The battlefield. There is never mercy. Swords have no eyes. All around are black armor and crimson blood, like a living hell.
A blend of black and red. So pure, yet so heavy. So heavy it's suffocating. The stench of blood permeates the air. This blood belongs to both enemies and allies.
As the fighting continued, I became numb. My only belief was to cut down all the enemies, stand firm, and survive.
This war was devoid of trickery or cunning; it was a pure contest. Blood stained the entire land crimson. And in the end, Linwei achieved a pyrrhic victory. The last line of defense for the capital of Tianmo Kingdom finally crumbled.
The remaining million-strong army of Linwei was pressing on the border. The capital of Tianmo Kingdom only had 100,000 troops.
One million versus one hundred thousand. There's simply no comparison whatsoever.
Although Tianmo's army possessed superior weaponry and was an elite force, Linwei's million-strong army was no pushover. Moreover, their commander, Yan Xiuling, was no ordinary figure. Even Yunxin and Haoyue were helpless against him.
At this moment, Situ Jinghao was taken hostage again. The capital of Tianmo Kingdom was almost in chaos. The people were also filled with fear and did not know what to do.
"It's all over! The army from Linwei is attacking! What do we do?! What do we do?!"
"Heavens! I heard the Emperor has gone missing! Could he have been killed by the people of Linwei?!"
"I don't want to die! Forget it, just surrender."
"That's right! Let's run! Otherwise, if the Linwei army comes, we'll all be wiped out!"
Chaos reigned among the common people. And the situation in the Tianmo Imperial Palace was hardly any better.
"How could the Sixth Prince have been taken hostage?" Haoyue's hazy eyes looked at Qingzhu with an invisible pressure. His expression was gentle, but behind the gentleness lay seriousness.
A hint of self-reproach and annoyance flashed across Qingzhu's resolute and cold face as he replied, "It's Hongxing!"
Hongxing?! A hint of surprise flashed in Haoyue's eyes. Wasn't Hongxing supposed to succeed Hongmei as one of the Four Protectors?! How could she have kidnapped Situ Jinghao?!
"What's going on?" Haoyue raised an eyebrow and asked. He didn't know much about Situ Jingyan and the Blood Demon Pavilion, but he understood that the Emperor would never appoint someone of unknown identity. Since Hongxing was able to sit in the position of one of the Four Protectors, she must be someone the Emperor trusted. So why would she suddenly do this now?!
"I don't know," Qingzhu replied. He truly didn't know why Hongxing had suddenly done this. Hongxing had been in the Enchanting Blood Tower for quite some time, and she was Hongju's cousin, with the closest relationship to Hongju. It was because of this that Situ Jingyan chose to let Hongxing take over Hongju's position.
Hongxing had always been loyal to Meixuelou and had not done anything unusual. It is unknown why she suddenly took Situ Jinghao hostage at this time.
"Block the news. Tell the people that the Emperor has only left the capital to mobilize troops. Tell the ministers that the Emperor will return soon and the matter of the Sixth Prince will be resolved. Immediately summon all forces of the Blood Demon Pavilion and rescue the Sixth Prince at all costs!" Haoyue frowned slightly upon hearing Qingzhu's reply, her face turned cold, and she issued a series of orders.
This series of orders was given almost without any thought. Yet, it outlined everything that needed to be done. Truly a talent cultivated by Situ Jingyan.
"Prime Minister, the Sixth Prince is back!" A young eunuch rushed over to report.
A hint of surprise flashed in Haoyue's eyes, but she quickly calmed down. Her ears twitched slightly, and a smile spread across her lips as she said, "I understand. You may all leave."
After all the eunuchs and guards in the room withdrew, a woman in pink jumped out from behind Haoyue. Her delicate and lovely doll-like face was adorned with a clear smile. "Haoyue, I helped you save Situ Jinghao. You owe me a favor!"
"How did you know where the Sixth Prince was?!" A hint of tenderness and amusement, which he himself did not realize, flowed from Haoyue's hazy eyes as he looked at Qinglian.
Qinglian pouted, her bright eyes darting around, and said nonchalantly, "I've finished the task my master sent me to do. With nothing to do, I just wandered around the palace. Who knew I'd run into that woman kidnapping Situ Jinghao, so I just followed her all the way."
Haoyue looked at Qinglian's innocent and lovely appearance, and a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her lips. Just as she was about to ask Qinglian what was going on, news came that the Linwei army had arrived at the city gates of the capital.
Haoyue's face immediately darkened, and he hurriedly rushed towards the city wall. Qinglian watched Haoyue's departing figure, her brows furrowing slightly. She had always hoped that her brother could win the world, but just now, for some reason, she was worried that Haoyue would lose.
She was so conflicted. How could she have such thoughts?! Didn't she hate that damned Haoyue? But why was she worried about him? Never mind, she'd better secretly follow him and see.
"Summon the city now. I will treat all surrendered generals well." Yan Xiuling, clad in black armor, had a steely glint in his eyes, which made his cute baby face appear even more ruthless.
Yunxin stood atop the city wall, a resolute glint in her eyes, and coldly declared, "I'd rather die than surrender!"
We'd rather die than surrender! We'd rather die than surrender!
The soldiers immediately echoed with shouts of defiance. Their cry of "We'd rather die than surrender!" carried far and wide, resounding through the heavens.
Yan Xiuling's eyes narrowed slightly, a ruthless glint flashing in them. Situ Jingyan was already on his way back, and he had to capture Tianmo Capital immediately, or it would be too late.
"Since you refuse to listen to reason, then don't blame me for being impolite!" Yan Xiuling coldly stared ahead, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes. "Give me..."
Before Yan Xiuling could finish speaking, a captivating and regal voice rang out, "What is Xiuling trying to do?!"
Upon hearing this, everyone unconsciously turned their gaze towards the man who spoke. The man was dressed in an extremely dazzling red robe, so vibrant and eye-catching that it was impossible to look away.
Exquisite and three-dimensional features were displayed on a perfect face. A pair of dark eyes carried an invisible power, and wherever their gaze fell, everyone was awestruck by the imperial aura contained within them.
The man in red, a wicked yet nonchalant smile playing on his lips, rode forward on horseback. His movements were indescribably elegant and noble, as if every gesture exuded natural nobility and domineering power.
Behind him stood a stunningly beautiful woman, also dressed in red. Her skin was as delicate as jade, her features exquisite, and a faint smile played on her lips. She seemed to embody all the spirit of heaven and earth, so beautiful it was unreal.
Two figures rode up one after the other, like celestial beings descending to earth. If these two brought a dreamlike beauty, then the black-armored army following behind them was naked pressure.
A flicker of surprise crossed Yan Xiuling's eyes. So fast! Situ Jingyan had returned so quickly! He was in the Southern Frontier just a few days ago. Even if he could make it back, how could so many troops possibly return so quickly?!
"Jingyan, didn't you see?! I'm attacking the city." Yan Xiuling raised an eyebrow, a resolute glint flashing in her light-colored eyes. A smile played on her lips as she spoke calmly.
The question was asked with nonchalant ease. The answer with composure and calmness. This is a contest between two of the strongest, or perhaps a battle between two close friends.
There were no conspiracies or traps. No pitfalls. Only mutually agreed-upon responses. Only a fair and square contest.
Yan Xiuling stared intently at Situ Jingyan. He understood that Situ Jingyan could not possibly bring back all of his more than one million troops. At most, he could only bring 100,000 soldiers. Adding the 100,000 soldiers guarding the city, that would only amount to a mere 200,000 troops. Meanwhile, he had one million troops, and conquering the capital of Tianmo would not be difficult for him.
At that time, his troops would increase. Even the most elite and loyal army will have those who surrender. Faced with a life-or-death choice, only a minority will choose to die a heroic death. He and Situ Jingyan both understood this very well.
If he can capture Tianmo's capital now, his power will increase, while Situ Jingyan will lose 200,000 troops, leaving him with only 1.5 million. He will have a difficult time with 1.2 million against 1.4 million, but victory is not impossible.
"Xiu Ling, do you think you have a chance of winning?" Situ Jingyan's face remained calm and composed, a wicked smile playing on his lips. His question was as if he were speaking to a friend. Yet, though it was a question, it contained an undercurrent of certainty.
Yan Xiuling raised his eyes and looked into Situ Jingyan's dark eyes. Those dark eyes showed no fluctuation, but he saw absolute confidence and arrogance in them.