arm—the square-pointed halberd came crashing down. This strike would kill all soldiers within a radius of eighteen chi. The lucky ones would be cut in half by the blade; the unlucky ones would have their spines crushed and be crippled for life.
The square-pointed halberd struck down, its four points stirring up a fierce wind. Small soldiers and low-ranking troops hugged their heads and knelt, all whimpering and crying. At the moment of death, suddenly a muffled sound was heard—the killing weapon had frozen solid.
Frozen—that weapon over eight chi long and nearly fifty jin in weight stood motionless, firmly gripped in someone’s hand.
“Who are you, incoming general?” Han Yi glared with fierce eyes as the halberd pulled back, stirring up fierce winds: “State your name!”
The contemporary tiger general angrily sought battle as enemy soldiers cried and fled backward. The human wall gradually parted, revealing a great general stepping forward. Little Lu Bu looked shocked, his red pupils gradually contracting as his feet involuntarily stepped backward.
Impossible… he had encountered him again…
The weapon in his hands went limp as Han Yi found himself speechless. He stared wide-eyed at Xiangyang city’s final barrier.
The great minister of the Zhengtong Dynasty’s restoration—he held the rank of Grand Commander, inherited the martial arts of Qin Baxian, was granted the title of Mighty Marquis, and succeeded Liu Angtian in carrying on all the loyal bloodlines under the sun and moon banner. Now Wu Dingyuan stood with arms crossed, his presence imposing.
Impossible… His mind in complete chaos, Little Lu Bu’s cheeks were covered in cold sweat that disobediently dripped down his neck drop by drop.
Wu Dingyuan shouldn’t be here. With Jingzhou lost, Xiangyang would be cut off from supplies. Since the “Wrathful King” had already advanced to the Jingzhou battlefield, the “True Dragon” should be firmly guarding the supply routes, absolutely not risking appearance here—unless he wasn’t afraid of supply lines being cut, wasn’t afraid of the thirteen great cities along the southwestern front collapsing together… Impossible…
A generation’s “True Dragon” was cautious—he would never dare use troops so boldly. Unless he had already defeated the Wrathful King and only then dared to turn and fight here…
But what demonic power did the Fire Greed Blade possess? How could this be possible? He couldn’t figure it out, but there was no time to guess. The “True Dragon” was getting closer, and in this narrow encounter, it had become a one-on-one duel situation.
Little Lu Bu struggled to regulate his breathing, but hand sweat still dampened the halberd. Before the legend of the “True Dragon’s” invincibility, the square-pointed halberd was merely a stage prop, not worth mentioning.
A few days ago in the Jingzhou vanguard battle, he had merely been beaten by this man who killed over ten of his subordinates without achieving an inch of success. Though he was a rare bear and tiger general among men, his opponent was fundamentally not human. Facing five-clawed golden scales, Han Yi could only roar loudly—this roaring was for himself to hear, to boost his own morale.
The moment of utter confusion had arrived, and the moment of life-and-death determination had also come. A lifetime of diligent cultivation and bitter training was all for seizing the initiative at this moment.
“Heiya!” The square-pointed halberd held diagonally in hand, just about to stake everything on one throw. Suddenly he heard a tiger’s roar from behind—someone had struck first! Han Yi was both shocked and pleased as he turned to look, seeing a flying tiger pouncing forward. The newcomer’s leg strength was heavy and fierce, kicking out mid-air—he was…
…”Snake and Crane Double Movement” Hao Zhenxiang! He too had climbed onto the city walls, becoming the first vanguard warrior to challenge the “True Dragon”!
The former Embroidered Uniform Guard staff and club instructor raised his left elbow back and protected his chest with his right fist. Seeing him capture the ringleader first, he flew directly toward Wu Dingyuan with a kick—truly high in skill and bold in courage.
Hao Zhenxiang was extremely bold. His striking first at this moment was definitely not a reckless act.
If “Little Lu Bu” dueled with the “True Dragon,” given Han Yi’s indecisive and soft-hearted nature, once he lost focus and showed mercy, he would be killed within a few moves. Hao Zhenxiang calculated that rather than lose one of their own great generals, it would be better for him to step forward—first to exhaust the strong enemy’s qi, second to buy time for his comrade. When “Iron Sword Shakes the Southern Sky” reached the city walls, three great masters attacking in coordination might have a chance of victory.
His bouncing leg had just extended five chi when the opponent’s figure moved slightly, seeming about to counterattack. The opponent was a generation’s “True Dragon”—fighting meant gambling with life. Hao Zhenxiang, experienced in jianghu, didn’t wait for his technique to become stale before his body suddenly sank down. His left foot had just stepped on solid ground when, using both hands as pivot points, with a whoosh, his sturdy body spun like a top. In an instant, he crouched down with a sweeping leg, spinning and kicking at his strong enemy’s lower body.
The “Leopard Tail Kick” stirred up fierce winds with power exceeding the past. Seeing Hao Zhenxiang’s speed in changing moves and the strength of his force was truly rare in jianghu, but if the leopard’s legs were swift and urgent, how could the “True Dragon” be slow? Seeing his massive body lightly spring up several chi, Hao Zhenxiang understood the strong enemy’s formidability. Unwilling to sit and wait for death, he immediately raised both palms to protect his front, then gathered his qi and shouted loudly: “Iron Shirt! Seize the opportunity!”
Old Iron Sword did not disappoint him. In this life-and-death battle, he too climbed onto the city walls to come to his aid. The two were telepathically connected—as soon as the shout passed, the old general gripped his iron sword tightly with both hands, spread his horse stance, and immediately began absorbing and releasing protective qi.
The “Nine Iron Sword Forms” were broad and sweeping. Precisely because their power was extraordinary, they required time to build up qi before striking. At this moment, Hao Zhenxiang gambled his life to buy time, hoping to block the opponent momentarily to give Li Tieshan breathing room. One, two, three, four, five, six—as long as six counts passed, Li Tieshan could gather his full strength and leisurely execute his ultimate technique. Then “Dingjun Mountain” striking down from above could achieve the unprecedented feat of slaying a dragon!
One! The countdown began. Amid panicked shouts, the True Dragon soared skyward and reached overhead. Two! Though shocked, Hao Zhenxiang remained calm. In an instant, he bounced up like a startled rabbit taking flight, executing “Leopard’s Chain Heart-Piercing Kicks” with his right foot kicking up over his head to strike directly at the enemy’s jaw.
Three! The True Dragon avoided the vital point of his jaw, spinning in mid-air. Four! Hao Zhenxiang instantly retracted his leg, pushing out with both palms to strike directly at Wu Dingyuan’s back… Count five, “Hey, ha, hm!” three sounds connected as one breath. The “True Dragon” dropped rapidly to the ground, his right elbow sweeping back, using his elbow to block the palms. As soon as the two sides’ moves clashed, Wu Dingyuan’s left fist immediately struck out heavily, forcing Hao Zhenxiang to lean back and dodge.
Fierce wind scraped across his face, brushing past his cheek. Hao Zhenxiang’s left cheek was covered with bloody scratches. Seeing his body still leaning backward, suddenly the opponent’s right hand lifted, striking out another palm. The dragon hand, wearing iron gauntlets like a cannonball, crashed toward his face. Hao Zhenxiang had nowhere to dodge, nowhere to yield—he could only cross both arms to forcibly receive this iron palm strike.
A thunderous boom erupted on the city walls. The mighty palm force could split monuments and crack stone. Hao Zhenxiang gritted his teeth through the pain as his feet slid backward. Though defeated, he remained unshaken. In an instant, his left hand formed a snake fist and right hand a crane beak, about to display his signature skills. But Wu Dingyuan lowered his right iron palm while his left fist rose again, once more charging toward his face.
Too fast! In just one count, Wu Dingyuan’s fist rose and palm fell in straight advances and retreats like lightning, having already delivered three heavy strikes. “Hey, ha, hm!” The sixth count began. Tremendous force transmitted as thunderous palm wind pressed against his face with explosive sound following. Hao Zhenxiang squinted his eyes—at this moment of life and death with no other choice, he could only bring out…
“Dragon Lock!” The count complete, Hao Zhenxiang’s entire body’s joints cracked explosively as his middle finger’s knuckle protruded—he had fought with the final form of the Five Elements Divine Fist.
Snake, crane, tiger, leopard, dragon—his life depended on this move. In the final count, “Dragon Lock” against “True Dragon.” Hao Zhenxiang fought with his right fist while Wu Dingyuan struck with his left palm. The earth-shaking internal force collision—when their fist and palm met, it was surprisingly silent.
A muffled grunt came as Wu Dingyuan’s footing loosened, his body swaying backward—he was actually forced back a step by the fierce “Dragon Fist.” Looking at Hao Zhenxiang, his lower body remained firmly stable with no sign of retreat.
When both sides’ ultimate techniques clashed, Hao Zhenxiang used “Dragon Fist” to force back Wu Dingyuan, breaking the undefeated legend of the “True Dragon” generation.
“Excellent!” Little Lu Bu cheered loudly, grabbing his square-pointed halberd to join the battle, when suddenly purple light flashed. Wu Dingyuan’s recovery was incredibly fast—he struck out another fist. The opponent attacked at will, but Hao Zhenxiang’s eyes were glazed, his hands hanging down, completely unaware of how to dodge.
Watching from the side, Han Yi couldn’t help but be greatly alarmed. He was stunned! “Dragon Lock” against “True Dragon”—Hao Zhenxiang had unleashed tremendous fist power but couldn’t withstand the recoil force. When two great forces collided, the True Dragon’s body could endure it, but “Snake and Crane Double Movement’s” mortal flesh couldn’t bear the backlash. The force was too strong, causing Hao Zhenxiang to faint straight away.
Hao Zhenxiang had forced back his opponent but had already lost consciousness. Han Yi was both shocked and afraid—what divine skill did “Snake and Crane Double Movement” possess, yet within a few moves his brain had been shaken senseless? He feared Hao Zhenxiang would be killed. In panic, he removed the iron-core great bow from his back. Flying feathers shot forth with whooshing bowstring sounds—in an instant, he had fired five arrows in succession. But Wu Dingyuan’s skills were so formidable that he didn’t know if these cold arrows could save his comrade.
The “True Dragon” was swift as wind and fire, his figure spinning. The thin flying arrows hadn’t even reached his body before being deflected by the fierce wind. Han Yi was covered in cold sweat, about to throw his halberd to rescue when suddenly fierce wind rushed over—someone had struck to save a life.
A great iron sword crossed through the air, angrily chopping at Wu Dingyuan’s waist and ribs. This was the “Three Fatal Forms” striking—”Tiger Crossing the River” entering the field to save someone!
The iron sword’s heavenly might—Li Tieshan had finally gathered his full internal force to heavily strike the strong enemy. But he was advanced in years. His earlier qi-building had taken seven full counts—pitifully, being one step too slow had cost the fierce general Hao Zhenxiang. With self-reproach in his heart, the iron sword chopped even more vigorously like wind, as if possessed.
With a crisp crash, both sides’ true force collided. Li Tieshan had struck the “True Dragon.” In an instant, countless iron fragments flew skyward, bringing out a sheet of purple light. Han Yi was both shocked and delighted, about to cheer, when he heard the court soldiers cheer first: “Grand Commander Longshou! Grand Commander Longshou!”
At midnight under a black moon and high wind, amid the ground’s constant clanging sounds, the city walls filled with purple qi. Thanks to Li Tieshan’s heavy strike, the opponent’s iron hand had been shattered. Purple light filled the city walls as the dragon claw finally bloomed before their eyes.
Li Tieshan had indeed struck Wu Dingyuan, but unfortunately, he had broken Wu Dingyuan’s iron hand. The dragon claw was invincible—ten years ago it could fight Ning Bufan to a draw and resist Zhuo Lingzhao. Now, having achieved great mastery through bitter training, who in the world could withstand it except the “Sword God” wielding the “Divine Sword”? The purple light carried wind and thunder as the dragon claw struck directly at Hao Zhenxiang. Han Yi was terrified, hurriedly knocking down his comrade and shouting: “All troops obey orders! Retreat!”
“Wu… Dingyuan! You’re mad!” The aged local accent mixed with grief and indignation as Li Tieshan cursed: “I hate that I was blind back then and saved you! Didn’t let Zhuo Lingzhao slaughter you, you dog official!” Li Tieshan was enraged, recklessly attacking without regard for consequences. Han Yi was greatly alarmed—how could he not deeply know Wu Dingyuan’s martial arts, having long served at Qin Baxian’s side? Now Li Tieshan was advanced in years, rashly engaging the contemporary “True Dragon” in single combat—how could he be a match? The situation was too unfavorable. With just one missed response, the name “Li Tieshan” would become extinct.
With Hao Zhenxiang down and Li Tieshan in danger, now only he could act. Little Lu Bu quickly set down Hao Zhenxiang, gripped his halberd tightly with both hands, and prepared to leap to the rescue. The two sides were about ten zhang apart—though Han Yi was tall, he still needed five running steps to catch up and assist.
Fatal first step, eight zhang apart—the “True Dragon” wheeled around in a spinning motion. Purple light swallowed and spat uncertainly, already enveloping the old general’s front.
Fatal second step, six zhang apart—Li Tieshan’s heavy sword chopped down, but the dragon hand had already pressed against the sword body. Divine light and poisonous qi swift as purple lightning climbed rapidly along the edge.
By the mere third step, “Draped in Purple Qi” had attacked like vines, striking directly at the enemy’s wrist. It would soon rot flesh and corrode bone. Han Yi shouted loudly: “Iron Shirt! Withdraw your sword! You’ll die!”
Without needing five steps, the True Dragon’s purple qi emerged. In mere three steps, Li Tieshan’s time had come. Though the two sides were about two zhang apart, it was still two zhang beyond reach. If Li Tieshan didn’t sever his own arm, he would have to withdraw his sword and surrender—death or submission, choose one of two with no third path…
Li Tieshan laughed heartily—since he was decrepit and aged, why cherish his life? Hearing him roar: “Let’s go, let’s go, Wu Dingyuan—we’ll all go see Zhuo Lingzhao together!” The fifty-jin iron sword swept horizontally in fury, meeting the “True Dragon” generation with the force of ten thousand jun. He would rather suffer poisonous qi than abandon his sword in surrender.
Han Yi was both shocked and afraid as he desperately lunged forward in the final step, opening his mouth to roar… “Charge!”
A figure leaped out first, roaring as “Dragon Lock Divine Fist” struck again.
Hao Zhenxiang had awakened!
He was one step faster than Han Yi, already reaching Li Tieshan’s front. In an instant, his middle finger struck like swift thunder and lightning. Caught off guard, “Dragon Lock” delivered eight consecutive punches with continuous crackling sounds as the enemy’s vital points were struck in succession—first breaking qi, then breaking body. Even an indestructible vajra body would find it hard to resist. Li Tieshan threw down his iron sword, avoiding the poisonous qi, and cried joyfully: “We won!”
Eight consecutive “Dragon Lock” strikes hit the strong enemy’s vital points. Victory and defeat were decided, yet the opponent didn’t fall. In everyone’s shock, they saw Hao Zhenxiang’s face show suffering as he actually retreated a step backward. Han Yi said in a trembling voice: “What… what’s wrong?”
Hao Zhenxiang smiled bitterly. In a flash, both shoulders moved slightly forward. After a cry of pain, his joints cracked—with just this, all the masters understood the situation. Hao Zhenxiang’s joints had been dislocated.
“Dragon Lock Divine Fist” had indeed hit the vital points, but at the moment force exploded and true qi flowed in, the opponent’s muscles and flesh trembled continuously.
All the struck points missed by one and a half hao. Not only had he failed to severely injure the vital points, but because both hands used excessive force, his shoulder joints were shocked and dislocated from the recoil.
Han Yi was discouraged and powerless, unable to help but feel weak in the knees, saying in a hiss: “This… is this still human?”
The man before them had reached inhuman levels in both body technique speed and the weight of his fists and feet. Pitifully, everyone had exhausted their minds and used their lifetime’s ultimate skills to jointly resist the enemy, yet couldn’t gain the slightest advantage.
Hao Zhenxiang assumed a fighting stance, wanting only to gather qi and fight again. Li Tieshan picked up his iron sword, seeking one final strike. Though Nucang’s three great masters had surrounded the strong enemy, their hearts were discouraged and uncomfortable, completely lacking fighting spirit.
“Surrender…” The “True Dragon’s” gaze carried a trace of pity as he faced his three former friends, shaking his head: “You’ve already done your best. Standing face to face with the ‘True Dragon generation’ is like being caged lions and tigers.” With morale collapsed, though Nucang’s generals were three against one, they were like cornered beasts making a last stand.
Hao Zhenxiang sighed to the sky, his form like the lonely minister and rebellious son outside the Deity Ghost Pavilion, ready for slaughter. Han Yi’s gaze was dull—he had reverted to the stupid fool, helpless.
Why, with Nucang having masters like forests and strategists like rain, could they still not seize the world? The man before them was the answer.
Even more terrifying than Zhuo Lingzhao… Li Tieshan covered his face with bitter laughter, muttering to himself. Fortune’s wheel turns—just as Qin Baxian once terrified the court, now the “True Dragon” had become the nation’s pillar. The ones struck with terror were no longer those corrupt court officials, but Nucang’s heroes.
One man worth a million troops—every time the “True Dragon” appeared on the battlefield, he could be the bravest of the three armies, forcing Nucang’s tiger generals to unite in defense. Shi Gang, Master Lu, Han Yi, Iron Shirt, Zhenxiang, Double Heroes and Three Champions had all suffered at his hands. If not for that blade Nucang possessed, Iron Hand would have long since exterminated all bandits and unified the world.
The strongest warrior in Nucang was Qin Zhonghai. Every time masters from Shaolin and Wudang encountered him, they wore this same pained expression.
Regardless of enemy or ally, if either side wanted to win this war, they had to kill the other side’s brain. For several years, “Fire Greed Blade” had joined with the Five Tiger Generals to set up assassination attempts everywhere against the “True Dragon.” Similarly, the True Dragon had also joined forces with orthodox masters to strike out, desperately hunting that blade. One was a general, one was a commander—both sides used all their mental schemes and strategies, wanting to once and for all kill the other side’s main general in one stroke.
This was a war where bets were constantly placed. Seeking to strike unexpectedly with lightning sieges, for years the “True Dragon’s” whereabouts had been secretive, and the Wrathful King was also elusive—you go east, I go west; you advance north, I defend south… The cat-and-mouse game was performed daily. Military advisors on both sides exhausted their minds, each time setting poisonous plots, but when it came to that king-versus-king showdown moment, they always discovered this play could never be finished.
When generals and commanders dueled, both sides always arranged comprehensively—you have Double Heroes and Three Champions, I have Four Great Vajras. Hard collisions resulted in nothing but flying sand and rolling stones, or rolling stones and flying sand. Whether court or Nucang, no one could successfully assault and kill the other side’s main general in one strike to end this ten-year great war.
As the war burned to today, the “True Dragon” blazed ever brighter and the Wrathful King grew stronger with each battle, but the deputy generals on both sides were already exhausted. Hao Zhenxiang struggled to regulate his breathing and gasped: “Wu… Wu Dingyuan, you… how did you get to Xiangyang? Don’t you want Jingzhou anymore?”
Last time Nucang’s commander-in-chief struck directly at Jingzhou, the intention was to restrain Wu Dingyuan so Jiang Yi could calmly capture the greatest city of the southwest. Who would have thought Wu Dingyuan would actually rush alone to aid Xiangyang? The situation was strange—Hao Zhenxiang couldn’t fathom the inside story and could only press his chest and pant lightly, waiting for Wu Dingyuan to answer.
“Remembering our past friendship, I don’t want to deceive you.” Wu Dingyuan crossed his arms and said quietly: “Qin Zhonghai’s whereabouts have been exposed—first, he’s not in Jingzhou; second, he’s not in Xiangyang. You are isolated and without aid—you can only surrender to the court.”
Hao Zhenxiang said in shock: “You… you’re talking nonsense! If he’s not in Jingzhou, where else could he go?”
Wu Dingyuan shook his head: “Still don’t understand? He abandoned you all to go seize that blade.”
That blade—could it be… Nucang’s three great generals sucked in a breath of cold air, looking at each other speechlessly for a moment. They heard Wu Dingyuan say again quietly: “Do you understand? Why was that blade hidden so well, yet the court suddenly leaked the information? Hmm?”
They had fallen into a trap… With the commander-in-chief going alone to Jiangnan while abandoning the Jingzhou battlefield, the situation was unprecedented. Everyone was fearful, but Li Tieshan was first to roar angrily. His beard bristled as he shouted: “Don’t listen to his bullshit! General Qin has definitely taken Jingzhou city by now! You go! Let me block this dog thief!” Li Tieshan was advanced in years and couldn’t endure single combat. Though Hao Zhenxiang knew he was no match, he still stepped forward to block Li Tieshan’s front.
The enemy’s two great masters assumed fighting stances. Wu Dingyuan sighed and actually stepped forward, saying in a low voice: “Gentlemen, if Wu wanted to kill you all, I would have already acted. It’s just that remembering…” Before he could finish expressing old friendship feelings, unexpectedly a black shadow rushed forward. This person’s footsteps weren’t particularly fast, but his timing was extremely precise. Taking advantage of Wu Dingyuan speaking with his mind slightly divided, his right foot had already inserted between the enemy’s legs, then his arm locked around the throat. With a “Heiya!” roar, the two big men fell to the ground together.
Sand filled the air as Wu Dingyuan was firmly embraced by someone. The newcomer was powerfully built, half a head taller than Wu Dingyuan—it was “Little Lu Bu” striking. Earlier, Hao and Li had taken turns attacking, all returning unsuccessful. Han Yi, watching from the side, had calculated the enemy’s defensive patterns.
The “True Dragon” was divinely martial and stately—they couldn’t win in internal force or match him in fists and feet. Only by using wrestling and surprise attacks could they gain the upper hand. Indeed, relying on his ten-chi height and grappling on the ground, he had already entangled the “True Dragon generation.”
Han Yi used hands and feet together, firmly pressing on Wu Dingyuan’s back. Using his “Thousand Jin Drop” technique with mountain-moving strength, he shouted loudly: “Instructor Hao! Quickly come finish him! Hurry!”
“Excellent!” Hao Zhenxiang was overjoyed and immediately rushed to assist.
Nucang’s nine great generals were collectively called Double Heroes, Three Champions, and Four Moves. The Double Heroes were the two elders Shi and Lu; the Three Champions were the three vanguards Han, Li, and Hao. Though these nine great generals each had their abilities, the most unpredictable among them was Han Yi. Sometimes brave, sometimes confused—when foolish, he was like a madman; when shrewd, he could anticipate enemy opportunities. Among Nucang’s three great vanguards, having Han Yi as leader was truly worthy of Qin Zhonghai’s eye for talent.
The opportunity must not be missed. Hao Zhenxiang again summoned his “Dragon Lock” ultimate skill, hurriedly attacking Wu Dingyuan. At this moment, the “True Dragon’s” joints were locked and he was firmly suppressed on the ground—no matter how great his abilities, he couldn’t dodge the killing move.
Dragon Lock struck out heavily downward when suddenly a “Ha!” roar was heard. Dragon song shook the city walls to collapse as the “True Dragon,” carrying “Little Lu Bu” on his back, flipped backward together. In the blink of an eye, he dodged Hao Zhenxiang’s dragon fist while also crashing through the city wall’s bricks.
Hao Zhenxiang was dumbfounded. Han Yi was ten chi tall, and his internal force combined with his body weight truly had the force of a thousand jin. Who would have thought Wu Dingyuan could flip just like that, seeming to have strength to spare? Hao Zhenxiang roared angrily and quickly supplemented with his right foot, but Wu Dingyuan, carrying Han Yi, dodged to the side. The two rolled east and west, crashing until walls collapsed and the city crumbled, frightening soldiers to hastily dodge.
Han Yi had brought out his foolish strength, temporarily like riding a mad horse, gripping to the death and not letting go. But Wu Dingyuan’s strength was astonishing—he repeatedly rolled and crashed into walls, hoping to shake off “Little Lu Bu.” Seeing his comrades still couldn’t catch up, Han Yi urgently shouted: “Don’t mind this fellow! Bring troops over! When thousands upon thousands rush up the city, who will still fear him!”
Li and Hao awakened—with the “True Dragon” entangled, the opportunity to storm the city was right before them. One urgently chopped and killed enemy soldiers, one firmly guarded the ladder, both shouting loudly: “All troops up the city! Break through Xiangyang!”
Killing sounds rose greatly as Li and Hao joined hands to resist the enemy. The two generals were exceptionally brave—no court soldiers could block them. Wu Dingyuan saw the gap in the city walls growing larger and larger. Strength and weakness were about to reverse, victory and defeat resting entirely on himself alone, but that Little Lu Bu behind him still clung desperately with no sign of loosening his grip. Wu Dingyuan no longer showed mercy, immediately warning in a stern voice: “General Han, if you want to live, release your grip immediately.”
Han Yi chuckled coldly, paying no attention. Wu Dingyuan gave a sharp shout, his iron elbow jabbing backward urgently. Immediately the back of his neck grew hot as Han Yi spat blood, already staining his own neck red.
Wu Dingyuan said grimly again: “Last time I’m advising you to let go!”
Han Yi roared like a tiger, suddenly craning his head forward, his large mouth biting the enemy’s neck like a mad tiger.
Wu Dingyuan was angry. Hearing him shout: “You fool! Are you really foolish?” He exerted tremendous force everywhere. The True Dragon carried Little Lu Bu on his back as both big men’s feet left the ground, already soaring through the air like human kites. With a “Bang!” the two crashed into the city wall together. Poor Han Yi was caught in the middle—in front, the steel “True Dragon” pressed down; behind, the hard city wall struck. Caught between two forces, the pain made his eyes roll back and blood foam from his mouth as he collapsed like mud on the ground.
Wu Dingyuan stepped away, but that Little Lu Bu still wouldn’t give up—he only grabbed his ankle and was dragged along.
Wu Dingyuan showed no more tolerance. He pointed at Li and Hao, sternly saying: “All archers up the city! Kill without mercy any who don’t surrender!”
The Grand Commander fought three enemies alone, beating Han Yi to near death. With only Li and Hao remaining of the three great vanguards, they were even less able to resist. The court side’s morale rose greatly as hundreds of soldiers reformed their battle lines to surround and block the gap in the city walls.
The enemy’s killing sounds were like tidal waves. Hao Zhenxiang assessed that the situation required retreat. He grabbed the military flag, about to lead everyone in withdrawal, when suddenly he heard Wu Dingyuan shout angrily: “Instructor Hao! If you have guts, come at me—Wu will let you have my left hand!”
The two had known each other for years. Hao Zhenxiang had even given Wu Dingyuan martial arts guidance. Now hearing him speak so arrogantly, he couldn’t help but feel great anger in his heart. He threw caution to the wind—internal force flowing backward, his entire body’s joints cracking like popping beans—and responded with a long howl: “Constable Wu! Hao will accompany you to the end!”
Instructor Hao versus Constable Wu—both were from official backgrounds, now each fighting for their principles with their lives at stake. The two sides charged forward. Li Tieshan also dragged up his iron sword. The three were about to engage in great slaughter when suddenly a black shadow sprang up from the ground. A massive figure recklessly embraced Wu Dingyuan’s calf, and with a roar, instantly knocked him to the ground—it was “Little Lu Bu” again.
Han Yi specialized in fighting dirty battles. Seeing him strike down with his head, hitting the strong enemy’s eye socket squarely, laughter came from his mouth as he shouted: “Instructor Hao, let’s go! Don’t fall for that bastard’s provocation!”
Wu Dingyuan was truly angry. He twisted his body, immediately suppressing his opponent beneath him. He leaned his head close and angrily said: “Surrender! What kind of person is Qin Zhonghai that’s worth you dying for him?”
Han Yi had originally been spirited and excited, his face covered in blood, but hearing the opponent’s words, he suddenly fell silent. He looked at Wu Dingyuan and smiled faintly: “Qin Zhonghai isn’t worth it—but is Yang Suguan worth it?”
Wu Dingyuan’s eyes widened, momentarily speechless. Little Lu Bu laughed loudly, casually tearing open his vest. His palm opened to reveal a signal cannon in his hand as he shouted: “Iron Shirt… tell Second Lady for me!”
Li Tieshan was thunderstruck, crying out sadly: “Brother! Don’t do anything foolish!”
Little Lu Bu took a deep breath, bent his middle finger and flicked—that signal cannon, propelled by finger force, shot straight into the sky. In an instant, it exploded in mid-air, lighting up brilliant fireworks. The signal was out—it could summon distant artillery fire at any moment. Hao Zhenxiang was shocked and alarmed. Seeing Li Tieshan about to charge forward, he quickly grabbed him, telling him not to go die.
As cannon bombardment approached, everyone trembled. They heard Han Yi clearly call out his final words: “Haha! Second Lady! Little Lu Bu won’t be eating New Year’s dinner!”
Fire flew toward them, a tremendous explosion rang out as the city walls suffered cannon attack. Earth-shaking explosive sounds passed as the city walls collapsed. The Grand Commander and Little Lu Bu both suffered the blast, flying up from the city walls together. In an instant, sand filled the sky, obscuring vision—the two big men had vanished from sight.
Cannon sounds rumbled, fire blazed, and panicked shouts filled all directions. Xiangyang city was in complete chaos. Hao Zhenxiang was seen cutting a bloody path with his mad blade while Li Tieshan rallied the defeated soldiers, both seeking ways to leave the city.
Though the two were in the heart of fierce battle, both were crying out loudly in their hearts: “Who can tell me? How much longer must this merciless great war continue…”