At Fucheng Gate in the western suburbs flew a banner of acting on behalf of heaven – it was a flag bearing the character for “Rage.”

Click-clack, click-clack – crisp hoofbeats came from the sandy ground. On horseback sat a person in red helmet and red armor, like a burning flame, but his horse was black – black as if it had emerged from hell itself.

The suona fell silent, the drums stopped. The enemy approached the city gates alone with a single spear, only ten li from Beijing. The Zhengtong army naturally treated this as a grave threat. The situation was unprecedented. On the other side, the four kings of the loyalist army had assembled and were urgently preparing for battle in the commander’s tent. Prince De could be heard breathing slightly: “This fellow is truly arrogant! One person wants to defeat our million-strong army? Elder brother, go tell Wu Dingyuan that I want to send the first warrior of my cavalry battalion into battle. Even if we can’t wound him, we should at least dampen his spirit!”

Prince Qing said angrily: “No need to play games with him! Since this fellow comes alone with a single spear, why should we be polite with him?” He turned and shouted: “Men! Deploy twenty thousand troops in four routes to surround him. Make sure to capture him alive.” His subordinates received the order and went to deploy large numbers of soldiers for battle, when Gong Zhi and Gao Jiong rode up urgently, shouting: “Your Highnesses! Withdraw your troops and don’t interfere!”

Prince Qing said furiously: “Who’s interfering? This prince wants to capture him alive!” Gong Zhi advised: “Prince Qing, if you harbor such thoughts, be careful you don’t get captured alive yourself.” Prince De and Prince Lin looked at each other in amazement. Prince Qing was not alarmed but laughed: “Capture me alive? That’s fine! If he wants to charge in alone, we can catch a turtle in a jar – wouldn’t that be delightful?”

The disparity in strength between the two sides was extreme. The court had a million loyalist troops stationed here, plus one hundred thousand Zhengtong troops for support, with famous generals like clouds and fierce generals like rain. How could they fear a single enemy? Just as they were arguing, Prince Hui said: “Fourth brother, listen and withdraw your men.”

Prince Qing was displeased and said loudly: “Second brother, you…” But before he finished speaking, Prince Hui said: “Fourth brother, take up your telescope and look at Lu Guzhan.”

Prince Qing was slightly startled and hurriedly looked toward the distance. Taking up his telescope, he saw that the bandit Lu had already retreated far away back into the sea of hungry ghosts. Prince Hui said: “Lu Guzhan’s martial arts are known to all the world. Why do you think he won’t help the Rage King in battle?”

Everyone’s hearts trembled as they guessed some of the details. They knew that fellow was extremely arrogant and wouldn’t allow others to interfere in the battle situation.

From this perspective, this person must have absolute confidence in charging the million troops below the city.

Though Prince Hui had been defeated at Bazhou, he was actually quite shrewd – otherwise he wouldn’t have been valued by Emperor Zhengtong to oversee the four great camps of the loyalist army. Seeing Prince Qing hesitating and no longer daring to insist, Gong Zhi said: “Prince Hui, I have an unreasonable request that I hope you’ll grant.” Prince Hui said: “Master Gong, speak directly – no need for formalities.” Gong Zhi said: “I hope the four princes will immediately return to the city to avoid the attack.”

Prince Lin was stunned and said loudly: “What? Why should we flee?” Gao Jiong said: “Your Highness, if you don’t want to retreat into the city, you must be prepared to die in battle.” Prince Qing was both shocked and angry: “Nonsense! Nonsense! He… he’s only one person!”

Generals who had been to Tongguan all understood that this Rage King had originally served the court under the Northern Pacification Grand Commander. Whenever northern expeditions occurred, he would always charge alone deep into enemy camps – truly the style of a desperate gambler. In middle age, he rebuilt the Rage Pavilion, and his style became even more unpredictable and difficult to fathom. Every time large armies engaged in field battles, he would send a single rider ahead. Even if he couldn’t frighten away the court’s ten thousand troops, he would still severely dampen the enemy’s morale – this was his most formidable trait. Seeing him personally enter battle this time, soon he would charge on horseback and suddenly strike with violence – it would certainly be as swift as thunder.

Gong Zhi was well-intentioned. Prince Hui pondered for a long moment, then said resolutely: “Don’t mention this matter again. We oversee the loyalist army. If we flee from battle, military morale will surely be disrupted – wouldn’t that play right into that fellow’s scheme?”

Prince Hui’s words also made sense. After all, the Rage King still had ten million hungry ghosts behind him. If the loyalist army wavered, he would certainly take advantage to attack and kill. With this person’s ruthless style, his offensive would be like an overwhelming landslide, absolutely incomparable to Lu Guzhan’s leadership of troops. Hearing this, the other three kings frequently agreed. Gong Zhi and Gao Jiong exchanged glances and coughed: “Your Highness, to be honest, we hope you… you can hand over the military command tokens and let us take over the loyalist army.” Prince Hui was greatly shocked, while the other three princes were furiously angry: “Gong Zhi! You go too far!” With several swishing sounds, Prince Qing and Prince Lin had already drawn their swords, and Gao Jiong also placed his hand on his blade hilt, about to draw his weapon when someone said: “All of you, stand down.”

Everyone turned to see a great general emerge from the crowd – the Grand Commander of the Zhengtong army had arrived.

The person who commanded everyone’s attention was surnamed Wu, given name Dingyuan. He was called “Pillar of the State.” Now that Qin Zhonghai had come with blade and horse, they could only rely on him to emerge and defeat the enemy. Prince Lin said angrily: “Wu Dingyuan! Do you also want to seize our military authority?” Wu Dingyuan said: “Your Highness, please don’t be suspicious. I will go into battle to meet the enemy shortly. If I’m unfortunately killed in battle, from then on my Zhengtong army will obey Prince Hui’s commands alone.”

The staff officers were greatly shocked: “Grand Commander! Why do you speak such inauspicious words?” Wu Dingyuan said: “My mind is made up. You need not say more.”

Wu Dingyuan had the ability to split mountains and cleave seas. Entering and exiting battle formations, his power was like ten thousand jun. Yet now he was arranging his affairs in advance. As he spoke, he removed his military command token and was about to hand it over when Prince Hui said: “Wait.” He waved his hand and said loudly: “Men! Bring wine!”

His personal guards brought wine. Prince Hui personally offered a bowl and said in a clear voice: “Wu Dingyuan, you are a great general of the state – how can you speak lightly of life and death? This prince offers this cup of wine to wish you victory from the start.” Hearing that Prince Hui had no covetous intentions, all the staff officers were stunned. Wu Dingyuan said no more, bowed and said: “Thank you for the wine, Your Highness.” He took the wine bowl, drank a large mouthful, and returned it with both hands. Prince Hui didn’t mind the remaining wine and drank it all in one gulp. Following military custom, he smashed the bowl to the ground to see Wu Dingyuan off and pray for his blessing.

The Zhengtong and loyalist armies had been at odds for a long time. Though it didn’t come to killing on sight, they couldn’t sit at the same table. Now with the nation in crisis, the two great leaders completely set aside past grievances. But the onlookers became even more uneasy, vaguely feeling this battle was ominous and fearing a general’s star would fall.

In the silence, Wu Dingyuan was about to enter battle. Soldiers on both sides brought a war horse, saying: “Grand Commander, the charging horse has arrived.”

The kings looked intently and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. They saw this war horse was blind in its left eye, old and thin, and walked with a limp. Forget comparing it to a thousand-li divine steed – looking at this lame, aged appearance, it might be inferior even to a mule.

The Rage Pavilion had countless famous horses. The main stronghold had Red Hare and Jade Lion. Though they didn’t know what divine creature the Rage King rode, it was certainly no less than the Twin Heroes and Three Champions. But Wu Dingyuan only rode a decrepit old horse – among three wins and five inferior horses, he had already lost eight parts before the fight began. Prince De said nothing and immediately dismounted: “Commander Wu, ride my horse.”

Prince De was this dynasty’s horse expert, overseeing three thousand cavalry battalions. His mount was chosen from ten thousand, called Tiger Shadow. This horse was extremely afraid of its own shadow for unknown reasons. Normally its eyes had to be covered, or once it noticed its shadow hiding under its hooves, it would gallop wildly until it escaped its shadow. People seeing how it feared shadows like tigers jokingly called it Tiger Shadow. Its speed was unmatched and could compete with Red Hare.

Prince De treasured Tiger Shadow but now generously offered to lend it. Just as everyone was about to express gratitude, Gao Jiong, Cen Yan and others looked at each other wordlessly, as if they didn’t care. Prince De was annoyed: “Country bumpkins! Do you know what pedigree my horse has?”

Cen Yan coughed: “The famous ‘Tiger Shadow’ – who in the world doesn’t know it? Your Highness, your horse is too precious. You should keep riding it for hunting and spring outings!” Prince De was furiously angry, not expecting his generous offer to lend his horse to receive cold mockery in return. Just as he was about to retort, Gong Zhi said: “Everyone be quiet.”

Click-clack, click-clack – hoofbeats gradually approached, only five li from below the city. Suddenly, horses neighed anxiously on all sides. Over a hundred horses in the commander’s formation were restless and wanted to break free and flee. The soldiers desperately whipped them but still couldn’t control them. Looking at Tiger Shadow, though its eyes were already covered, it was still trembling, its front hooves unsteady as if about to kneel.

Prince De was familiar with horse nature but had never seen such a strange occurrence in his life. He hurriedly said: “What’s happening?” Gong Zhi said: “A mythical beast approaches.” The kings were stunned: “What do you mean?” Gao Jiong raised his telescope: “Your Highness, see for yourself.”

Prince De took the telescope and hurried to look into the distance. He immediately saw a warrior in red armor with a low, dark face – this must be the legendary Rage King. He felt somewhat frightened and didn’t dare look more, hurriedly turning to look at the enemy general’s mount.

Looking through the telescope, he saw an ugly horse with black base and mixed hair, short neck and thick legs, and quite pot-bellied. According to horse physiognomy texts, this showed the five inferior characteristics – by this appearance, this horse was definitely not a fine steed. He wondered why the Rage King chose it as his mount.

Just as he was puzzled, Gao Jiong whispered in his ear: “Your Highness, please look carefully at this horse’s eye sockets.” Prince De looked intently and saw white hair growing under the horse’s eyes, like hanging tears. He couldn’t help but exclaim in shock: “Chengqi?” Gong Zhi said: “Exactly – Chengqi.”

Chengqi was a term from horse physiognomy, meaning a horse had whirling hair under its eyes. Legend said this characteristic was very inauspicious and harmful to the master, able to cause the master’s death, just like Liu Bei’s mount Dilu in the past. The divination said: “If a slave rides, the guest dies; if the master rides, he’s abandoned at market.”

Prince De was greatly astonished, not expecting the Rage King’s mount to be so ominous. He looked carefully at the horse’s tail and saw it was disheveled like a dog’s tail. He couldn’t help but say in horror: “Wait, this… this is ‘dog tail’!” Gao Jiong said: “Your Highness, please also look at the horse’s belly and hooves.”

Prince De muttered and raised his telescope to look. He saw the horse’s belly was covered with chaotic hair and its hooves had mixed markings. He said in amazement: “Whirling hair on the belly, four hooves reversed like upside-down shoes – isn’t that…” Gong Zhi continued: “Bearing corpses and bringing disaster, upside-down shoes harming the master. This horse embodies thirteen inauspicious signs throughout its body.” Hearing this, Prince Hui, Prince Lin, and Prince Qing all turned around, everyone’s eyes filled with horror.

The Dragon Fish River Chart says that those skilled in reading horses must observe thirteen signs: neck, spine, tail, belly, hooves, feet, eyebrows, armpits, mouth, and teeth – thirteen places in total. If just one is auspicious, it becomes a thousand-li divine steed. Conversely, if one is inauspicious, it becomes Chengqi or Dilu, absolutely not to be ridden.

Prince Qing said in shock: “Thirteen inauspicious signs? Isn’t this horse completely ominous?” Gong Zhi said: “Correct. This horse showed strange phenomena at birth. From head to foot, it has thirteen inauspicious places – unprecedented before and after.” Prince Hui pondered: “If this horse is so unlucky, can it still be ridden?” Gong Zhi said: “Of course it can. After all thirteen inauspicious signs are complete, it becomes something else entirely.”

Prince De was well-versed in horse texts. His mind turned and he suddenly exclaimed: “You… you’re talking about ‘Horse-Seeing-Sorrow’?” Gong Zhi nodded: “Among ten thousand horses, the divine horse, the king of horses – Horse-Seeing-Sorrow.”

Prince De opened his mouth wide, his heart filled with horror, unable to speak.

Horse neck, horse tail, horse mouth, horse belly, horse hooves – each had inauspicious signs. If these evil omens appeared singly, they would create master-harming evil horses that brought disaster to the world. Who would have thought that when all thirteen inauspicious signs were complete, it could transform and become the divine among ten thousand horses, the king of horses – Horse-Seeing-Sorrow!

The others listening to this exchange all looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing what Horse-Seeing-Sorrow was. Just as they were about to ask, Prince Qing shouted: “Look! Everyone look at these horses!” Everyone hurriedly turned and couldn’t help but be stunned. They saw the camp was silent, with all the horses lying prostrate and kneeling, each one trembling as if welcoming something.

Everyone said in amazement: “This… this is…” Prince De smiled bitterly: “The horse god has arrived.”

Elders passed down that among horses there was a god called Horse-Seeing-Sorrow. Though this horse’s speed was far inferior to the thousand-li-a-day Red Hare and Tiger Shadow, when it came to actual racing competition, not a single horse could outrun it. Because once Horse-Seeing-Sorrow appeared, it was like a horse god descending – ten thousand horses would be so frightened they’d kneel and couldn’t get up, defecating and urinating, unable even to walk, let alone race and compete for the road.

Prince De sighed, knowing that the Rage Pavilion had Black Elephant, Great Li, and Red Hare celestial horses – all treasures of the human world. These divine steeds either hid in deep mountains or traveled a thousand li a day. In the past, the court tried every means but couldn’t capture and tame them. Who knew the Rage Pavilion had methods to catch and train them? Previously he couldn’t understand it, but now seeing Horse-Seeing-Sorrow, he knew the reason.

The horse god’s pressure had reached three li before the formation. The three thousand cavalry battalion bore the brunt – all horses in the entire camp knelt down. Forget Red Hare traveling a hundred li a day – even if it traveled ten million li a day, it would still be led home like any other horse.

Prince Qing said in horror: “What kind of thing is this? This horse is so ominous – who would dare ride it?” Gong Zhi said: “Legend says Horse-Seeing-Sorrow can only bear a load of two taels and one qian – any heavier and it can’t carry.” Prince Hui pondered: “Two taels and one qian? What does that mean?”

Horses have whirling hair, humans have broken palm lines. Just as they were asking, from behind the formation came Wu Dingyuan’s voice: “Legend says those who can ride Horse-Seeing-Sorrow cannot have birth charts weighing more than two taels and one qian.” Everyone’s hearts trembled, understanding that two taels and one qian referred to fate calculation.

Qin Zhonghai was also an ominous person. He brought misfortune to father and mother, wife and children. From teachers above to friends below, he had brought misfortune to all six relations. Such a ghost-seeing-sorrow could naturally ride Horse-Seeing-Sorrow. A mad man riding an ominous horse – their mutual misfortune was perfectly matched.

Before the words finished, suddenly hoofbeats thundered. Everyone looked back and saw a horse break through the crowd. Wu Dingyuan rode on the lame horse, holding an iron spear, receiving a military flag from his subordinate’s hands. With a “Drive!” the lame horse reared up, neighing loudly. In the swaying and jolting, it had already galloped out of the formation. If Wu Dingyuan’s skills weren’t extraordinarily agile, he would have long since fallen from the horse.

Prince Qing was greatly shocked: “This… what’s the origin of this lame horse? Why isn’t it afraid of the horse god?” Gao Jiong said: “The old steed in the stable still aims for a thousand li.” The kings asked in bewilderment: “What does that mean?” Gong Zhi said: “Ten years ago when Zhengtong built its army, the court allocated tens of thousands of war horses. Now after ten years of great wars, all those horses have died in battle. Only this one remains alone alive.”

Everyone gasped, finally understanding that this lame horse had fought battle after battle and had walked out of battlefield corpse piles time and again. Now its companions had all left the human world, leaving only it, blind-eyed and lame-legged, living alone in this dusty world.

Born in Cangwu, died at Beiguan – this last surviving war horse had been tempered countless times and witnessed countless deaths, making it transcend all ordinary horses and able to match the horse god. Now the old steed in the stable still aimed for a thousand li. This aged charging horse would once again bear the Five Armies Grand Commander to meet the divine among ten thousand horses in battle.

Rumble, rumble – the charging horse went to war! The earth rolled up a trail of dust as Wu Dingyuan held high the military flag, displaying Zhengtong military might all the way as he galloped toward the front lines. Looking at this charging horse, though lame and blind, it appeared stubborn and fierce. Its galloping speed was not inferior to famous steeds. The two sides drew closer and closer. At about a hundred feet apart, the charging horse suddenly reared and neighed loudly, its voice sorrowful and sharp like crying. Everyone’s hearts trembled, all knowing it had seen Horse-Seeing-Sorrow.

The leaders of both armies finally met face to face. The charging horse seemed to cry loudly, and everyone listening felt their eyes involuntarily redden. Wu Dingyuan pulled the reins to stop, his expression also very melancholy. The two riders faced each other from a hundred feet apart. In an instant, the enemy commander took a deep breath and thrust his rage banner into the ground, planting it in the sand. Wu Dingyuan also raised his hand forcefully and drove the Zhengtong banner into the ground.

Two flags stood in opposition, fluttering in the wind. To the east was the capital, to the west were the hungry ghosts. The two camps were separated by ten li. Above and below the city was complete cold silence. Lu Yun also calmed his heart to gaze at the two old friends.

The battle that drew the world’s attention – Qin Zhonghai came with ten million hungry ghosts, Wu Dingyuan also led the Zhengtong army to meet them. Now the main generals of both sides rode alone to this meeting for an upright, face-to-face battle.

The first month should have been cold, but this morning the sun blazed fiercely. The generals looked into the distance and could vaguely see the approaching person astride a black horse, wearing red armor. But the sunlight was too dazzling, making the figure on horseback blurry and unclear, unable to make out the facial features. Only the red helmet and armor reflected firelight, appearing divinely mighty and intimidatingly domineering.

In the silence, Wu Dingyuan raised his iron spear pointing west and shouted loudly: “General Qin—General—Qin—General—Qin—” Wu Dingyuan’s internal power was profound, cloaked in purple qi. His breathing technique had unique methods. His voice traveled far and wide with faint echoes like muffled thunder. All the officers and soldiers hearing it were both shocked and admiring.

Over ten years, Wu Dingyuan’s reputation had risen and his prestige was unmatched. The annual Kuixing battles comparing with the Mongols, the Five Passes – righteous path people all flocked to him eagerly, having long regarded him as a pillar of the state. Now commanding the battlefield, his aura was naturally extraordinary. He took a leather pouch from beside his saddle and said in a clear voice: “General—Qin—do you still remember Lord Liu?”

Lu Yun cried out softly, never expecting that with tens of thousands of eyes watching Wu Dingyuan, he would publicly mention Liu Angtian’s name. The others – Ah Xiu, Hu Zhengtang, Zhengtong army, loyalist army soldiers – mostly looked blank when they heard it, probably not knowing Liu Angtian.

Hearing the name of the Peaceful Mu Marquis, the Rage King remained silent. Wu Dingyuan raised the wine pouch high and said clearly: “General Qin! You and I have known each other for years, coming from the same school! We should have been close friends, but unexpectedly worldly affairs are unpredictable, and today we can only be enemies on the battlefield! For the sake of Lord Liu’s friendship, I invite you with water wine to come forward, share cups and get drunk together before we fight to the death – how about it?”

Wu Dingyuan risked the court’s great displeasure by inviting the enemy to drink together on the battlefield. The four kings listening couldn’t help but be stunned. From school captains above to soldiers below, everyone discussed among themselves. Even Hu Zhengtang, still a young child, hurriedly whispered to ask Ah Xiu: “Brother Xiu, Uncle Wu wants to drink with this bad person – isn’t he afraid the emperor will be angry?” Children speak the truth honestly. Hearing this, Lu Yun couldn’t help but lower his head and sigh softly.

“In life we don’t meet, moving like the stars Shen and Shang.” Since the death of the Divine Monk Tianjue thirteen years ago, the Rage Pavilion and the court ignited war fires. The world was thus divided in two – friends became enemies, enemies became friends. The Chu River and Han border, clear as Jing and Wei rivers. Even with Wu Dingyuan’s high position, once he wanted to cross this boundary, he would inevitably arouse suspicion.

Qin Zhonghai was a heroic person, but unexpectedly, though Wu Dingyuan called several times, he didn’t move at all, as if his nature had changed. Wu Dingyuan was not discouraged and said clearly again: “General Qin! You and I compete on the battlefield with different paths – we cannot work together. If you don’t want to drink with me, that’s fine. But Wu has a question here. Over these years, no matter how urgent the battle situation, when has Wu ever harmed your relatives and family? When have I ever used them as hostages to threaten you? General, why not examine your conscience – why is Wu so honorable?”

At these words, everyone was slightly surprised, and even Lu Yun paid attention. Qin Zhonghai’s tragic background was known throughout the world. When his father rebelled years ago, his mother and brothers were all slaughtered by the court, so that today all his six relations and flesh and blood were separated. What family members and old friends could still remain?

Wu Dingyuan stopped at this point without further explanation. He raised the leather pouch and drank the wine with gulping sounds, saying boldly: “General! This is public righteousness! Not private revenge! You and I clash on the battlefield for the great righteousness of the world! Therefore Wu never harms with personal motives! But let me ask you in return – why do you move disaster victims to the capital? You should know my army’s capabilities! With one command from Wu, I can make ten million people’s blood flow like rivers! What wrong have these common people done to deserve death? How can you bear it in your heart? Qin Zhonghai! If you’re still the good man you were years ago, give me an answer now!”

Speaking to the point of indignation, he crushed the wine pouch, and wine burst out, covering his entire face with liquid, making him look as if he were weeping.

The wilderness was quiet as deep night. Wu Dingyuan said no more. The million-strong army was also waiting for an answer. What exactly did Qin Zhonghai want?

Why did he move ten million hungry ghosts to the capital? Could he really want to wreak havoc in the heavenly court?

Wu Dingyuan spoke with righteous words, but the other side remained completely silent, not knowing whether he felt guilty or deliberately ignored it. Wu Dingyuan’s eyes gradually developed killing intent as he said in a low voice: “General Qin, I’ve said all I have to say. Wu simply doesn’t want to kill people – it’s not that I can’t kill or don’t dare to kill. If you want to settle this, then charge forth! This general waits here!”

After shouting several times, the other side still ignored him. Wu Dingyuan’s anger increased. With a “Drive!” he pulled the reins, actually planning to strike first. Everyone’s hearts were anxious, waiting for the enemy to gallop forward to meet the attack, when they heard hoofbeats on the sandy ground. The generals exclaimed in surprise, seeing the Rage King’s mount facing forward but constantly retreating with its hooves, retreating a full ten zhang and still retreating.

Qin Zhonghai fled! This Horse-Seeing-Sorrow was quite divine. Though it retreated backward, its speed was fast. In the blink of an eye it had passed a hundred zhang – apparently its escape method was quite different. The loyalist army erupted in laughter, but Lu Yun on the city felt his heart tremble. Looking at Qin Zhonghai’s rebellious nature and hot blood, he least tolerated provocation. How could he retreat for no reason? Could there be some scheme?

Wu Dingyuan below the city felt slightly suspicious. The four staff officers also looked at each other. Prince Qing mocked: “What ‘swift as plundering wind, deadly as killing fire’? All empty reputation and false praise. Seeing Commander Wu, doesn’t he still flee with his head in his hands? Let this prince provoke him.” He cleared his throat and shouted loudly: “Qin—Zhong—” The words were still in his mouth when the kings were horrified, the staff officers changed color, everyone hoping to stop his words, but it was still a step too late.

“Hai!” Crack! With a flick of the reins, the demon god seemed to hear the summons. Instantly his left hand held a blade horizontally, and Horse-Seeing-Sorrow had transformed into a thunderbolt of black lightning, charging directly toward the city.

The demon’s name was taboo and absolutely must not be summoned. Think how Wu Dingyuan, sharing the same school, still politely called him “General Qin.” But this Prince Qing casually opened his mouth to summon him. Sure enough, it aroused the Rage King’s fury, and he immediately responded.

Rumble! Rumble! Dust and smoke like a tsunami rushed toward them. Looking from the main formation in the distance, the Rage King’s body was wrapped in thick smoke, as if he had become a zhang-tall giant with horse head and fire eyes, extremely frightening and terrifying. Prince Qing was so scared his face lost all color as he shouted: “Men! Quickly come protect this prince! Quickly!” With sudden changes before the formation, Wu Dingyuan, being the foremost military general of the Zhengtong court, naturally wasn’t afraid of him. He took a deep breath, his power reaching everywhere. His iron spear conjured arrays of purple light – this was the authentic Purple Qi transmission from Mount Tian.

“Qin Zhonghai! If you have the guts, come at me!” The Grand Commander stirred his chest and roared wildly, greatly provoking his opponent. The other side also drew his saber. Sunlight illuminated the blade edge, flashing brilliant light. The fire shadow on horseback bent low, and the hoofbeats became even more passionate. The rumbling sound was unceasing as he charged straight toward Wu Dingyuan’s position.

Ten years ago, Qin Zhonghai had already mastered the Fire Greed Blade transmission, known for his bloodthirsty greed – why would he need a second blade to kill? This was his most formidable trait. Ten years later, what level his martial arts had reached, probably only Wu Dingyuan knew.

Rumble! Rumble! Sand and dust flew ahead. The divine among ten thousand horses approached menacingly, already within ten zhang. Ten zhang was a hundred feet. Though a hundred feet was within arrow range, with Horse-Seeing-Sorrow’s speed, just a light step with four hooves could bring it right to his face.

Smoke and dust flew sky-high as if demons were truly rushing at them. The charging horse whinnied slightly, and Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but sweat in his palms. He lowered his mount and whispered in its ear: “Don’t be afraid. Wu is here – no one in the world can hurt you.”

Wu Dingyuan understood his opponent’s martial arts were too high – he absolutely couldn’t lose the initiative. He secretly gathered arm strength and tossed his iron spear in his palm, waiting for the enemy cavalry to approach. His first spear thrust would shoot at the divine among ten thousand horses. As soon as the enemy reined in to stop suddenly, he would pounce forward and forcibly drag him from his horse. Then the two would fight hand-to-hand in wrestling, competing strength against strength – he would certainly not be at a disadvantage.

The great battle at the capital gates had begun! Both sides had no retreat and were about to meet head-on. Wu Dingyuan took a deep breath and was concentrating when suddenly wind and sand swept over, hitting his face with burning pain. For a moment his eyes were full of sand and he couldn’t see anything. Wu Dingyuan was shocked and angry. He immediately turned his iron spear, changing from a straight thrust to a horizontal sweep. With a whoosh, he swept toward the horse’s legs.

This sweep used all his strength. The spear tip broke through the air, bringing forth lightning in midair. Suddenly came a sharp cry – that Horse-Seeing-Sorrow reared and let out a long howl. The sound was so strange, like eagles, falcons, lions, and tigers. With a powerful kick of its hind legs, it had all four limbs airborne, flying up from the ground.

Wu Dingyuan opened his mouth wide. He stared blankly at midair, seeing the divine among ten thousand horses like riding clouds and mist, leaping directly over his head. With a thudding crash, the horse god landed, then with thundering hooves charged forward again. From behind the commander’s camp came Prince Qing’s terrified shouts: “The Rage King is coming! The Rage King is coming!”

Wu Dingyuan was greatly shocked, finally realizing he had fallen into a trap. Looking at how Qin Zhonghai had lured him to the front lines, appearing to want single combat, it was actually drawing the tiger from the mountain. Once the true dragon left, he charged straight into the enemy formation. With this person’s superb horsemanship and high martial arts, once he penetrated deep into the commander’s camp, he could slay the four princes within a few moves. Then the loyalist army camps would split apart, and the capital would likely fall too.

Wu Dingyuan didn’t have time to turn his horse around and immediately gathered his qi to shout: “Gong Zhi! Block him!” Gong Zhi hurriedly shouted: “Zhengtong army! Advance and form up! Quickly!” Before his words finished, a gust of fierce wind attacked the formation. All the officers and soldiers covered their faces together and cried out in unison: “Ah!”

Too late! The Rage King had already arrived, right before Gong Zhi. The divine among ten thousand horses burst into the formation like a bolt of black lightning, galloping wildly.

The terrifying Horse-Seeing-Sorrow – looking at its two red eyes amid black lacquered short hair mixed with countless gray-white curly hairs, unspeakably strange and frightening. Looking again at the rider on horseback in red helmet and red armor, like a ball of raging fire. Truly the horse was Horse-Seeing-Sorrow, the person like Ghost-Seeing-Sorrow – people feared to see people, horses cried to see horses. In an instant, not knowing who was first to cry out: “Qin Zhonghai is coming! Qin Zhonghai is coming!”

Military camps most feared crying sounds. Once crying was heard, ten thousand troops would all cry. Under the terrified gaze of the entire field, the Rage King gripped his blade hilt tightly. With a sharp ring, blade light flashed up. Riding his horse and flying past, he instantly cut the sun and moon flag into two pieces.

The characters for sun and moon fell into the dust, as if the Son of Heaven had perished and the nation was destroyed. Instantly morale collapsed. Soldiers trampled each other, horses panicked and fled. Officers and soldiers throughout the field cried out miserably: “Help! Don’t kill us! Please don’t!”

This was the Rage King – though just a single cavalry rider, his momentum rivaled a thousand troops and ten thousand horses. A single gesture or movement could steal souls and intimidate spirits, frightening soldiers so they couldn’t sleep at night. Prince Hui picked up the sun and moon flag and shouted: “Loyalist army! Don’t be afraid! Quickly strike back!”

Hearing Prince Hui’s shouts, the Rage King immediately turned his horse around. With thundering iron hooves, he charged straight to slay Prince Hui. The Zhengtong army urgently tried to rescue him, but defeated soldiers were running everywhere, bumping into them and throwing their formation into great chaos, delaying their passage. Gong Zhi raised his firearm and fired a shot at Horse-Seeing-Sorrow with a bang, but could only stop it momentarily. In the blink of an eye, it still charged straight at Prince Hui.

Wu Dingyuan urged his horse in urgent pursuit from behind, shouting: “Loyalist army! Form up! Protect your commander!” Amid the repeated shouts, the soldiers pushed and shoved each other, crying endlessly. That Prince Qing, who had previously spoken boldly to challenge battle, now turned and ran, fleeing all the way to Fucheng Gate, desperately pounding on the iron door and crying: “Quickly open the gate! Someone wants to kill this prince!”

The enemy cavalry was rampant. The fire shadow charged left and right, invincible. Below the city was full of screams. Even if Wu Dingyuan shouted until his throat was raw, who would listen to them? Seeing Prince Hui’s life in critical danger, fortunately Gao Jiong was still in the formation. He led the Beiguan death warriors, each holding steel shields, gathering into an iron wall, shouting: “Prince Hui! Quickly hide behind us! Quickly!” Prince Hui was after all the brain of the loyalist army and wouldn’t flee for his own life. Instead, he first grabbed his elder brother and third brother, saying loudly: “All go over there! Quickly!”

Prince Lin and Prince De knew their lives were in danger. Caring nothing for losing face, they rolled and crawled to escape into the Zhengtong army. But Prince Qing was like a madman, just wildly pounding the city gate and crying shrilly: “Why don’t you open the gate yet? Quickly! Quickly!”

Prince Hui was shocked and angry. Regardless of danger, he personally chased after and said angrily: “Fourth brother! Stop making trouble! Quickly return to formation!” Prince Qing’s cries were shrill like a living target. Sure enough, the divine among ten thousand horses heard the sound to locate position and found the person again, charging wildly toward the city gate. Prince Qing was miserably frightened and about to flee wildly when suddenly came a great creaking sound – Fucheng Gate had actually opened slightly. The fleeing soldiers cheered in unison: “Quickly open the gate! Quickly! Quickly!”

Below the city gate was packed with people – deserting soldiers and fleeing princes, everyone competing to push forward. The city gate was obstructed and became even harder to open. Horse hooves thundered, pressing closer and closer, charging straight at the city gate, ready to slay the two princes at any moment.

Gao Jiong saw the situation was bad and immediately transmitted orders: “Warriors! Form a flesh wall!”

The soldiers shouted and drew their sabers, standing up resolutely to form a wall of flesh and blood, waiting to clash head-on with the approaching cavalry.

Wind and dust rose, yellow sand rushed at them, and the position was buried by wind and sand. The leading soldiers gritted their teeth and endured, waiting for iron hooves to trample their heads, when suddenly the smoke and dust broke open and something flew toward the sky. The officers and soldiers unanimously looked up and shouted: “Qin Zhonghai!”

Under the gaze of ten thousand troops, that Horse-Seeing-Sorrow leaped toward the sky again, flying over layers of human walls. The enemy general on horseback looked down from above, and the officers and soldiers also looked up resolutely, coming face to face with the Rage King.

The spring equinox brought clear snow and dazzling sunlight. The soldiers stared blankly, seeing that Qin Zhonghai on horseback was not as rough and bold as legend claimed. He wore red clothes and red armor with a long saber at his waist. His pair of eyes held crystalline fire, his melon-seed face with skin white as snow and tender, just like a great beauty.

Sand and rain fell from the sky, hitting officers throughout the field until they were gray-headed and dusty. Yet everyone still had their mouths open wide, unable to recover for a long time.

With a thunderous crash, the black horse leaped over the human wall and landed, then charged wildly toward the city gate direction. Prince Qing cried out in alarm: “Quickly open the gate! Quickly! Quickly!” In his urgency, he turned and grabbed Prince Hui, pushing him behind as a human shield. Suddenly came a sharp ring as the rider on horseback drew his long saber, preparing to take them down.

“Move aside! All move aside!” Prince Hui’s life was hard to preserve. From behind the position immediately came an angry roar. A streak of magnificent purple light flashed as a great general leaped from horseback, flying through the air over ten thousand troops, pouncing toward the city gate direction.

“Grand Commander!” Cheers rose from all sides. Looking at the person’s superb skills and calm in crisis, it was indeed Wu Dingyuan who had personally arrived.

To capture bandits first capture the king, to shoot people first shoot horses. The situation was too chaotic – Wu Dingyuan had to take down the enemy general within three moves. He took a deep breath of true qi, raised his long spear, and shot at the Rage King’s mount.

“Entire army prone!” Gong Zhi shouted loudly. Regardless of rank, everyone lay flat. The iron spear carried a gust of fierce wind, flying over the heads of ten thousand troops. Horse-Seeing-Sorrow, without waiting for its master’s command, lowered its front hooves. With a great crash, that iron spear had already nailed into the city wall five feet deep, almost piercing through the wall.

Wu Dingyuan’s strike missed, and the enemy general immediately counterattacked. Two beams of brilliant light left his hands – hidden weapons were attacking. Wu Dingyuan felt no fear and instead pounced forward, but saw these two hidden weapons had strange trajectories, not shooting at himself but toward the backs of Prince De and Prince Lin.

Wu Dingyuan was shocked and angry, knowing that if he didn’t intercept, the two princes would be killed or wounded. In his urgency, he reached back with his iron hands and caught the two hidden weapons. At this moment, Fucheng Gate finally opened with a thunderous crash. Prince Qing cried to heaven and earth as he rushed in first. In the surge of thousands, defeated soldiers poured in. Suddenly came rumbling hoofbeats – that Horse-Seeing-Sorrow had also taken advantage to crash through the city gate, disappearing in the dust in the blink of an eye.

Inside the city was in great chaos. Looking around, there were defeated soldiers everywhere. The city defense officers tried their best to stop them but couldn’t hold back the human tide. Gong Zhi and others gasped and panted, all falling to the ground, exhausted and unable to move. Prince De and Prince Lin were also shocked into a cold sweat, asking tremblingly: “Wu Dingyuan! What do we do? That fellow has broken into the city!” Wu Dingyuan shook his head: “Don’t worry. That person is not Qin Zhonghai.”

The two princes said in amazement: “Really? I think it was him!” “Qin Zhonghai has an eagle nose and bee eyes with a fierce appearance – he’s a rough man. But the person on horseback was a woman.” The two princes couldn’t distinguish male from female, black from yellow. Wu Dingyuan had no mind to argue and only gathered the four staff officers to inquire everywhere: “How are the casualties in each unit?”

Everyone reported: “Grand Commander, rest assured. The loyalist army has light casualties. Our army has no wounded.”

Wu Dingyuan breathed a sigh of relief and was about to speak again when a soldier came forward in panic, leaning close to Wu Dingyuan’s ear urgently: “Grand Commander, come quickly!” The staff officers frowned: “What now?” The soldier said quietly: “Prince Hui is dead.”

Everyone’s hearts seemed to stop. They turned and ran toward the city gate, seeing a man in yellow robes lying on a stretcher, covered with footprints – he had been trampled to death by defeated soldiers. Prince De and Prince Lin, hearing their brother had died tragically, also rushed over to embrace the corpse and cry bitterly. Prince De wailed: “How… how did this happen? Didn’t Commander Wu save him just now?”

The soldier said quietly: “Just… just now Prince Qing was eager to enter the city and pushed Prince Hui down. The soldiers behind were also pushing and shoving to escape at the city gate, so they… they…” Gong Zhi sighed: “Where is Prince Qing?” The soldier said: “He fled into the city long ago.”

Cen Yan mocked: “Amazing! Worthy of being the loyalist army…” Before he finished speaking, Prince Lin and Prince De turned around, their eyes full of grief and hatred as if about to spit fire. Cen Yan was startled and quickly shrank behind Gao Jiong, not daring to speak nonsense anymore.

Lin, Hui, De, Qing – universal celebration. This Prince Qing was originally the vanguard battalion commander. Who would have thought that fleeing from battle, he would actually cause the death of his own cousin? Gong Zhi knew this matter was serious and didn’t want to get involved, so he said: “Your Highnesses, please accept condolences first. Now with great enemies before us, it’s time for unity above and below. I’ll first send some people to transport Prince Hui’s remains into the city, then we’ll make plans.”

Prince De ignored him and picked up his elder brother’s remains, shouting loudly: “Fengxiang Division!” At the command, a large group of iron cavalry gathered. Looking at the flag, it was indeed Fengxiang. Prince De shed tears and said quietly: “Send Prince Hui back to the capital.” In his grief, he actually couldn’t mount his horse. Prince Lin pushed hard from behind, sending his third brother onto horseback to escort the spirit to the capital. He himself gathered the remnants and returned to his own formation.

Seeing the serious situation, the Zhengtong army naturally felt uneasy. Yan Feng said quietly: “Grand Commander, will this matter implicate us?” Wu Dingyuan shook his head: “Don’t be afraid. Whatever happens, Wu will shoulder it alone.”

This loyalist army was also called the Son of Heaven’s personal troops – the emperor’s trusted forces. They were particularly at odds with the Zhengtong army, known throughout the court. Now Prince Hui Zhu Qi had died among the Zhengtong army. Wu Dingyuan was already hard to escape blame. If there were also rumors and gossip at court, it would be adding frost to snow.

At this time the hungry ghosts had not dispersed, only retreating thirty li outside the city to rest on the ground. Lu Guzhan also had not ordered an attack on the city, apparently wanting to rest and recover. Cen Yan hurriedly said: “Grand Commander, who exactly was that woman just now?”

Wu Dingyuan opened his iron hands to show all the generals. In his palms were two flying darts, blue and gleaming as if fed with deadly poison.

Instantly everyone understood and said in unison: “It’s her!”

No wonder she could control Horse-Seeing-Sorrow – it was this ill-fated woman who had made her move. But strangely, where had Qin Zhonghai gone? How did he let a woman fight as vanguard? Cen Yan pondered: “Strange. Didn’t a civilian see that fellow last night? Why hasn’t he shown himself yet?” Yan Feng said hatefully: “Isn’t it because he wants to coordinate from inside and outside? Once the city is in chaos, he’ll take the opportunity to attack.”

Everyone spoke one after another, but Wu Dingyuan said nothing. He showed signs of fatigue: “Yan Feng, Gao Jiong, you two take charge of the commander’s tent for me. I need to go to Hongluo Temple.”

Cen Yan and others were shocked upon hearing this – they all knew the Grand Commander was going to have an audience with the emperor. Thinking of Prince Hui’s death, everyone felt greatly anxious. Gong Zhi called over a messenger and whispered instructions: “Take my token to the Grand Commander’s residence and say there are military matters. Ask the lady to come to Hongluo Temple.”

The officers and soldiers were greatly encouraged and almost cheered. But Wu Dingyuan seemed unaware. Yan Feng feared he was unhappy and stole a glance, seeing the Grand Commander with deeply furrowed brows, just looking down and toying with a sword – a lone blade without sheath, not knowing where he had picked it up.

Gong Zhi stepped forward and said softly: “Grand Commander, time is pressing. Should we set out?”

Wu Dingyuan came to his senses, took an oilcloth to wrap the long sword within, then mounted his horse and headed into the city.

“Help! Hungry ghosts are at the door! Ten thousand Buddhas are on fire!”

As for Ah Xiu, who was on the ruined city wall, when he suddenly saw hungry ghosts attacking the city and government troops counterattacking, he couldn’t help but be frightened out of his wits. He shouted loudly and pulled Hu Zhengtang, wanting to run down from the city wall.

This section of ruined wall was from an ancient city of previous dynasties, long in disrepair and slippery with moisture. Ah Xiu ran too hastily, and Hu Zhengtang was clumsy-handed and clumsy-footed. The two supporting each other became pulling and tugging. With a cry, the two children’s feet slipped and they actually fell together from the city.

The city was over ten zhang high with steep terrain. This fall would likely cost the two children their lives. Just as they were crying out miserably, Ah Xiu suddenly felt his body lighten, then his feet touched solid ground. Opening his eyes to look urgently, he was amazed to see himself standing perfectly fine on the ground without any injury.

The two children opened their mouths wide and looked up to see the ruined wall towering above them. They really didn’t know how they had escaped this calamity. The two children looked at each other, unable to explain the reason. Ah Xiu walked around in a daze, when suddenly he tripped and his body fell forward, about to take another tumble.

After a cry, Ah Xiu looked down and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise – he saw himself standing perfectly fine again. This fall actually didn’t happen?

Ah Xiu was dumbfounded. Since childhood he wasn’t good at anything else but was expert at falling – tumbling ten or so times a day with broken knees and blood, crying and cursing, was perfectly normal. How could there be any reason for falling without actually falling? He blinked and asked Hu Zhengtang: “I… what happened to me just now?” Hu Zhengtang said blankly: “I… I don’t know either. You… you seemed to fall but your body stood up again.”

Hearing of these strange events one after another, Ah Xiu was naturally quite surprised: “Yes, just now when we both fell from the city wall, we were also safe and sound. So strange.” Having just seen hungry ghosts attacking the city, his soul was still unsettled, and now more strange events had occurred. Ah Xiu was secretly afraid when he heard Hu Zhengtang cry out in alarm: “I know! I know who’s secretly protecting us both!” Ah Xiu said in horror: “Who?”

Hu Zhengtang said excitedly: “It’s the Earth God! I had a strange dream last night and dreamed of the Earth God grandfather. It must be him secretly manifesting divine power to protect us.”

Ah Xiu frowned: “The Earth God? What kind of power does such a minor deity have? How could he save us both?”

Hu Zhengtang said blankly: “Then… then who manifested divine power?” Ah Xiu paced back and forth, pondering for a long time, then suddenly clapped his hands and said loudly: “Right! My uncle was absolutely right! I really am the true Son of Heaven with heavenly mandate protecting me!”

Hu Zhengtang was greatly shocked: “You… you’re the true Son of Heaven?” Ah Xiu said excitedly: “Haven’t you heard? People destined to be emperor have divine protection from childhood, afraid you’ll fall while walking or choke while eating!” He put his hands together to pray to heaven and said clearly: “Jade Emperor! Rest assured to entrust the people to me. I will definitely be a good emperor!”

Legend says those reincarnated from the heavenly realm have auspicious clouds at their feet and protective minor deities around them, though they themselves cannot see them. The more Ah Xiu thought about it, the more excited he became. Originally thinking hungry ghosts surrounded the city and the world was in chaos, who knew he had accidentally discovered his heavenly mandate? It seemed heaven willed it so – hundreds of millions of living beings were all saved.

Just as he was excitedly worshipping, Hu Zhengtang said doubtfully: “Is that so? I think it’s the Earth God’s protection.” Ah Xiu sneered: “I already told you there’s heavenly mandate protection, and you still don’t believe? Otherwise, slap me once and see if you can hurt me?”

Hu Zhengtang shook his head: “I don’t dare – you’ll take revenge.” Ah Xiu laughed: “Don’t worry, I guarantee I won’t get angry. Hit me quickly.”

Hu Zhengtang made a sound and blew into his palm, then raised his hand. With a loud slap, this blow was delivered quite solidly, hitting Ah Xiu until he spun around with stars in his eyes, nearly rolling to the ground.

Ah Xiu was extremely angry and roared: “Bastard! Why did you hit me?” Hu Zhengtang was stunned: “You told me to hit you!”

Ah Xiu said angrily: “Just because I told you to hit, you hit? If I told you to eat shit, would you eat it or not?”

Seeing there really was a piece of dog droppings on the ground, he grabbed Hu Zhengtang and pressed him down toward it. Just as they were fighting, they heard a cough. Someone said quietly: “Little brothers, what are you doing here?” The two children were slightly startled and looked sideways to see a man standing behind them, wearing brown robes and looking quite poor and sour. Ah Xiu was too lazy to pay attention and was about to beat his companion when the man said: “Little brother, the situation in the city is a bit chaotic. You should go home quickly and not play here anymore.”

Ah Xiu said angrily: “What are you? How dare you meddle in my business? Get lost!” The man coughed: “Little brother, don’t speak crudely. Come tell uncle where you two live, and let me send you home.” Hu Zhengtang was delighted: “Great! I was worried about the chaos on the road. My home is at…”

“Don’t tell him!” Ah Xiu covered his mouth and looked the man up and down several times, suddenly awakening in his heart: “Ah! It’s that strange man from the city wall!” Earlier on the city wall, he had encountered a strange man who didn’t kneel even when seeing the imperial commissioner, and later threw things down at the city. Wasn’t it this very man before his eyes? His heart was secretly alarmed: “This is bad! This person’s mind isn’t quite right. Don’t pay attention to him.” Also fearing this person wanted to abduct children, he pulled Hu Zhengtang and turned to leave.

After walking several steps, that person still stood motionless, just letting them go. Ah Xiu remained alert and glanced back, seeing that person also gazing at him with a trace of kindness in his eyes, as if he recognized him.

That person was about thirty to forty years old, his appearance quite similar to a private school teacher – all gentle and kind with a smiling face. The more Ah Xiu looked, the stranger it seemed. He couldn’t help but mutter a few words and was about to turn and leave when he suddenly saw a sword sheath tied at the man’s waist, shaped like black wood and about four feet long. Ah Xiu couldn’t help but jump up in alarm: “That’s right! Where’s my precious sword?”

Last night during the Lantern Festival when he encountered ghosts and demons causing trouble, Ah Xiu in his panic had found that black wooden sword from under his desk for protection. Now seeing that man’s precious sword, he remembered it. His heart worried, he hurriedly reached to feel at his waist. This touch revealed nothing there – the precious sword had actually vanished without a trace! Ah Xiu was greatly shocked, knowing this sword was his mother’s treasure. When she questioned him about it later, how would he explain? In his urgency, he could only run back and shout: “Thief!”

That man had been standing there smiling. Seeing Ah Xiu angrily running back, he was naturally somewhat bewildered, not understanding the meaning. Ah Xiu said loudly: “Where did the thing at your waist come from?” The man came to his senses and immediately touched his waist, sighing: “This is a gift from an old friend.” Ah Xiu snorted: “A gift? Wasn’t it stolen?” The man smiled and shook his head: “Of course not.”

Ah Xiu snorted, thinking: “Good thief, refusing to admit it.” Just as he was thinking how to reclaim his treasure, Hu Zhengtang walked back and said in surprise: “Why aren’t we leaving again?” Ah Xiu was calculating a strategy when he suddenly raised his hand and said in alarm: “Look! There’s a turtle in the sky!”

That man was indeed a fool. Even Hu Zhengtang knew this was deception, but he showed surprise and looked up at the sky. Ah Xiu saw the opportunity couldn’t be missed and quickly ran over to snatch the black wooden sword, then turned and ran.

Hu Zhengtang said bewilderedly: “Brother Xiu, why are you running?” Ah Xiu cursed: “Fool! I just committed highway robbery and you’re not running with me!” Hu Zhengtang made a sound of realization, finally understanding he was now an accomplice, and hurriedly took Ah Xiu’s hand to flee together like scurrying rats.

Just as the two children started moving, Ah Xiu suddenly felt his hand tighten – the sword sheath had actually stuck to his hand. Then a hidden force transmitted through, pulling him back. Ah Xiu cried out in alarm: “How strange! This sword is so sticky!” Hu Zhengtang cried: “You’re quite clingy too!”

The two children stuck together in a mass, stumbling and about to fall face-first. The man raised the sword sheath and placed it on Ah Xiu’s shoulder, steadying his form again. Hu Zhengtang cried out in alarm: “It’s not my business! Not my business! He’s the one who robbed your thing! Not me!”

Ah Xiu had been betrayed but wasn’t afraid. He cursed: “So what if I robbed it? Come here! Let this young master have a go with you!”

Just as they were about to fight, the man smiled and offered the sword sheath: “Little brother, if you like something, just say so – you can’t just grab it.” Ah Xiu opened his mouth wide and stared blankly, mumbling: “You… you want to give it to me?” The man smiled and nodded: “If you like it, take it. But you must promise uncle that you’ll never steal anything again in this lifetime.”

Ah Xiu was dumbfounded but didn’t reach out to take it. He just exchanged glances with Hu Zhengtang, then burst into curses: “How generous of you! This is clearly my precious sword that you stole, and now you’re pretending to be generous by giving it to me? The thief crying ‘catch the thief!’ Have you no shame!”

The man was speechless with laughter: “Little brother, that’s not right. This sword sheath is clearly my possession – how can it be yours?”

“Bullshit! Your mother’s dog shit!” Ah Xiu roared: “This is clearly my thing! When did it become yours? I’ve never seen such a shameless person!” The man sighed: “Little brother, you can’t speak crudely – your mother would be sad to hear it.”

“My mother?” Ah Xiu glared angrily and cursed: “Why are you mentioning my mother for no reason! Want to take advantage of me? Let me tell you! I’ll screw your mother first!” Hearing the child’s foul mouth, the man finally became unhappy. He extended his index finger with a stern warning look: “Little brother, I really do know your mother. If you continue being so ill-behaved, be careful I go tell on you.” Ah Xiu said angrily: “Stop talking nonsense! You know my mother? Then why haven’t I seen you before!”

The man raised his head, his face showing a trace of vicissitudes, and sighed: “You have seen me, you just don’t remember.” He gestured with his lowered hand: “When you were this tall, I held you in my arms.” Ah Xiu hated most when people said he was short. His anger flared even more as he put his hand lower and cursed: “Bullshit! When you were this tall, I already beat you with my own hands!”

Hu Zhengtang hid to one side watching. Seeing the man’s gentle nature – though Ah Xiu spoke rudely, he only gave earnest advice without getting angry – he seemed like a very good person. His courage grew somewhat: “Uncle, what’s your surname?” The man said: “I can’t tell you for now.” Ah Xiu snorted: “Why can’t you? Are you a bad person?”

The man sighed: “I’m a useless person who has accomplished nothing in this life and am now old. If your mother knew I had returned to Beijing, it would probably make her sad and tearful – so why bother?” Ah Xiu spat, but Hu Zhengtang was slightly shocked: “What? My mother would cry for you? Are… are you and she very close?”

The man was first stunned, then couldn’t help but burst into laughter. He bent down, pulling Ah Xiu with his left hand and carrying Zhengtang with his right: “Don’t talk about this anymore. Come, uncle will send you both home.” Ah Xiu said loudly: “Who wants you to send us! Quickly return my sword!”

The man was truly generous and offered the sword sheath over with a smile: “Come, take it.”

Ah Xiu hurriedly took it. Looking at the sword, it was black and indeed exactly the same as the precious sword collected at his home. He snorted: “Still saying it’s not my sword? It’s clearly my family’s thing.” He was about to draw the sword to examine it when he felt the black wooden sword was just an empty sheath – the blade was gone. He cried out in alarm: “Wait, where’s the sword?”

The man said: “Thrown away.” Ah Xiu wailed loudly. He had just seen with his own eyes that this strange man had indeed thrown the long sword down from the city wall. What could be done? In his urgency, he rushed forward, hitting and kicking, shouting: “Compensate me! Compensate me!”

Looking at Ah Xiu’s boldness – he really struck without mercy. Just as they were entangled and struggling, the man’s hair scattered, revealing his forehead. Hu Zhengtang quickly grabbed Ah Xiu in shock: “Brother Xiu! Brother Xiu! Look at his forehead quickly!”

Ah Xiu looked intently and was shocked to see between the man’s eyebrows was a mark – looking fine and narrow like a heavenly eye or Buddha’s eye.

Hu Zhengtang said tremblingly: “Brother Xiu, this person is… is…”

Elders passed down that bad people were born with three hands, while divine beings had three eyes to specifically watch human affairs. What kind of person was this man before them? The two children stared at each other blankly, just feeling their hair stand on end, when suddenly their buttocks hurt from being struck. They heard someone shout: “You two children, why aren’t you going home instead of doing whatever this is here?”

Ah Xiu turned to look and saw a large horse with a military general on horseback holding a whip, looking sideways at him. Ah Xiu was greatly shocked and screamed: “Qin Zhonghai is coming!” He grabbed Hu Zhengtang and ran wildly, dashing into street alleys until they disappeared without a trace.

Earlier, a demon horse had rushed out from among the hungry ghosts, killing in and out among ten thousand troops, and now had even broken into the capital. So when Ah Xiu saw soldiers and generals, he couldn’t help but see every bush and tree as an enemy. But he didn’t notice that the person on horseback wore government troop uniform and was fully armed – it was a Zhengtong soldier.

That military officer patrolled around the ruined city wall, looking left and right. Seeing no Rage Pavilion spies hiding, he also rode away. Hearing the hoofbeats gradually fade, a figure emerged from the shadows below the city – it was Lu Yun.

Earlier during the great battle outside the city, Lu Yun had been watching from the ruined wall. Later, seeing the two children frightened and falling from the city, he had rescued them.

He just hadn’t expected that the first time in his life talking to Ah Xiu, this child would be so foul-mouthed and crude – he really didn’t know where he’d learned it.

At this time Fucheng Gate was wide open with Zhengtong troops continuously entering the city. In the distance, the banner of the Mighty Marquis could be seen – the Grand Commander was probably nearby. Lu Yun didn’t want to meet Wu Dingyuan face to face, so he slipped into an alley to follow Ah Xiu. After all, with war’s dangers, Lu Yun had to watch these two children safely return home before he could put his mind at ease.

That Ah Xiu ran very fast, picking small alleys and twisting left and right. Soon he had fled to Chang’an Street and was about to bend down and charge straight ahead when he heard Hu Zhengtang shout: “Brother Xiu! Slow down! I can’t keep up!” Ah Xiu turned and cursed: “Useless thing! Panting after running two steps! If Qin Zhonghai were chasing from behind, could you escape?”

Hu Zhengtang was young and had been mentally slow for a long time, naturally unable to endure long running. He hurriedly grabbed him and panted: “Brother Xiu, don’t… don’t be angry. Just now… just now who was that person? He actually had three eyes? Could he be a demon?” Ah Xiu was slightly shocked and unconsciously touched the jade pendant on his forehead, mumbling: “It might really be…”

The Lantern Festival had just passed and strange events were already occurring one after another – first hungry ghosts surrounding the capital, now demons appearing. Hu Zhengtang was afraid and said quietly: “Brother Xiu, the hungry ghosts really attacked. What… what should we do now?”

Ah Xiu came to his senses and hurriedly looked around, seeing pedestrians on the road with normal expressions. This place was probably quite far from Fucheng Gate – the people were still celebrating the New Year and likely didn’t know about the hungry ghosts surrounding the city. He quickly put his finger to his lips and whispered: “Don’t make noise first. If others know the hungry ghosts have come, then people will crowd together and roads will be blocked – we won’t be able to escape.”

Hu Zhengtang understood: “Right! We need to leave a few fools for the hungry ghosts to eat so we can escape more easily.” Ah Xiu solemnly praised: “I wouldn’t have thought you quite insightful.” Hu Zhengtang was pleased with himself: “This is our Hu family’s true transmission – amazing, right?”

Ah Xiu was naturally clever. After thinking briefly, he had an idea. He whispered instructions: “Listen carefully. The hungry ghosts are attacking, so the earlier we flee, the better. In a moment, we’ll each go home to pack things and bring some food and drink. At noon we’ll meet at the broken temple at the north gate.” Hu Zhengtang said tremblingly: “Really fleeing? Then… then do we still need to go to school this afternoon?”

Ah Xiu cursed: “Fool! The hungry ghosts have reached our doorstep! What school are you attending? Do you want to die there?”

Hearing he didn’t need to attend school, Hu Zhengtang was naturally overjoyed. But after being happy for just a moment, he worried again: “Wait, how will we escape? If we use our two legs to run, I’d rather die.” Ah Xiu burst into curses: “Bastard! Haven’t even started fleeing and already complaining about sore legs! Is there anyone like you in the world?” Hu Zhengtang also got angry and cursed back: “You’re so great? Every time we climb mountains in spring outings, which time don’t you complain about sore legs? You blame me for everything bad!” Ah Xiu said impatiently: “Alright, alright, I’ll go get a horse cart later, won’t that work?”

Hu Zhengtang was both shocked and delighted: “A horse cart? Where… where will you borrow a cart?”

Ah Xiu said proudly: “Fool, my family has so many horse carts – afraid we can’t get one?”

Hu Zhengtang cheered, thinking about being able to travel with Ah Xiu by cart – this fun was needless to say. Just as he was dancing with joy, he suddenly thought of Hua Mei and hurriedly said: “Wait, if we flee, what about Hua Mei?”

This reminded Ah Xiu. Looking at how he had gone out last night to rescue Zhengtang but left Hua Mei behind, he didn’t know if she was still waiting for him.

Looking up at the sky, seeing the bright daylight, Hua Mei and the others had probably already returned home on their own. There was no need to worry much, so he said: “How about this – I’ll go notify Hua Mei, and you inform the other brothers. After lunch, everyone will meet at the broken temple at the north gate.”

Hu Zhengtang jumped with joy, thinking about this afternoon when all the children would take horse carts, eat snacks, and enjoy the mountains and waters – it was even more fun than New Year. Just as he was happy, he thought of his parents and hurriedly said: “Brother Xiu, if we flee by ourselves, shouldn’t we tell our parents?”

Ah Xiu made a sound of surprise – he hadn’t thought of this. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard mournful crying from the distance: “My child!”

Hu Zhengtang’s hair stood on end. He turned to look and was shocked to see a woman crying and running toward them – wasn’t it his mother appearing? He was startled, just realizing he was already not far from home. He was about to turn and flee when his body tightened – his mother had already grabbed him and cried: “Zhengtang! Where did you run to! Mother searched for you all night!” Extremely excited, she embraced her beloved son tightly.

Hu Zhengtang had difficulty breathing, his small face turning blue-purple. He said hoarsely: “Mother, don’t hug me first. Let’s flee quickly…” The woman heard her beloved son speaking normally and actually wept with joy: “Little treasure! You can speak human words! Master Lingyin was right! Your illness is really cured!” In her wild joy, her arms locked even tighter. Poor Hu Zhengtang, with a jade belt around his waist and tongue sticking out: “Mother, don’t hug me first. Listen to me – outside the city… outside the city came many, many ghosts…” The woman released her hands in shock: “What?”

“Ghosts!” Hu Zhengtang said anxiously: “Many, many ghosts! Many, many ghosts!” Just as he was shouting, the woman suddenly cried again: “Here it comes again! Zhengtang, your madness just can’t be completely cured!” She tucked her beloved son under her arm and ran straight back to the mansion, calling out: “Someone! Someone! Quickly call the acupuncture doctor! Follow Master Lingyin’s method from last night and needle him! Needle until he’s cured!”

“Mother!” Hu Zhengtang cried and shouted: “There really are ghosts! I’m not lying to you! Many, many ghosts! Many, many ghosts!” Still crying and shouting warnings, but his mother ignored him and carried him home all the way to imprison him.

Ah Xiu hid to one side watching, thinking: “A family of fools is just like this.” He thought how his eyes were sharp and hands quick – when he saw the crazy woman appearing earlier, he immediately hid by the roadside. Poor Hu Zhengtang was a step slower and got trussed up. He shook his head, thinking: “Forget it, this family is destined to die – can’t be saved.” Then he thought: “Besides Hua Mei, who should I bring to escape?”

The hungry ghosts were pressing toward the capital while the people were still dreaming. If he wanted to escape, he naturally couldn’t alarm too many people. He calculated the empty seats in the horse cart – aunt sits in one, mother sits in one, Hua Mei sits in one. Uncle usually treated him quite well, so he might as well save a seat for him. Counting and counting, he suddenly thought of father and couldn’t help but make a sound of surprise, feeling very ominous in his heart.

From childhood to adulthood, Ah Xiu had never seen father frown. It seemed even if the sky fell, he could hold it up with one hand. From this perspective, even if he heard that hungry ghosts were coming, he would probably advise everyone to relax – those who should go to school should go to school, those who should go to work should go to work. He would never allow anyone to cause trouble.

Thinking of going to school, Ah Xiu’s face suddenly turned iron blue as he remembered his calligraphy homework hadn’t been touched, and he began to tremble.

Copy the Three Character Classic ten times – one line short, one beating. This was what Teacher Meng had personally assigned before New Year. He had planned to urgently copy it last night and magnificently finish before dawn. Who knew that in the middle of the night there would be ghost trouble – first Hu Zhengtang was taken by ghosts, then he himself went to chase after him but inexplicably fainted. When he woke up, it was already bright daylight and people were getting up to drink soy milk. Looking at walking into the school hall at noon and coming before Old Meng empty-handed – what kind of situation would that be?

Falling into Old Meng’s hands was worse than being eaten by hungry ghosts. Ah Xiu’s teeth chattered: “No, I must quickly find mother to tell her. If she won’t flee, then I’ll go by myself.” Mother was intelligent and decisive, always quick in making decisions. Upon hearing the capital was in trouble, she would certainly arrange for the whole family to escape. Even if father wanted to stop her, he would be a step too late.

With this thought, Ah Xiu ran even faster, determined to get ahead of father.

Ah Xiu ran wildly ahead, not knowing there was still a figure quietly following in the alley – it was Lu Yun. He followed behind Ah Xiu, gazing at the street scenes along the way, thinking: “This is good – there’s really going to be war.”

Last night he had been carrying noodle loads, waiting to leave the capital and be done with it all. Who would have thought that within a few hours, first he encountered Hu Mei’er, then bumped into Gu Qianxi, and finally went to Wanfu Building to meet with the Righteous Hero. At that time, Miss Qi personally prophesied that as soon as Lu Yun left the water well, he would change his mind and agree to her request. Sure enough, this morning he saw that the Rage Pavilion had already soldiers at the city gates.

In just one day and night, the capital had been turned upside down. Reflecting on the great battle before the city earlier, Wu Dingyuan’s strikes were as heavy as a fierce demon. But that Rage Pavilion commander was not Qin Zhonghai. Lu Yun from his high vantage point had seen the situation clearly – that person’s lips were not painted with rouge, cheeks had no applied flowers, just a long saber at the waist and wearing fire armor. It was exactly Yan Er’niang, the Red Powder Qilin he had seen in past years.

Lu Yun had twice joined the Rage Pavilion, so he naturally recognized this Elder Sister Yan, knowing she was an old general of the Rage Pavilion with irreconcilable hatred toward the court. He just hadn’t expected this woman to be so bold as to ride alone to the capital and charge straight into the forbidden city – truly brave enough to crown the three armies. He just didn’t know why she had broken into the capital. Could she also have come for Qin Zhonghai?

Actually, not only had Yan Er’niang come – even Qin Zhonghai had already appeared in the capital. Last night at Wanfu Building when heroes gathered, Wu Chongqing and the Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard fought over a precious saber. Qin Zhonghai took advantage of the chaos to appear, then fought with the great shopkeeper until heaven collapsed and earth cracked. The two fought from heaven to earth and disappeared together without a trace.

But strangely, how exactly did this group of disaster victims come? Could they really have been led here by Qin Zhonghai?

Currently the court was not at a disadvantage. With Wu Dingyuan’s Zhengtong army, the hungry ghosts absolutely couldn’t cross the line. But the Rage Pavilion still held back a hand. Looking at how Qin Zhonghai remained elusive, always only letting Lu Guzhan come forward to handle things while he himself delayed showing up – with his ability to lead ten thousand troops, once he personally came to the front lines and raised his arms to call out, when ten million hungry ghosts surged toward Beijing, how long could the Zhengtong army resist?

This game was a game for the world – one side was the court, one side was the Rage Pavilion. As long as one still lived in the human world, whether idle clouds and wild cranes or peddlers and walkers, no one could hide or avoid it. Though Lu Yun could escape from the city and be done with it, what about Gu Qianxi, Second Concubine, and even thousands upon thousands of common people?

Everything happens for a reason – what exactly did the hungry ghosts want to do? Obviously they wanted to find food. But was there enough grain in the world to eat? This Lu Yun didn’t know. He just understood one thing in his heart – no matter how much food heaven provided, none would reach the hungry ghosts. To fill their stomachs, they had to defeat the entire Zhengtong Dynasty, or else everything was just wishful thinking.

According to what the Righteous Hero leader said, the foundation of the Zhengtong Dynasty was not in Emperor Zhengtong, nor even in the loyalist and Zhengtong armies outside the city, but in one person – Yang Suguan.

Yang Suguan was the original culprit. He was the great shopkeeper of the Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard, hidden within the court and standing above kings. As long as this person didn’t die, the court wouldn’t fall for a day. Otherwise, even if all civil and military officials were killed, the Zhengtong Dynasty wouldn’t collapse. It was also for this reason that Wei Zizhuang, Abbot Lingzhi and others had found him to ask him to perform this “Jing Ke assassinates the King of Qin.”

With this thought, Lu Yun couldn’t help but stare blankly in confusion. Since leaving Water Falls, the court and Rage Pavilion had fought without clear victory or defeat. He didn’t know how many thoughts he wanted to express, but to whom could he speak? Abbot Lingzhi had deep hidden intentions, and Temür Mieli was newly acquainted – neither were people to whom he could pour out his heart. But looking back to find old friends, now Wu Dingyuan wanted to kill Qin Zhonghai, Qin Zhonghai wanted to kill Yang Suguan, and according to the Righteous Hero’s words, Yang Suguan was controlling Dingyuan. In short, one pressed upon another – it was truly a complete mess.

The situation being such, he needed to find someone to discuss with. But whom could he ask? This person had to be an old acquaintance and uninvolved in the struggle between court and Rage Pavilion, or else they absolutely couldn’t point out a clear path to find a way to live for himself and also for all people under heaven.

Lu Yun sighed and walked with his head down. He saw Ah Xiu ahead turning left and right, suddenly drilling into a narrow alley. Lu Yun was walking absentmindedly and was about to follow when his heart suddenly trembled. He stopped and stared blankly at the four golden characters on the plaque before the gate – “Yang Shouzheng Mansion.”

He remembered – there was still one person in the world uninvolved with court or Rage Pavilion. She not only knew him but had once been in love with him, so she could certainly listen to his heart’s troubles and concerns.

What to do? Should he go in? Lu Yun looked up at the Grand Scholar’s mansion and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.