Everyone was on edge, their calm smiles gone. Every important figure fell silent, their gazes uniformly heavy. They were all from the Mu Dynasty; if Luo Zhiheng were to arrive late today, for whatever reason, they would be utterly disgraced. They hadn't come here to embarrass themselves!
The king's gloomy and handsome face silenced the men who were eating, drinking, and having fun nearby. None of them dared to speak easily, but they were all secretly gloating!
Luo Ningshuang was very gloating. Luo Zhiheng had really lost face this time. She really didn't know who was helping her so much, or if even God was helping her to destroy Luo Zhiheng.
"Brother, if all else fails, why not have this young lady behind you take her place? I heard she's the champion's sister? And they're twins? Since they're twins, their faces must be identical, enough to fool anyone. Most importantly, this must be Luo Ningshuang, the nine-time consecutive champion of the Mu Dynasty, right? Having her on the field will greatly increase your chances of winning. I'm just thinking of things for you, Brother." The Sixth Prince suddenly smiled mysteriously; he seemed to know everything!
Luo Ningshuang's heart skipped a beat. This was a perfect opportunity to show off. Even if she couldn't win the competition, wouldn't Luo Zhiheng be the one who lost face? If she won, she would spread the news, and she would gain both fame and fortune, while Luo Zhiheng would be in trouble!
Luo Ningshuang was very tempted. She said anxiously and with a pained expression, "Your Highness, why don't you let me go in place of my sister? My sister hasn't come yet. I can't let the Mu Dynasty lose face, and I can't let my father lose face either!"
The King's face gradually turned cold, his palms clenched tightly. He heard mocking laughter all around him, clearly mocking Luo Zhiheng, but he felt it was no different from mocking him! If Luo Ningshuang were to replace Luo Zhiheng, how could he save face in front of so many brothers? But today, in front of the whole world, if the person he chose didn't come, he would not only lose face in front of his brothers, but also in front of the entire world!
He didn't want to lose face, and even less did he want to give up the treasure in the reward, because he couldn't give up the opportunity to become physically strong. To become immune to all poisons and feared by wild beasts, what did it matter if he was despicable and his brothers laughed at him? Luo Ning Shuang's words were undoubtedly a last resort, but in the end, it seemed she had no choice. The King secretly resented this; when had he ever been forced to such a point? Luo Zhi Heng! Well done! 16017471
"Time's up! The competition is about to begin. According to the rules, those who haven't arrived by the deadline will only have three more drumbeats to go. If Mu Wangchao's Luo Zhiheng hasn't arrived by the time these three drumbeats are finished, he will lose! Drumbeats, start!" Madam Song had no choice but to shout loudly according to the rules!
The breaths of the hundreds of thousands of people in the audience rose and fell with the pronouncement of the verdict. But how many of them truly cared about being with Luo Zhiheng?
Everyone fell silent, gazing at the massive war drum placed in the center. The drum, weathered and bearing the marks of time, was a testament to the ferocity and antiquity of war. Two drummers, each holding a huge, hammer-like drumstick, stood on either side of the drum. 15.
Madam Song glanced at the Prince Shi in the main seat, a secret alarm creeping into her eyes. If Luo Zhiheng hadn't shown up today, the Prince Shi probably wouldn't have let her off the hook. Looking at the other leaders of the Mu Dynasty, several white-haired elders sat in a row, silent yet exuding a powerful aura that could be felt even from a distance, a chilling presence palpable.
He silently mourned for Luo Zhiheng, fearing that she was doomed today and would surely be too late to come. She would lose face and offend the two great immortals, the Mu Dynasty and the World King. Even Mu Yunhe would not be able to protect her.
Madam Song couldn't give Luo Zhiheng too many opportunities. Under the watchful eyes of many, she had no choice but to speak, her voice loud and clear: "One!"
Thump!
A deafening drumbeat suddenly rang out, as if iron horses and clashing swords were trampling on a wall of bronze and iron, deafeningly loud.
The continuous drumbeats carried far and wide for a long time. People's nerves were on edge. Old Master Tong and the others were all tense; they had come to watch the show, not to be the ones to watch it. If they were to grow old and lose their reputation because of Luo Zhiheng, becoming the laughingstock of others, they would rather die right there.
The three princes smiled at Prince Shi with various airs, while Prince Shi's face remained cold, his heart clenching. How long had it been since he felt this kind of tension, this tingling sensation on his scalp, yet this unwillingness to give up even the last sliver of opportunity? What was he still hoping for? Why did he have such a stubborn expectation and tacit approval for Luo Zhiheng? Prince Shi remained silent, while Luo Ningshuang's anxious gaze was filled with sorrow.
"Two!" Madam Song shouted again.
Thump!
Another tremendous drumbeat rang out, even more deafening than the previous one, its sound carrying for hundreds of miles.
"Your Highness!" Luo Ningshuang couldn't hold back any longer and hurriedly called out in a low voice.
The King closed his eyes tightly. Why did he feel that only if Luo Zhiheng participated in the competition could he obtain that treasure? Now it seemed that Luo Zhiheng was destined to disappoint him. In just a moment, he might not even have the qualification to compete for that treasure.
"What on earth is that brat up to? Our whole family came to cheer her on, and she actually ran away at the last minute?" Murong Qianxue felt her heart was about to jump into her throat. The oppressive atmosphere made her unable to hold back her complaints any longer.
"Aheng will never desert his post!" Mu Yunhe, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, his firm and fierce voice still clear and youthful.
Upon hearing the voice up close, Zhuge Hualuan felt a shiver run through her body for a moment. She blinked and looked at Mu Yunhe beside her. The two words "Aheng" that he uttered sounded incredibly delicate and melodious. This man's voice is truly beautiful.
"Hmph! Why hasn't your Ah Heng shown up yet if he didn't run away at the last minute? This guy is always so unpredictable. If I had known he was like this, I wouldn't have come. What a disgrace!" Murong Qianxue said angrily and irrationally.
Mu Yunhe remained silent, but he was still convinced that Aheng would come. But why had it been delayed to this extent? Aheng, do you know that if you don't show up, it won't just be a matter between the two of us? Those ancestors ahead represent the Mu Dynasty right now. If you really don't appear, they'll probably hate you to death. Where are you? Why haven't you come yet?
Bai Mingzhu stood arrogantly opposite Luo Zhiheng on the platform, a mocking smile playing on her lips. What a pathetic, infatuated girl; she's probably too intimidated by Bai Mingzhu's reputation to show her face. Hmph, good thing she knows what's good for her. Otherwise, if Luo Zhiheng dared to arrive later than Bai Mingzhu, she'd have a hundred reasons to destroy her.
Lady Song was silent for a moment, but finally couldn't help but glance at the Prince, but the Prince remained unmoved.
For some reason, everyone's hearts tightened in that instant. Everyone fell silent, as if they were all gambling with these important figures, betting on their reputation, face, dignity, and the nation's honor! And the gamble was whether Luo Zhiheng would appear!
It's really making a mountain out of a molehill to throw away so many important figures' valuable possessions for Luo Zhiheng. But the fact that none of these important figures speak up, stop it, or explain is truly puzzling and worrying.
Madam Song could not delay any longer. Finally, she waved her hand and shouted, "Three!"
The burly man swung the drumstick, which was as big as a hammer, backward and then forcefully smashed it forward, aiming straight for the red center of the huge bone!
Almost simultaneously, before the third drumbeat even sounded, the Prince raised his hand, and Luo Ningshuang immediately stood up, her face filled with excitement as she took a step forward. She knew the Prince was appointing her to replace Luo Zhiheng! Luo Ningshuang's eyes shone with excitement. However, after only a few steps, her steps seemed to freeze, and she stood there, frozen in place, staring in disbelief at the chaotic scene before her.
Just as the third drumbeat was about to fall, Mu Yunhe suddenly stood up. He couldn't sit idly by and wait for death; he had to buy time for Aheng. This was what Aheng had desperately wanted. Regardless of whether it was for his sake or not, he didn't want to stop Luo Zhiheng from doing what she wanted. Luo Zhiheng's hysterical crying had already completely broken his heart once, and he absolutely didn't want to see it again!
Perhaps he rose too abruptly, for Ying's frail body swayed uncontrollably, on the verge of collapsing. Xiao Xizi, too far away, froze halfway there, only to see his pure and innocent master fall into the arms of the most beautiful woman in the world!
No, it's that shameless beauty in the world who actually stood up and hugged the master!
"What about them?" Xiao Xizi's expression instantly turned more like he was about to cry. He covered his eyes with his hands and muttered, "My lady, please don't blame me. It was that woman who was being impulsive..."
However, the tense final moment had arrived. Almost at the critical moment when the drumsticks struck the drumhead, behind everyone, on the bluestone road at the edge of the vast, sandy battlefield, the sound of indistinct hooves suddenly rang out. The hooves grew more and more intense and louder, carrying a sharp and fierce killing intent in their speed!
"Wait!!" The King suddenly opened his eyes wide, his lazy and nonchalant attitude vanished in an instant, and his raised hand instantly clenched into a fist. His clear shout was like the roar of an eagle, echoing throughout the arena.
However, the drumsticks, disobeying orders, hurtled towards the drumhead, the heavy mallets already slicing across the drummer's head. The rider galloping towards them was clearly too late. But at that moment, everyone's gaze fell upon the fiery red figure racing through the storm, like a raging inferno, sweeping through the panicked human-shaped passageway as it came hurtling towards them!
Luo Zhiheng's eyes were full of fighting spirit. She knew very well what the drumbeat meant, because the Empress had clearly told her before she came. She also knew that if she was a step late, it would mean missing the chance to save Mu Yunhe! This step would probably be a regret and sorrow that she could not get back even if she crossed thousands of years!
Therefore, she cannot afford to lose this step, and she absolutely cannot lose!!
Suddenly, she leaned down on her horse and, with lightning speed, snatched the bow from a guard's hand as the horse galloped past. She then quickly drew arrows from the quiver of another passing soldier!
The galloping horse sped across the yellow sand, kicking up layers of dust that filled the sky. The figure approaching from afar seemed like a hero leading a vast army. The hooves trampled the sand, enveloping the agile figure on horseback, making him appear and disappear. In a daze, one could see the person on horseback grabbing off the red ribbon from their head. The horse continued its mad charge, but the person on horseback pierced the ribbon through an arrow, nocked the arrow, drew the bowstring taut, and aimed at the empty seat ahead.
She was jolted on horseback, but her arm remained steady. She narrowed her eyes, held her breath, and released the arrow!
With a whoosh, the arrow with the red ribbon in its hair shot out, sweeping across everyone's faces with a gust of wind. In the blink of an eye, it grazed the drummer's arm. The drummer screamed, his hand slipped, and the drumstick that was about to fall fell to the ground. The third drumbeat was destined to be lost forever!
With a whoosh, the arrow struck the empty space with pinpoint accuracy, its fletching sticking out from the wooden plank, and Luo Zhiheng's blood-red hair ribbon fluttered in the wind!
The entire arena fell silent! In that instant, all that was in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of people was the raging figure with long, wildly dancing hair rushing towards them, and that terrifying arrow!
A haughty, androgynous voice rang out in the air: "Luo Zhiheng, here!!"
It's past midnight! That concludes this chapter. I've finished the minimum 20,000 words for yesterday and today, but don't worry, there's an extra chapter today! Hooray! Let's celebrate together, my darlings! Although today's update is super late, your enthusiasm is my passion! Love you all! Please vote, leave comments, and give me monthly tickets! Darlings, let's fight together with Aheng!
202 Luo Zhiheng is awesome! (Bonus chapter for 26,000 recommendation votes)
Updated: 2013-07-24 22:14:49 Word Count: 3374
The endless yellow sand was splashed up and soared, forming an elusive mist that danced around Luo Zhiheng like a light veil. The galloping horse was brought to a stop under Luo Zhiheng's skillful control. The horse, which had stopped abruptly, raised its front hooves high, as if it were about to stand upright on its two front hooves. Its front hooves danced and pawed in mid-air, and a loud neigh echoed throughout the arena.
The woman on horseback remained as steady as a mountain, her posture of holding the reins incredibly cool. As the horse's front hooves touched the ground, it slowly circled in place, its blood boiling. Luo Zhiheng, as if on patrol, calmly surveyed her surroundings. The dust gradually dissipated, revealing a woman with a magnificent head of long, flowing hair that danced wildly in the wind.
She wore a fiery red riding outfit, the clothes she'd worn for days while trapped in the palace. Wrinkled and disheveled, they revealed glimpses of her delicate neck and collarbone from her earlier, bold movements—a subtle allure that captivated all. In this setting, after her spectacular arrow strike, the outfit possessed a free-spirited, languid, and alluring beauty that truly drew attention!
His sharp eyes swept over the crowd without any stage fright, nor any awareness or fear of being late and causing harm. Instead, he stood tall and looked down at everyone. His arrogant and domineering demeanor blinded many people at that moment.
Isn't that amazing?!
In such a tense situation, in such a critical moment, in such an irreversible situation, she actually used an arrow to thwart all troubles and impossibilities!
Murong Qianxue stared in disbelief, then suddenly gritted her teeth and growled, "You'll scare me to death sooner or later!"
After living a long and comfortable life for decades, the three old men of the Mu Dynasty, who were always on edge, once again experienced what it meant to be passionate!
The old man's face turned from pale to white, then from white to red. A group of old men, who had been sitting upright, all thought they were about to suffer a national humiliation. But then, as expected, Luo Zhiheng appeared at the crucial moment. Regardless of what she had been doing before, she had arrived, and in this way no less, displaying her characteristic arrogance to tell everyone that the Mu Dynasty had no deserters!
General Murong was a soldier, a man of iron will throughout his life. Nothing and no one in his life could ignite his ambition and passion. But at this moment, Luo Zhiheng's beautiful and swift arrow made his blood boil! The old general, who had almost shrunk back from embarrassment, straightened up instantly, and unable to contain himself, he shouted with great excitement, "Excellent archery!"
His roar brought General Murong, who was sitting to the side, back to his senses. His eyes widened in amazement as he looked at Luo Zhiheng with the same affection and fondness he would show to his own little sister. He also roared back with a powerful voice, "Good!!"
Murong Qianxue was already flushed with excitement. You could tell how excited she was just by looking at her face, which was almost contorted with joy. She couldn't stop smiling. When her ancestor and older brother spoke up, she jumped up and shouted to cheer on Luo Zhiheng: "Our Mu Dynasty has no deserters! Luo Zhiheng is awesome!!"
Luo Zhiheng looked around and finally controlled her horse to stand in the center of the four platforms. She focused her gaze on the group of elderly people, and after scanning them one by one, she noticed the person wrapped in a black robe. She knew that it was Xiao Hehe, whom she hadn't seen for several days.
But... her little Hehe is currently nestled in another woman's arms, in an intimate pose. 15.
Luo Zhiheng's confident face instantly turned icy, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she tilted her head. Her gaze seemed to pierce through the crowd, reaching directly into Mu Yunhe's mind.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still. The spirited woman on horseback had a lingering, infatuated look in her eyes, but the icy aura surrounding her silently spread throughout the room. She remained motionless and silent, watching Mu Yunhe and the woman's bodies touch.
Mu Yunhe was already immersed in the excitement of finally seeing Luo Zhiheng. It had only been two days, but when he saw her, he realized that he could not control the intense feeling in his heart that was almost bursting out of his chest. His eyes could not leave her body. He could only look at her, cling to her, and follow her.
At this moment, Mu Yunhe suddenly realized how much he missed her. Although it had only been two days, the two-day separation felt like an eternity to him.
Mu Yunhe was still staring blankly at Luo Zhiheng, completely forgetting how precarious his situation was, and oblivious to Luo Zhiheng's powerful killing intent. Zhuge Hualuan, however, sensed it. A woman's innate intuition told her that she felt Luo Zhiheng's immense hostility, but she didn't want to let go. She didn't know why, she just didn't want to. Zhuge Hualuan was never one to be intimidated, and no one could frighten her with threats or intimidation.
Murong Qianxue noticed Luo Zhiheng's strange behavior and quickly looked at Mu Yunhe. Upon seeing him, she was shocked and immediately slapped him to straighten his body. She then exaggeratedly shouted, "Qiwan, come and support your son-in-law. Don't let those random people touch him. Your young lady will kill someone if she gets angry."
Mu Yunhe suddenly realized what was happening. Although he was very weak, he felt as if he had been touched by something unclean. He pushed Zhuge Hualuan away with a slightly violent force, and was then helped to sit on the other side by Xiao Xizi and Qi Wan. Murong Qianxue took her place in the middle. Murong Qianxue waved to Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Zhiheng curled her lips into a half-smile as she looked at Mu Yunhe. She had risked her life for him in front of him, and he was enjoying himself with beautiful women on either side of him. How carefree! But Murong Qianxue seemed to be helping her; who was that woman beside her?
Luo Zhiheng withdrew her gaze, not wanting to dwell on Mu Yunhe's gossip for the time being, as she had another matter to attend to. She feared that arriving late might cause further conflict; otherwise, Murong Qianxue wouldn't have spoken that way, and General Murong wouldn't have shouted so agitatedly. There must be some more comments targeting her.
Huang Qi caught a jujube. These damned people! Her gaze immediately fell on Luo Ning Shuang standing directly in front of her, beside the Prince. It seemed that wherever Luo Ning Shuang was, rumors followed. If she didn't refute these rumors today, and continued to allow Luo Ning Shuang and those petty people to slander and defame her, then she, Luo Zhi Heng, was not human!
Luo Zhiheng did not dismount, but instead rode slowly to the center of the battlefield. She looked down at another uninjured drummer and reached out her hand. The drummer was stunned by Luo Zhiheng's elegant demeanor and did not know what she wanted to do, but instinctively placed the drumstick in Luo Zhiheng's hand.
The drumsticks were heavy, but Luo Zhiheng could still hold them. No one understood what she was going to do, but then she suddenly swung the drum and struck the large drum once. 16017471
A loud thud rang out, and people instinctively covered their ears, looking at her with astonishment. What was she doing?
"I am Luo Zhiheng!" She looked at Luo Ningshuang with a cold expression, then suddenly shouted in a high-pitched and solemn voice, "Born into a military family, although my father was not a nobleman, in my heart he was a great hero! He led thousands of troops into battle, fearless of death, shedding blood but not tears. I am his most beloved daughter. Growing up, I watched my father fight on the battlefield without ever complaining, never uttering a word of hardship, or having any thoughts of leaving the army!"
"Children of military families are definitely not cowards! Regardless of whether they are boys or girls, children born into families that are loyal to the country and the emperor know to never give up and to forge ahead! I may not be outstanding enough, I may not be excellent enough, but I can be sure that I have a clear conscience. I, Luo Zhiheng, may not be a towering man, but I am a heroine who is no less than any man! I, Luo Zhiheng, would never do such a cowardly and incompetent thing as deserting in the face of battle!" She pounded her chest firmly and shouted loudly.
Her powerful voice may not have been enough to cover the entire venue, but the impact of her performance and words was enough to spread rapidly.
"There is no retreat or fear in Luo Zhiheng's life! I will only forge ahead. You think a mere grand tournament can stump me? Even if there are more than four of you here, I will never desert my post! Because the daughter of the Mu Dynasty's Luo Ge is not a coward! Luo Zhiheng will not disgrace General Luo Ge! We sons of soldiers absolutely possess a sincere and passionate heart of a warrior!" Her words were so righteous and passionate that they instantly ignited the fiery hearts of the Mu Dynasty's soldiers.
General Murong was the most excited among them. He couldn't help but stand up and shout, "Well said! A soldier must have the perseverance of a soldier! A soldier must use his flesh and blood to forge an ironclad and calm fact! How could a soldier's child be a deserter? Luo Zhiheng, well said!"
"Good! Good! Good!" A powerful, fervent, and forceful voice suddenly rang out! All the soldiers from the Mu Dynasty who had followed felt their blood boil, standing ramrod straight, and couldn't help but shout out loud. The voices rose one after another, overlapping, creating an unstoppable force that finally completely enveloped the battlefield! It also utterly shocked all the common people and nobles present!
Luo Zhiheng, the leader of the group, exuded an aura of dominance. A single glance, devoid of any sharpness, radiated an unyielding, domineering presence that was unstoppable. With a wave of her hand, the soldiers' powerful voices immediately subsided. She then warned in a haughty, icy tone, "So, anyone who dares to use such vile language to slander and suppress me, don't blame me for dealing with you with the methods of a soldier. I was late for today's competition, but I only represent myself. Does losing mean everyone will smear the Mu Dynasty's reputation? That's unreasonable! And some people, before you spout nonsense, you'd better figure out which farts you can't let out and won't directly suffocate yourself! Otherwise, don't try to harm others and end up getting yourself killed."
Her brow twitched, then she smiled radiantly at Luo Ningshuang.
The two sisters, identical in appearance but drastically different in personality and temperament, once again clashed on the battlefield. Their gazes met, and sparks flew in an instant.