Rebirth of a Stunning Beauty (Complete) - 22

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~Chapter 1 Forcing the Emperor?; Seizing Power, Section 5~

Qin Ni'er's face turned cold, and she shouted, "Those who speak nonsense, kill!"

Xiao Tianci sneered, casually flicking his wrist. A golden light shot out from his sleeve, heading towards the direction from which the sound came.

With a soft hiss, the golden light passed through the tent, followed by a muffled groan, several drops of blood splattering on the tent, and then the sound of rapidly receding footsteps.

Xiao Tianci was slightly moved, muttering to himself, "Oh? You managed to avoid a vital spot? You've got some skill."

Qin Ni'er sneered, "You can't escape!"

A faint sound of a sharp weapon cutting through the air came from outside, followed by a shrill scream. A blood-spurting figure flew backwards towards the tent, crashing through it and falling inside. There was a round, bloody hole in its throat, and blood was still gushing out.

The officers inside the tent saw the man who had barged in, dressed as a night-walker, his face veiled in black, obscuring his features. They exclaimed in surprise, "Who is this person? How could he infiltrate the military camp?"

Qin Ni'er said calmly, "This person is an accomplice of the assassin. If I'm not mistaken, there should be six more who have infiltrated the camp and are still lying in wait outside, preparing to assassinate me!"

A commander of the Imperial Guards hesitated and said, "Your Highness, what this man said just now..."

Qin Ni'er glanced at him and sneered, "Are you doubting me and believing what he said is true?"

The commander of the Imperial Guards mustered his courage and said, "Although this man's behavior is sneaky, but... ooh..." He suddenly let out an extremely muffled groan, and his bones cracked all over his body. It was the burly Imperial Guards commander, whose martial arts skills were extremely profound, who suddenly attacked, giving him a bear hug that broke nearly half of his bones!

The burly Imperial Guard commander released his arms, freeing the commander he had strangled, and declared with righteous indignation, "We are subjects of the Great Qin Empire, loyal to the Qin royal family! Princess, as a member of the imperial family, how could such a villain utter such disrespectful words? Therefore, I took it upon myself to execute him! I have always been devoted to the Great Qin, disregarding life and death, and have presumptuously acted in a manner that is beyond propriety and law. I beg the princess to punish me!" As

he spoke, the Imperial Guard commander clasped his hands, knelt on one knee, and adopted an appearance of uprightness, loyalty, and righteous indignation.

Qin Ni'er smiled slightly, "General, you are loyal and upright, what crime have you committed? Such treacherous villains deserve to die! Generals, is there anyone else who has doubts about me? Feel free to speak up. I am not an unreasonable person. Although I am the head of the royal secret service and have the power of life and death over civil and military officials below the first rank, I will not kill the innocent indiscriminately."

Qin Ni'er spoke beautifully, but given the example of the Imperial Guard commander who was killed by his colleague, who would dare to utter a single word of dissent? The remaining six hurriedly pledged their loyalty, kneeling on the ground and saying in unison, "We are loyal to the Great Qin and would never dare to harbor the slightest disloyalty!"

Qin Ni'er smiled and nodded, saying, "Generals, please rise. Although there are assassins lurking outside, I have made preparations, so there is no need to worry about them. Let's continue with our business. We must not let the assassins disrupt our formation and give the three assassin leaders who entered the palace the night before time to escape. Elder Liu, I trouble the three of you to go out and patrol. Make sure to capture the remaining six people in one fell swoop, dead or alive!"

Liu Duanhun and the other two responded with a "yes" and slowly walked out of the tent.

The remaining seven leaders obsequiously rose, and the burly leader ordered someone to bring a map. Just as the map was spread out on the table, they heard the sounds of sharp weapons clashing and deep shouts coming from outside the tent. These sounds didn't last long. Soon after, Liu Duanhun and his two companions strolled in. Liu Duanhun said weakly, "Your Highness, all six assassins have been beheaded. We suffered no casualties."

Qin Ni'er smiled and nodded. The seven spies who had opposed them for three years were all top-tier experts. Normally, her other five spies would never have been able to easily defeat the remaining six, but with the three killing gods involved, the six were like lambs to the slaughter.

Qin Ni'er then used a delaying tactic, feigning to discuss the capture of the assassins with the remaining seven Imperial Guard commanders.

※ ※ ※ ※

While Qin Ni'er kept the Imperial Guard commanders calm, Qin Feng and his group arrived at the north gate of the Heavenly Saint Palace.

Qin Feng stood beneath the city walls, gazing up at the towering gate, and said in a deep voice, "I am Qin Feng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice and a royal secret agent! I have received intelligence that the accomplices who helped the assassins enter the palace last night are still lurking within. I have led the constables of the Ministry of Justice to the palace to arrest

them. Open the gates immediately!" A voice came from above the gates: "Lord Qin, it is late. Please come again tomorrow! The Forbidden City is now heavily guarded. Even if the assassin's accomplices are still lurking within, they have no way to escape. You can come back tomorrow to capture them!"

Qin Feng snorted coldly and said, "The assassins intended to assassinate His Highness the Crown Prince tonight. If His Highness suffers even the slightest mishap..." "Chi, are you all capable of bearing this responsibility?"

After a moment of silence above the city gate, the voice hesitated before finally speaking, "Lord Qin, where did you get this information? Have you consulted the Empress, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, or the General?"

Qin Feng said impatiently, "As a royal secret agent, I hold the imperial dragon token bestowed by His Majesty. I have the authority to execute officials below the second rank without prior approval and report directly to His Majesty. When I investigate a case, I do not need to consult anyone! Open the gate immediately! If you delay this important matter, I will exterminate your entire family!"

As Qin Feng spoke, he revealed the dragon token. The Third Young Master placed a lantern next to the token, illuminating it.

A commotion erupted above the city gate. Someone shouted, "Open the gate quickly! That's a secret agent with a dragon-stamp badge! If we anger Lord Qin, we'll all lose our heads!"

Another questioned, "Lord Qin entered the palace late at night without consulting anyone. Opening the gate rashly might not be good, would it? What if something happens to Lord Qin…?" The voices below faded into silence; perhaps they were whispering, or perhaps their mouths were gagged.

Qin Feng was already quite impatient. Speed was of the essence. The other sides should have already succeeded. If they couldn't take control here, and something went wrong, it would be extremely troublesome.

"If you don't open the gate, I will force my way through the palace! His Highness the Crown Prince's safety hangs in the balance, and you short-sighted fools are still making excuses. To ensure His Highness's safety, I might have to chop off a few of your heads!"

Qin Feng said, flicking his halberd. A sword aura, whistling through the air, sliced up the city wall, severing a piece of the crenellation before crashing down.

The Imperial Guards on the city gate panicked. They had heard of Qin Feng's martial arts prowess; the title of Grandmaster of the Heavenly Sword was already renowned throughout the land. If Qin Feng truly forced his way through the palace, the city gate wouldn't be able to stop him, and several more lives might be lost.

Someone hurriedly said, "Lord Qin, please don't be angry! We'll open the gate for you immediately." After saying this, the person lowered his voice and added, "Lord Qin only has fewer than forty men with him. Even if there's something sinister going on, the Imperial Guards can easily handle it. Do you think everyone in the world is like the assassin from that night, capable of fighting ten thousand men?"

A short while later, the city gate slowly opened with a loud rumble, and a troop of Imperial Guard soldiers, led by a centurion, came out to greet them.

Qin Feng didn't even glance at the obsequious centurion, and walked straight into the city gate, saying as he went, "Go and summon Liang Qiluo! I need his assistance in my actions!"

The centurion acknowledged and arranged for an Imperial Guard soldier to quickly fetch Liang Qiluo.

The centurion then jogged behind Qin Feng and the others, heading towards the East Palace. Seeing that the Third Young Master, Qin Lei, and the others were all carrying weapons, the centurion said with some doubt, "Lord Qin, the law of the country stipulates that no one except the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Bodyguards may bring weapons into the palace..."

Qin Feng coldly said, "No weapons? Do you expect my men to fight the assassins' accomplices unarmed? Have you forgotten the assassins' skills from the night before? A bunch of useless trash! Over 20,000 men couldn't stop three assassins, and more than 6,000 were killed or wounded. I don't know what Qin has done with you bunch of useless trash! Let me tell you, the assassins' accomplices are no less skilled than the three assassins from the night before. If they're unarmed, even though each of my men could be worth a hundred of yours, I'm not sure we could capture them easily!"

The centurion, his face flushed, said somewhat aggrievedly, "Lord Qin, it's not that we are incompetent, it's just that... " "The three assassins are too powerful. One of them even stole the national treasure, the Tiger Roar. He's clad in heavenly armor; how can we mortals possibly fight against a master clad in heavenly armor?"

Qin Feng coldly snorted, "So you mean I've wronged you?"

The centurion, trembling with fear, said, "I wouldn't dare..."

Qin Feng said, "If you wouldn't dare, then shut up! Alright, I've been in and out of this palace countless times. Each time I meet the Emperor, I don't need to announce myself; I can go directly to him. I don't need you to lead the way. You can continue guarding the city gate!"

The centurion apologized and hurriedly withdrew. He was too ashamed to stay by Qin Feng's side any longer. Besides, once inside the inner palace, the responsibility for safety fell to the imperial guards, and it was no longer his concern.

The Third Young Master praised Qin Feng from behind, "I didn't expect Big Brother to have such an air of authority!"

Qin Feng laughed, "Those kinds of people are only good at bullying the weak and fearing the strong. The more polite you are to them, the more arrogant they become. If you're a little harsh on them, they'll be like dogs, at your beck and call."

Qin Xiaoyao said, "Ah Feng, don't be so harsh on your subordinates. It's better to use a combination of kindness and severity. If you're always ruthless, they may submit on the surface, but they'll still feel uncomfortable inside. The greater the pressure, the greater the backlash. If you make a mistake one day, they'll kick you when you're down, and they'll be even more ruthless."

Qin Feng said calmly, "I don't need to learn this art of managing subordinates, and I won't be involved in such trivial matters in the future. I'm too lazy to learn this kind of combination of kindness and severity."

Qin Lei asked curiously, "Big Brother, you want to rebel and force the emperor to become emperor, right? If Dad becomes emperor, won't you..." "Is he the Crown Prince? He'll be the one ruling the world and controlling the court in the future. How can you not learn?"

Qin Feng laughed. "Second brother, being an emperor isn't so simple. If you were a tyrannical ruler like Ying Shengjun, that would be fine; you could indulge in nightly revelry, fine wine, and beautiful women. But to be a diligent and benevolent ruler, you have to be busy with countless affairs. Forget about wandering the martial world; you probably wouldn't even be able to sleep well. If you were to be emperor, would you be willing?"

Qin Lei said, "I... I'd probably only be a tyrannical ruler!"

Qin Feng chuckled and said, "If the three of us brothers were truly determined, becoming a wise ruler wouldn't be impossible. But I want to seek the sword, and you want to be a libertine. We two can't let go of our own desires; how can we govern the world? Only the third brother seems quite eager to be emperor!"

The third young master said seriously, "You're wrong, eldest brother. I'm really eager to be..." "I greatly admire the tyrannical ruler!"

Qin Xiaoyao spat, "You lot are already discussing who should be emperor. Are you cursing your father to die soon after ascending the throne?"

The Third Young Master hurriedly said, "Of course not, old man. I just want you to abdicate as soon as possible after you ascend the throne. Knowing your temperament, I'm afraid you'll be bored to death after less than three months as emperor. Of course, being emperor has its advantages. You can have three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines! Father, you claim to have been the most romantic man in the world when you were young, but now you're completely controlled by Mother, and you don't even have half a lover. If you ascend the throne, wouldn't you be able to openly find more beauties?"

Qin Xiaoyao secretly glanced at Tie Kongshan beside him and spat righteously, "Stop talking nonsense! Be careful I tell your mother, and she'll give you a good scolding!"

Tie Kongshan: "Brother-in-law, don't look at me first when you say that, okay?" "Alright? Tell me your true thoughts. I won't tell my sister. It's common for men to have multiple wives and concubines. After becoming emperor, it's shameful to have fewer women!"

Qin Xiaoyao said bitterly, "Brother-in-law, don't meddle. You know your sister's temper. Sigh, your brother-in-law, how handsome and dashing I was back then! Countless beauties in the martial world loved me. But since marrying your sister? Forget about taking concubines, I can't even secretly keep a lover..."

Tie Kongshan looked gloomy and sighed, "I'm the same way! I was once a hero, a heartthrob, but since marriage, I've also lost my freedom... Sigh, we're in the same boat!"

Seeing the two old men lamenting at the same time, the three brothers chuckled.

Talking quietly, Qin Feng and the others passed through the Forbidden City and crossed the East Palace Gate. With secret agents clearing the way, they had no obstacles.

As they approached the Crown Prince's palace, Liang Qiluo, the commander of the Imperial Guards, hurried over with a squad of guards, calling out from afar, "Lord Qin, please wait!"

Qin Feng stopped, coldly staring at Liang Qiluo.

Liang Qiluo rushed to Qin Feng's side, saying, "Lord Qin, I am late, please forgive me. I heard that you have come to the palace tonight to capture the assassin's accomplices. I wonder who the assassin's accomplices are, and if I may lend a hand?"

Qin Feng glanced at Liang Qiluo and said indifferently, "The assassin's accomplices... aren't they you, Lord Liang?"

Liang Qiluo was shocked and exclaimed, "Lord Qin, what do you mean by this?"

A sly smile appeared on Qin Feng's lips as he said, "Didn't you hear me clearly, Lord Liang?" As soon as he finished speaking, the thirty-six Heavenly Generals behind him surged forward, felling all the Imperial Guards behind Liang Qiluo. The killings were swift and clean, without even a groan of pain.

Liang Qiluo was grabbed by the neck by the Third Young Master.

The Third Young Master tilted his head, staring into Liang Qiluo's eyes, and chuckled, "Want to live or die?"

Liang Qiluo's mind raced. The situation had developed far beyond his expectations. Seeing Qin Feng and the others' posture, he understood some of the key points. When faced with a life-or-death situation, aside from those of great wisdom, courage, benevolence, and righteousness, everyone's instinctive reaction is to protect themselves first. Liang Qiluo, clearly devoid of wisdom, courage, benevolence, and righteousness, nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, saying, "I want to live, I want to live!"

The Third Young Master chuckled and said, "Do you have absolute control over the Imperial Guards? How many people would disregard the Emperor's dignity because of your word?"

Liang Qiluo looked troubled and said, "Of the two thousand Imperial Guards, I can only completely control one battalion of five hundred men. The other three battalions, although nominally under my command, are mostly under the Empress Dowager's orders... and a portion are loyal to the Crown Prince and some of the concubines."

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "Five hundred men are enough! Uncle, you go with Liang Qiluo now to muster those five hundred men..." "Cleanse the harem! First, chop off Empress Jing. I want to see who the remaining three battalions of guards will listen to without the concubines! Thirty-six Heavenly Generals, eighteen of you go and assist my uncle. Liang Qiluo, you must be careful. My uncle's nickname is 'Iron Hand.' You're a martial artist too, so you must know that name, right? You should know what to do, shouldn't you?"

Liang Qiluo nodded repeatedly, saying, "I understand! I understand! Lord Tie is the number one expert in Jiangbei. With my skills, Lord Tie could kill me a thousand times over with just one finger. I would never dare to have any disloyal thoughts!"

The Third Young Master nodded in satisfaction and released Liang Qiluo. Tie Kongshan and the eighteen Heavenly Generals followed Liang Qiluo to gather the men.

Qin Feng, Qin Lei, the Third Young Master, Qin Xiaoyao, and the remaining eighteen Heavenly Generals continued towards the Crown Prince's palace.

The Crown Prince's palace was heavily guarded, with at least a hundred imperial guards and more than a dozen eunuchs skilled in martial arts. Crown Prince Hai was about to ascend the throne as the new emperor, naturally increasing his prestige, and the imperial guards were all in high spirits and working exceptionally hard.

Qin Feng, watching the imperial guards from afar, said as he walked, "Leave no one alive among these imperial guards, and execute all the palace maids and eunuchs as well. No one should know about the coup."

Qin Lei asked, "Now that Liang Qiluo knows about this, should we kill him to silence him after it's over?"

The Third Young Master replied, "No need. Liang Qiluo is a fence-sitter; he'll side with whoever is most powerful. As long as we succeed in seizing power, and give him some incentives, he'll be our loyal dog. Of course, if someone else becomes more powerful than us in the future, Liang Qiluo will be the first to betray us. So, for someone like him..." "As long as we always show a strong side, we don't need to worry about him turning on us."

Qin Lei nodded repeatedly, saying, "Boss, Third Brother, it seems you two really know your stuff when it comes to playing power games and understanding people's hearts. This Overlord Blade only knows how to charge into battle; I'm completely clueless about this kind of thing."

Third Brother laughed, "Second Brother, would you like to learn?"

Qin Lei shook his head, "No, I'm too lazy to use my brain. It's more fun to just carry a knife and cut people down directly."

Third Brother and Qin Feng smiled at each other. At this moment, they were only a dozen feet away from the Crown Prince's palace. The group didn't say anything more and strode towards the palace.

A junior commander of the Imperial Guards saw Qin Feng and the others striding towards them, most of whom were carrying weapons, and immediately shouted, "Be on guard!" With a clanging sound, all the Imperial Guards drew their swords and assumed a defensive posture. The eunuchs who knew martial arts also drew their short blades and cautiously assumed fighting stances.

"Hey, who goes there! Approaching the Crown Prince's palace with weapons in the dead of night is a capital offense punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family!" The junior commander, relying on the superior numbers of his side, spoke with considerable confidence.

Qin Lei laughed heartily, bursting through the crowd, and shouted, "Grandpa's here to take lives!" With that, he swung his sword, and a blade of light, like a bolt of lightning, surged towards the imperial guards like a wave. The fierce blade sliced through most of the guards at the waist, and with a series of hissing sounds, all the guards struck by the blade were cut in half at the waist, rolling on the ground, blood flowing like a river, their screams deafening.

Qin Feng frowned and said, "Second brother, this method is too cruel! Those who are cut in half at the waist can neither live nor die. Let's give them a quick death!"

Qin Lei laughed and said, "What's so cruel about it? On the battlefield of life and death, does anyone care whether your methods of killing are cruel or not?" As he spoke, he rushed into the remaining group of imperial guards and hacked wildly, cutting down the remaining imperial guards and the dozen or so eunuchs as easily as chopping melons and vegetables.

Qin Xiaoyao watched Qin Lei's retreating figure, a hint of worry in his voice. "Ah Lei's domineering blade has reached the 'Domineering Killing Path,' and his domineering killing aura grows stronger every day. I'm afraid that in the future... alas..."

The Third Young Master chuckled, "Old man, are you worried that Second Brother won't be able to control his own domineering killing aura in the future?"

Qin Xiaoyao nodded, saying, "Your Second Brother has broken through and established himself on the path of the Domineering Blade. Although he hasn't suffered from the consequences of going astray, with his murderous aura growing stronger every day, his skill will progress rapidly, but in the end, he might be controlled by his killing intent... and become a murderous maniac..."

The Third Young Master said casually, "So what? After seizing power today, we will conquer the world. A fierce general like Second Brother will be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield in the future." "The enemy's absolute nightmare. If, after pacifying the world, Second Brother is still bloodthirsty and cruel, then crippling his martial arts would be..."

Qin Xiaoyao said, "Third Brother, you're going too far."

The Third Young Master chuckled and said, "Since Second Brother's martial arts are built upon destruction, crippling his martial arts might allow him to advance even further, perhaps even transcending the 'Domineering Path'!"

Qin Xiaoyao said coldly, "Third Brother, are you afraid that a hegemon will contend with you for the world?"

The Third Young Master said calmly, "Old man, a hegemon is too possessive and cruel, and will never tolerate anyone being above him. Conquering the world is fine, but governing the world is absolutely out of the question. You are learned throughout history, do you not even know this?"

Qin Xiaoyao was speechless.

~Chapter 1 Forcing the Emperor?; Seizing Power, Section 6~

Qin Feng glanced at Qin Xiaoyao and the Third Young Master, and said, "The Second Young Master's murderous aura is indeed growing stronger every day, and there will definitely be future troubles. We must find a way to curb his increasing murderous aura, otherwise he will definitely become a tyrannical tyrant in the future."

Qin Xiaoyao sighed, "Do we really have to cripple the Second Young Master's martial arts? A Lei almost died to achieve what he has today. If we cripple his martial arts for this, he probably won't be able to live anymore."

Qin Feng comforted him, "It's alright, the Third Young Master is right. The Second Young Master has already had the experience of rebuilding from the ashes. If he becomes a murderous maniac in the future, we can cripple his martial arts, and he..." Perhaps he can rise from the ashes and break free from the constraints of the 'Path of Hegemony.' His future achievements might even surpass his current ones.”

Qin Xiaoyao said, “Ah Feng, are you also so worried about Ah Lei?”

Qin Feng looked at Qin Lei, who was laughing wildly, covered in blood, and indiscriminately slaughtering eunuchs and palace maids, and slowly said, “Father, you see, when Ah Lei didn't intend to kill, he was still honest and kind. But once he did, and his blood ran red, he lost control. Immersed in killing, he has come to see killing as a pleasure! This is a very dangerous sign! I don't want my brother to become a bloodthirsty and cruel man.” "The overlord."

Qin Xiaoyao nodded slowly and said, "Actually, I almost fell into the path of tyranny back then. The name 'Blood Hand Asura' came from my bloodlust. If I hadn't met your mother and recuperated in Xiaoyao Manor for over twenty years, I don't know when my violent nature would have been eliminated, or I might have become a murderous maniac long ago. Now the world is in chaos, war is about to break out, and A'Lei is an indispensable fierce general. On the battlefield, the more blood is shed, the more bloodlust will be... A'Lei, it seems there's no way to avoid this calamity!"

The Third Young Master said with a grin, "Father, you don't need to worry too much." "At least with external enemies present, Second Brother won't lose his mind. Besides, didn't you say that your ferocity was somewhat reduced because of Mother? Second Brother now has a wife, or my sister-in-law, who can also help Second Brother maintain his sanity."

Qin Xiaoyao shook his head and said, "That's different. After meeting your mother, I haven't killed anyone with my own hands. But A Lei... will kill many more people in the future! Maintaining sanity is just wishful thinking on our part!"

While the three of them were talking, Qin Lei had already slaughtered all the guards, eunuchs, and palace maids outside the Crown Prince's palace. Blood flowed outside the palace, and limbs were scattered everywhere. Some of those who had been cut in half at the waist were still not completely dead and were still screaming and groaning.

Qin Feng couldn't bear it and said, "Eighteen Heavenly Generals, go and give them a quick death."

The eighteen Heavenly Generals behind the three of them responded in unison and rushed to the front of the palace, finishing off each of the guards, eunuchs, and palace maids who were still struggling in their death throes, ending their suffering.

Qin Lei's actions during the killing had caused such a commotion that it had already alerted the Imperial Guards and Palace Attendants patrolling around the Crown Prince's palace. Nearly five hundred men rushed over, some even setting off firecrackers to warn of the danger.

Qin Feng said, "Father, please lead the Eighteen Heavenly Stars to hold off the reinforcements. Xiao San and I will go in and have a proper talk with the Crown Prince."

Qin Xiaoyao nodded and led the Eighteen Heavenly Stars to meet the first group of Palace Attendants who charged forward. The moment the two sides clashed, a storm of blood erupted. Each of the Eighteen Heavenly Stars was like a tiger descending from the mountain, wielding sabers, iron rulers, and chains. None of them could withstand a single blow; a casual strike would elicit a muffled scream.

The Heavenly Stars of Xiaoyao Manor were all trained in methods of killing; their martial arts were devoid of any fancy moves or feints, each strike deadly.

Those struck by the sabers were invariably severed from their armor and even their weapons. Those struck by the iron ruler suffered shattered bones, broken tendons, and ruptured internal organs. Those whipped by the chains were sent flying, spitting blood as they died.

Qin Xiaoyao, however, was truly carefree, never lifting a finger to kill. His hands remained unstained by blood as he weaved through the crowd with his hands behind his back. Every imperial guard he brushed past was rendered powerless, unable even to lift his sword, forced to watch helplessly as the Heavenly Stars smashed him to pieces.

On the other side, Qin Feng and the Third Young Master strode into the Crown Prince's palace. They heard Qin Lei's laughter, the whistling of blades cutting through the air, and constant screams and groans. Upon entering, they saw that Qin Lei had slaughtered dozens of eunuchs and palace maids in the main hall. Qin Lei was currently chasing a child of about twelve or thirteen years old, protected by seven or eight eunuchs and maids.

Qin Feng recognized the child immediately—it was none other than Crown Prince Hai. Crown Prince Hai was now pale with fright, wailing and wetting his pants. The remaining eunuchs and maids, however, were loyal, bravely protecting the Crown Prince and fighting against the seemingly demonic Qin Lei.

Unfortunately, Qin Lei was far too terrifying; with a few casual strokes, he felled the last eunuchs and maids. Qin Lei, caught up in the killing frenzy, disregarded the fact that the Crown Prince was the very person they were after and swung his blade at the Crown Prince's head.

Seeing this, Qin Feng glared at Qin Lei, two invisible sword energies shooting from his eyes, instantly reaching Qin Lei's side and striking his ribs.

The sword energy exploded beneath Qin Lei's ribs, causing him to groan, his body shuddering. His arrogant demeanor gradually faded, and his bloodshot eyes slowly regained their clarity. He stared blankly at the Crown Prince, who was sitting on the ground crying, then at Qin Feng and the Third Young Master, scratching his head sheepishly, and said, "Hehe... sorry, I almost killed the wrong person..."

Qin Feng sighed and said, "Second Brother, do you know what you just did?"

Qin Lei said, "Isn't it just killing people? I killed everyone here!"

The Third Young Master asked, "Second Brother, did you see anyone laughing and yelling while killing someone?"

Qin Lei asked curiously, "Who? Who's so stupid! Laughing and yelling while killing someone, aren't they afraid of getting blood splattered in their mouth?"

The Third Young Master and Qin Feng exchanged a glance and sighed helplessly at the same time. After Qin Lei went berserk, he only remembered killing people, but he had no recollection of how he killed or his own behavior during the killings. Qin Lei was now showing signs of becoming a bloodthirsty madman!

Qin Feng walked to Qin Lei's side and said, "Father and the others are intercepting reinforcements outside. Go and help them. Remember, whatever you do, don't kill your own people!"

Qin Lei shouldered his knife and strode out, saying, "I won't, brother. I'm very sharp-eyed. How could I accidentally kill my own people?"

The Third Young Master watched Qin Lei's retreating figure and said, "With the old man watching him outside, Second Brother shouldn't go too far, right?"

Qin Feng nodded and said, "Father's authority is stronger than Second Brother's. Under Father's pressure, Second Brother's ferocity can't be unleashed, and he can still remain clear-headed. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare let him go out and get his hands dirty again. Alright, let's have a proper talk with His Highness the Crown Prince!"

As Qin Feng spoke, he gently helped Crown Prince Hai up. He took out a silk handkerchief and gently wiped away the Crown Prince's tears and bloodstains, saying softly, "Your Highness, I am Qin Feng. Do you remember me?"

Crown Prince Hai looked at Qin Feng and nodded tremblingly.

Qin Feng smiled and said, "Your Highness, I am late in coming to your rescue and have frightened you. I hope Your Highness will forgive me. The man just now was not an assassin, but my younger brother. He came in to kill the accomplices of the assassins from the previous night. Your Highness may not know that everyone inside and outside your palace was secretly colluding with the assassins from the previous night. They not only conspired to murder the late Emperor, but also plotted to kill Your Highness to seize the throne and usurp the throne of our Great Qin. Fortunately, I discovered it in time and led men into the palace at night to kill those villains and save Your Highness."

Crown Prince Hai nodded repeatedly, his voice trembling, "You are a good person... but just now... your brother..." "Why...why did you try to cut me with a knife?"

Qin Feng laughed, "That's because I don't recognize Your Highness the Crown Prince! The Crown Prince has never seen my brother either, has he? I was so anxious to save Your Highness that I acted rashly. You see, at the last moment, didn't I stop you?"

The Third Young Master said, "Brother, isn't it too much trouble to coax a child like this? Let me do it! If you keep coaxing him like this, when will you ever get him to listen?"

With that, the Third Young Master pulled Prince Hai over, squatted down in front of him, and said with a smile, "Ying Hai, do you recognize me?"

Prince Hai timidly shook his head, looking at Qin Feng for help, but Qin Feng pretended not to see him and turned his head to the side.

The Third Young Master nodded, pointing to his own nose, and said, "My name is Qin Ren, Qin Feng's third brother. Remember me, because I will put you on the throne. You should know that being an emperor is very interesting. After becoming emperor, you can command the world and do whatever you want. But even if you become emperor, you must listen to me, because you can only become emperor because of me. Without me, you are doomed. Understand?"

Prince Hai looked like he was about to cry, nodded, then shook his head.

The Third Young Master smiled slightly and said, "I knew you wouldn't understand. I don't need you to understand. Anyway, none of the men in your Ying family will be left alive. Even if you become emperor, you will still die after you abdicate!"

As he spoke, the Third Young Master glared at Prince Hai, a murderous thought flashing in his mind, and the "Asura Demon Eye" reappeared.

Prince Hai looked into the Third Young Master's eyes, feeling that his eyes had an infinite suction force, drawing his gaze firmly to the Third Young Master's eyes, unable to look away.

Then he saw the frozen land, the blood-red plains, the mountains of white bones, and the blood-handed Asura atop the mountain.

Upon clearly seeing the Asura's demonic eyes, Prince Hai's heart pounded wildly, and he couldn't help but cry out in agony, "Ah—!" A sharp pain surged through his mind, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed backward to the ground.

The Third Young Master smiled, pulled Prince Hai up, and pinched his philtrum to wake him. After Prince Hai woke up, he stared blankly, mouth agape, a long trail of drool trailing from the corner of his mouth, and chuckled foolishly, "Brother, who are you? Did you come to play with me? Okay, let's play horsey, I'll be the horse, and you ride me..."

The Third Young Master smiled and looked at Qin Feng, saying, "He's scared silly."

Qin Feng frowned and said, "Third Young Master, you're too ruthless! He's just a child."

The Third Young Master shook his head and said, "Eldest Brother, to conquer the world, you have to be ruthless. Besides, it's better that he's silly; at least he won't be killed like the other members of the Ying clan. Scaring him silly is like saving his life."

Qin Feng shook his head helplessly: "Throughout history, in power struggles, the losing side is always executed along with their entire clan, even infants aren't spared... Alas, fortunately, we weren't the ones who lost."

The Third Young Master laughed: "Eldest Brother, you're overthinking it. How could we lose? After tonight, our Qin and Tie families will be able to secure a place in the great cause of conquering the world!"

※ ※ ※ ※

The Eastern Palace, Empress Dowager Jing's palace.

Although the Crown Prince's palace wasn't far from Empress Dowager Jing's, it was still some distance. The sounds of fighting from the Crown Prince's palace faintly reached the Empress Dowager's palace. Just as the imperial guards in front of the Empress Dowager's palace were about to report, Commander Liang Qiluo rushed over with a battalion of guards.

"Lord Liang, something seems to have happened to the Crown Prince!" a guard shouted to Liang Qiluo.

Liang Qiluo quickly ran to the guard and muttered, "I know!" In a flash, he drew his sword, slashing the guard down with one blow. Then, brandishing his saber, he shouted, "The Empress Dowager colluded with assassins to assassinate the late Emperor, attempting to allow her relatives to seize power. Her crimes are unforgivable! Brothers, kill the Empress Dowager to restore order to the nation!"

With this shout, the five hundred imperial guards swarmed into the Empress Dowager's palace like swarms of bees, cutting down every hundred or so guards they encountered along the way. The attending eunuchs and palace maids were all slaughtered without exception. Empress Jing,

still half asleep, heard the shouts of battle outside and, without even dressing, rose and cried out, "Who's making such a racket outside? Be careful, or I'll chop off your heads!"

With a bang, the bedroom door was kicked open, and a soldier carrying a blood-stained steel knife, his face grim, strode in, saying in a sinister tone, "Empress Dowager, the power of life and death is no longer in your hands. This world, heh heh... it's time for a new master!"

The Empress Dowager, using the firelight from outside, recognized the man's face and exclaimed in shock, "Liang Qiluo, you are the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Guards! What do you want by barging into my bedchamber?"

Liang Qiluo shook his head, "Empress Dowager, you are too oblivious! I have made myself perfectly clear. I have come here, of course, to take your head!"

With that, he swung his steel knife fiercely, and with a crisp crack, Empress Dowager Jing's head rolled off the bed, the blood soaking the sheets.

Liang Qiluo picked up Empress Dowager Jing's head, strode out of her palace, and presented it to Tie Kongshan, saying, "Lord Tie, I have personally beheaded the Empress Dowager. Here is her head; please inspect it!"

Tie Kongshan glanced at it casually and said, "I've noted your contribution. Chaos has broken out in the Crown Prince's palace, and most of the other three battalions of imperial guards have rushed there to protect him. The inner palace is undefended, giving us a perfect opportunity. Act immediately! Execute any princes on the spot. Arrest and imprison princesses and concubines, thoroughly investigate whether they are pregnant, and execute any pregnant women. Hmm… don't bother investigating the palace maids around the princes; just kill them. Kill all the eunuchs on duty as well. The Forbidden City is in chaos tonight; I hope they'll be sensible and sneak back to rest early. No eyewitnesses should be spared!"

Liang Qiluo acknowledged and led his men quickly towards the concubines' quarters.

The princes and princesses who were not yet adults lived with their birth mothers. Those who had reached adulthood moved to the West Palace. Liang Qiluo divided his guards into two teams: one rushed to the concubines' quarters, and the other headed straight for the West Palace. The Eighteen Heavenly Generals split into two teams, each accompanying one team, while Tie Kongshan rushed back to the Crown Prince's palace.

Liang Qiluo's personal killing of the Empress Dowager proved that she was completely devoted to them and no longer needed strict guarding. Seeing the large number of imperial guards and palace guards gathered at the Crown Prince's palace, Tie Kongshan feared Qin Xiaoyao and his group wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure, so he went to provide support.

After Tie Kongshan left, Liang Qiluo relayed his orders with even greater ruthlessness. He brandished his steel blade, snarling, "Brothers, kill them all! Leave no one alive! Damn it, we're rebelling today, so let's go all the way! All those princes, princesses, concubines—kill them all! I don't want anyone seeking revenge later! I don't want any of my brothers to be killed by tonight's survivors! Damn it, Lord Tie and Lord Qin are bound to succeed today! After they succeed, we'll be founding heroes! Damn it, kill them!"

The Eighteen Heavenly Generals remained noncommittal to Liang Qiluo's words, but when it came to killing, they were incredibly efficient, truly leaving no one alive.

The Imperial Guards numbered only two thousand. Liang Qiluo pulled away five hundred, killed over a hundred in front of the Empress Dowager's palace, and Qin Xiaoyao and his men held off over a thousand more Imperial Guards, killing several hundred more. The remaining two or three hundred Imperial Guards were scattered and unable to withstand the fierce attack of two hundred and fifty Imperial Guards plus nine Heavenly Generals on each side.

Therefore, when Liang Qiluo's battalion of imperial guards swept through in two columns, they slaughtered all the imperial guards they encountered along the way. Every adult prince, princess, eunuch, and palace maid in the Western Palace was hacked to pieces. All the concubines and underage princes and princesses also perished, wiped out completely.

When Liang Qiluo completed his mission and gathered his men, he was overjoyed to find that fewer than fifty of his guards had been killed or wounded. He thanked the Eighteen Heavenly Stars profusely.

Liang Qiluo knew that without the assistance of the Eighteen Heavenly Stars, both sides were highly skilled imperial guards, and even though the enemy outnumbered them, they would have suffered heavy losses in a serious fight.

Chaos reigned within the Forbidden City, with lanterns and torches blazing everywhere. Squads of Imperial Guards converged on the Crown Prince's palace, and many Imperial Guards also discovered the massacre that had occurred in the Western Palace and the concubines' quarters. However, the Imperial Guards were always stationed on the perimeter, only able to reach the inner palace to provide support after the Imperial Guards gave a signal. Therefore, by the time they discovered the tragedy, Liang Qiluo's men had already fled.

After regrouping his forces, Liang Qiluo headed towards the Crown Prince's palace.

No one knew they had rebelled yet, and Liang Qiluo's confidence was extremely high. He planned to launch a surprise attack from the rear against the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Guards surrounding the Crown Prince's palace, hoping to achieve another great feat.

Outside the north gate of Tiansheng Palace, Guo Xiahuai, the commander of the Imperial Guards, was followed by seventy-three fast riders. He galloped to the city walls, flashed his badge, and shouted, "I am Guo Xiahuai, commander of the Imperial Guards! The Crown Prince has secretly summoned me to the palace to eliminate the assassins' accomplices. Open the gates immediately!"

The Imperial Guards on the city walls, seeing their superior had arrived, immediately opened the gates to welcome Guo Xiahuai inside.

As soon as Guo Xiaohuai and his seventy-three riders entered the city, the seventy-three riders suddenly attacked, brandishing their swords and cutting down the surrounding Imperial Guards one by one, quickly seizing control of the city gate.

The Imperial Guards on the city wall, seeing the sudden change, were wiped out before they could even send a warning signal, as the seventy-two Earthly Fiends, using their lightness skills, swiftly rushed up the wall.

Lian Zhou Luo'er went up to the city wall, took out a tinderbox, lit it, and waved it around a few times. Suddenly, a large number of people wielding sharp weapons and dressed in Imperial Guard uniforms poured out from the large residential area opposite the city gate. Led by Tie Xuanxuan and Hua Linglong, they quickly rushed into the city. These people were the elite disciples of Xiaoyao Manor and Tiexue Xiaotian Fortress, disguised as Imperial Guards.

At this moment, the signal for reinforcements from the Imperial Guards in front of the Crown Prince's palace had just been sent into the air.

Upon seeing the signal, Guo Xiaohuai hurriedly led Lian Zhouluo'er, the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, Tie Xuanxuan, Hua Linglong, and six thousand elite disciples from Xiaoyao Manor and Tiexue Xiaotian Fortress, rushing towards the depths of the Forbidden City. As he galloped, Guo Xiaohuai shouted, "I am Guo Xiaohuai, Commander of the Imperial Guard! All Imperial Guard soldiers must obey my orders and remain at their posts. Anyone who acts without my command will be executed without mercy!"

Many Imperial Guard soldiers on the north gate who had seen the signal and were preparing to provide support were stunned. A junior Imperial Guard commander questioned, "General, the Eastern Palace is sending a signal for help. How can we not go to their aid?"

Guo Xiaohuai coldly replied, "I..." "The army knows what it's doing. Didn't you see that I, the general, am personally leading troops to provide assistance?"

The junior commander was still unwilling to give up, saying, "However, the Imperial Guards don't easily send out distress signals. If they weren't truly on the verge of collapse, why would they send out a signal without reason?"

Guo Xiahuai was furious: "How dare you! You dare to question my orders again and again! Guards, execute him!"

A member of the Earthly Fiends responded and leaped forward, casually swinging his blade. The streak of light from the blade lightly grazed the junior commander's neck. When his head flew up from the blood in his chest cavity, the blade was only halfway out.

Guo Xiahuai snorted coldly, spurred his horse forward, and galloped away, shouting incessantly along the way. The Imperial Guards who were originally preparing to go to reinforce him saw their commander personally leading several thousand brothers and retreated to their original positions. Of course, some harbored doubts about Guo Xiaohuai's orders, but Guo Xiaohuai was too lazy to explain. Anyone encountering such people was dealt with by the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, their throats severed.

Meanwhile, the number of elite disciples from Xiaoyao Manor and Ironblood Howling Sky Fortress was steadily decreasing. Initially numbering six thousand, by the time they reached the Eastern Palace, the number had dwindled to less than three thousand.

Those who had disappeared had infiltrated the Imperial Guards who had originally come to reinforce but were ordered to return by Guo Xiaohuai, secretly controlling the four city gates and key transportation routes.

Because of Guo Xiaohuai's interference, when he arrived at the Crown Prince's palace, apart from the three thousand Imperial Guards who had received the signal and rushed to reinforce before his arrival, the remaining eighteen thousand Imperial Guards inside the palace remained unmoved, dutifully guarding their posts. Of course, they were unaware that more than three thousand of them had infiltrated their ranks.

At this moment, Liang Qiluo had also brought his more than 450 imperial guards, who mingled into the crowd besieging Qin Xiaoyao and his group. They merely stood at a distance, feigning cheers and offering encouragement, without actually approaching. The

more than 3,000 Imperial Guards and over 1,000 imperial guards who were besieging Tie Kongshan, Qin Xiaoyao, Qin Lei, and the Eighteen Heavenly Stars cheered upon seeing Guo Xiaohuai and Liang Qiluo arrive, thinking they had received powerful reinforcements. Little did they expect that these newcomers were all deadly figures!

Guo Xiaohuai, mounted on his horse, drew his sword and brandished it forward, saying, "Listen up, you thousands! You have committed a capital offense by besieging His Highness the Crown Prince's palace! Lay down your weapons and surrender!"

Immediately, someone shouted, "Lord Guo, we are here to protect His Highness, not to besiege His Highness's palace! Lord Guo, you've made a mistake! Those...those are the assassins!"

Guo Xiaohuai remained unmoved, coldly replying, "If you don't surrender by the time I count to three, I will order the arrows to be fired!" As Guo Xiaohuai spoke, the remaining two thousand-plus elite disciples from Xiaoyao Manor and Ironblood Howling Sky Fortress each took out a finely crafted crossbow, its gleaming arrowheads aimed at the three thousand-plus Imperial Guards and nearly a thousand Imperial Attendants.

Tie Kongshan and Qin Xiaoyao exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter, beckoning Qin Lei and the Eighteen Heavenly Stars to withdraw from the battle and retreat to the steps under the eaves of the Crown Prince's palace.

Liang Qiluo, mingling in the crowd, suddenly shouted, "I surrender! Don't shoot arrows! We're all brothers, don't kill each other! I surrender..." As he spoke, Liang Qiluo threw away his waist knife, raised his hands, and walked out of the crowd towards Guo Xiaohuai. He kept winking at Guo Xiaohuai, who was puzzled. Then, Lian Zhouluo whispered behind him, "Liang Qiluo is accompanied by the Heavenly Stars of Xiaoyao Manor. He should have been subdued as well, and now he's helping us disrupt the enemy's morale."

Guo Xiaohuai nodded and said, "Those who surrender will not be killed!"

At this moment, the more than four hundred imperial guards who had been with Liang Qiluo also laid down their weapons one after another, rushed out of the crowd, and shouted, "We surrender! Don't kill us! We're all brothers! We've drunk wine and gambled dice together!"

Before long, all of Liang Qiluo's men, along with the eighteen Heavenly Stars, surrendered and joined Guo Xiaohuai's side.

Guo Xiaohuai coldly said, "What, is there not a single one left willing to surrender? This general is going to start counting! One..."

With a clang, the remaining Imperial Guards and palace guards were forced to lay down their weapons. They were filled with grievances and utterly bewildered. How could they, who had come to the rescue, become the sinners who besieged the Crown Prince's palace? What was going on?

Before they could figure it out, Guo Xiaohuai, seeing that all the soldiers had laid down their weapons, sneered and said, "Three! Fire!"

Swish, swish, swish... More than two thousand crossbows fired simultaneously, the short, powerful bolts flashing into the crowd, creating a rain of blood.

~Chapter Two: One Against a Thousand, Section One~ On

July 26, 782, when the first rays of the rising sun shone into the capital city of the Qin Empire, the sun, which had shone on the earth for billions of years, did not know that the most powerful empire in the history of the earth, the Qin Empire, had now changed its ruler.

Although the emperor about to ascend the throne still bore the surname Ying, the one who ruled the country had changed.

Around dawn, the news of the late emperor's death was officially announced by the royal family, and the entire nation mourned.

The news of the chaos that erupted in the Forbidden City on the night of the 25th was also officially released. Crown Prince Hai claimed that the Demonic Sect, in collusion with the Imperial Guards and the Grand Palace Attendants, attacked the Forbidden City with the intention of assassinating the Crown Prince, the Empress Dowager, and the princes of the royal family. Fortunately, Qin Feng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, discovered the plot in time and, together with Guo Xiahuai, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, and Liang Qiluo, the Chief Steward of the Grand Palace Attendants, killed all the members of the Demonic Sect and the 3,000 Imperial Guards and 1,500 Grand Palace Attendants who had betrayed them.

However, due to the overwhelming power of the rebels, the Eastern and Western Palaces were raided, and the Empress Dowager and all the concubines, princes, and princesses were killed—a true tragedy for the nation!

The Demonic Sect was designated a reactionary cult and a nationwide manhunt was ordered.

While mourning the victims of the previous night, Crown Prince Hai also issued a series of personnel appointment and dismissal orders.

Officials in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice who were found to be incompetent and derelict in their duties were all convicted of being accomplices to the assassin, their families were exterminated, and their property was confiscated by the state treasury. Half of the officials in the Ministries of Civil Affairs, Personnel, Works, and Rites were dismissed; those dismissed suffered the same fate as the officials in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice, while the rest remained in their original positions, with the most capable even being promoted one or several ranks.

As for the Ministers of the Six Ministries, they were completely irrelevant, as they were all dead, without exception.

The Prime Minister and the Grand General of the Great Qin Dynasty were also assassinated, so new appointments had to be made. Qin Xiaoyao was appointed Prime Minister, and Tie Kongshan was promoted to Grand General.

The Ministers of the Six Ministries were also filled by members of the Qin and Tie families: Qin Feng became Minister of Justice, Qin Lei became Minister of War, and the Third Young Master became Minister of Rites—purely a cameo role, a position held without merit.

Tie Jian was originally appointed Minister of Works, but he refused, preferring to be Vice Minister of War rather than become a leader in the construction industry. As a result, he was given the position of Vice Minister of War.

This series of personnel changes and palace upheavals, enough to shock the court and the public, failed to garner sufficient attention from the common people.

The reason was simple: the Qin Dynasty was in chaos. In the southwest, there was Xiang Yu's army in Lingnan; in Jiangdong, there was the army of Shen Chong, the Little Conqueror; and in Jiangnan, Tang Kangyan, the military governor of Linhai, led troops from two provinces to declare himself king, establishing the Tang Dynasty.

Prince Yu of Donghai, having somehow received news of the Qin Emperor's death, refused to obey the court's orders, raising the banner of suppressing rebellion and eliminating corrupt officials, proclaiming himself "King of Pacifying the Rebels." Nominally, he planned to march on the capital and eliminate the treacherous ministers, but in reality, he was recruiting soldiers within his own territory, preparing to establish a new dynasty.

Therefore, the orders from the capital could only reach the three provinces and twenty-four counties surrounding Tianjing.

While making personnel changes, Crown Prince Hai also released the news that Prince Su had colluded with the barbarians and was marching south with a large army. Panic gripped the capital; everyone was on edge, and no one cared about court affairs anymore. Everyone was focused on how to avoid the ravages of war.

Of course, the so-called orders from Crown Prince Hai were not actually issued by the Crown Prince. In fact, the Crown Prince had become a complete idiot, only capable of drooling and chuckling foolishly. All the orders were concocted by Qin Feng, the Third Young Master, Qin Xiaoyao, and Tie Kongshan after discussion.

The Imperial Guards were now completely under Qin Ni'er's control. Liang Qiluo, due to his outstanding performance, was appointed commander of the 120,000 Imperial Guards, while Guo Xiaohuai held multiple positions, including commander of the Imperial Guards and commander of a battalion within the Imperial Guards. Martial law

remained in effect in the capital; the nine gates were tightly closed, allowing only entry, not exit.

Although news of the impending barbarian invasion had spread, and the people were filled with fear, no one considered abandoning their homes and fleeing. For the common people of the capital, they were accustomed to its prosperity and the emperor's rule. They would not abandon their homeland until the emperor fled.

Since ancient times, the people of the capital had their own principles. Whether noble or commoner, this principle and pride compelled them to hold out until the very last moment, even in fear and trepidation.

For the capital represented a nation, a people. And now their enemy was the barbarian invaders from beyond the Great Wall. If the barbarians entered the pass, it would be different from the internal strife in the Central Plains. If the barbarians captured the capital, it would not only mean the demise of the nation, but also the demise of the people and their culture.

The absence of the capital was not a problem; as long as culture existed, the nation would never perish. But the barbarians… they would destroy even their culture!

It was based on this idea that when the recruitment notices for the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Bodyguards were posted, the able-bodied young people of the capital immediately and enthusiastically signed up. In just half a day on the afternoon of the 26th, the number of people who signed up exceeded 50,000.

Upon receiving news of the impending invasion by the Hu tribes, the nearest counties surrounding the capital rushed to reinforce the city. Along the way, countless able-bodied men spontaneously formed militias and village militias, carrying rudimentary weapons such as hoes, shovels, spears, spatulas, rolling pins, and kitchen knives to join the army.

Originally, only 50,000 reinforcements were expected to arrive from the surrounding areas, but when they arrived, the people of the capital were astonished to find that nearly 100,000 had come!

Accompanying the army were provisions from the surrounding counties and villages. The capital had a large population, while the enemy forces were numerous; if the capital were besieged, the loss of provisions would be even greater. Although the capital had ample grain reserves, enough to feed everyone for nearly a year, who knew how long this battle would last?

※ ※ ※ ※

Night of the 26th.

The Third Young Master and his family, exhausted from a day's work, were still awake late into the night.

He, Qin Feng, Qin Lei, Qin Xiaoyao, Tie Kongshan, Qiao Wei, Uncle Li, and others sat around a table in a secret room of the Qin residence, pointing to a map showing the directions of the barbarian attacks around the capital, discussing how to buy more time for recruiting soldiers and equipping the newly enlisted troops.
"Look," the Third Young Master said, pointing to the map, "if the Northern Frontier Iron Army and the barbarian light cavalry want to attack the capital, they will have three routes to choose from. The first is through Chen County, about eighty li from the capital. The roads around Chen County are flat and wide, suitable for light cavalry. However, the county town is located between two mountains, a strategic pass, easy to defend and difficult to attack."

"The second and third routes are Lupingye and Yesanpo respectively. These two routes are in relatively good condition, though not as good as the official road to Chen County, but they are not dangerous and relatively easier to traverse. Although they are more than thirty li further from the capital, thirty li is nothing for cavalry."

"So, according to you, we should send heavy troops to guard Lupingye and Yesanpo?" Qin Xiaoyao asked.

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "Lupingye and Yesanpo must be heavily guarded, but Chen County cannot be underestimated either; it must also be heavily guarded."

Qin Xiaoyao frowned and said, "Why is that? Isn't Chen County said to be easy to defend and difficult to attack? If the enemy wants to launch a lightning attack on the capital, they must use light cavalry as the vanguard. Chen County is a strategic pass; how can light cavalry launch a surprise attack? In my opinion, even if the enemy splits their forces into three routes, two of them will only be feints, used for diversionary attacks. The real main force should only be placed in either Lupingye or Yesanpo; Chen County is unlikely to be the main force."

The Third Young Master smiled and shook his head, saying, "If I were Ximen Wudi, I would choose to advance from Chen County. What we can think of, Ximen Wudi can also think of. We should have sent heavy troops to guard Lupingye and Yesanpo; Ximen Wudi should have anticipated this long ago.

"Although the cavalry's offensive is fierce, and Lupingye and Yesanpo have no natural defenses, two days is enough time for us to set up traps and ambushes that can hold them off for a while and cause them to suffer heavy losses." Therefore, knowing that we are aware of this matter, Ximen Wudi would not choose only Lu Pingye or Yesanguan as his route.

"Based on my speculation, Ximen Wudi is always cautious and would never gamble everything. He might divide his forces into three routes, each with its main force. If so, how can Chen County be defended? Even if the attacking enemy consists entirely of light cavalry, the Demonic Sect has numerous experts. If our forces are insufficient to defend this mere county, and they launch a direct assault with their experts, even at the cost of hundreds of lives, they could still capture Chen County! Therefore, Chen County should not only not be underestimated, but should be treated as a top priority for defense!

"For to ensure victory, one must attack where the enemy is not defending. To ensure a strong defense, one must defend where the enemy is not attacking! Ximen Wudi is both intelligent and brave; to deal with him, we must consider every possibility to ensure absolute safety. If there is the slightest mistake, we will suffer a crushing defeat!" "

The Third Young Master was still analyzing Ximen Wudi's thoughts, unaware that his greatest rival in life had quietly passed away. In this world, he had lost both a formidable enemy and a confidant.

After listening to the Third Young Master's explanation, Qin Xiaoyao and the others nodded silently, deeply agreeing.

Qin Feng asked, "Third Young Master, in your opinion, how should we deploy our troops and defend these three routes?"

The Third Young Master replied, "With our current strength, we cannot defend these three routes no matter what. All we can do is try to delay their attack as much as possible. Cavalry's strength lies in speed; if their attack is hindered, their morale will inevitably decline. Therefore, we should delay them for as long as we can, buying as much time as possible for the defense of the capital."

"The routes to Lupingye and Yesanguan are the most difficult to block the enemy. However, we can also inflict heavy casualties on the enemy at these two locations. First, mobilize laborers to dig numerous pits and trenches, drive in chevaux-de-frise, construct flanks, tie tripwires, and scatter caltrops everywhere. However, the enemy is coming swiftly, and we don't have enough time. Fortunately, we have enough manpower to do this, and we can barely set up a death zone within two days. After it's set up, send 10,000 Imperial Guards to each location, armed with powerful bows and crossbows, to snipe the enemy from a distance.

"Do not send cavalry to engage the enemy in direct combat. The Northern Frontier Iron Army has fought against the barbarians for many years, and their horsemanship and archery skills are no less than theirs. Our cavalry is simply no match for them. Therefore, we can only restrict their mobility and force them to dismount and fight on foot!"

"Chen County will send a large number of skilled warriors, plus ten thousand archers. However, even if Ximen Wudi makes Chen County his primary target, if he suffers a major setback there and loses too many skilled warriors, he will surely retreat and take another route. Therefore, the garrison of Chen County should press their advantage and harass them along the way, delaying their advance!

I plan to have my eldest brother lead troops to garrison Lupingye, my second brother lead troops to garrison Yesanguan, and I will personally lead Wei Ge, Uncle Li, the three great killing gods, and the seventy-two earthly demons to guard Chen County! The old man and my eldest uncle must stay in the capital; we cannot launch an attack lightly in this battle. We must keep them informed of the situation on the battlefield so that they can send reinforcements to support us when we retreat."

"The most crucial point of this battle is to absolutely avoid open field battles with the attacking enemy. We must rely on cities and traps, and even close combat should be avoided if possible. We should try to inflict casualties on the enemy with bows, arrows

, and stones. If we engage in close combat with the Northern Frontier Iron Army and the Hu cavalry, I'm afraid the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Bodyguards in the capital will be utterly helpless. Not to mention the newly enlisted young men! "Of course, all of this is just our wishful thinking plan. As for whether the situation on the battlefield will develop as we imagine, that remains to be seen. On the battlefield, man proposes, God disposes. No matter how flawless the plan is, it can't keep up with the changing battlefield situation. Hehe, actually, what I hope for most right now is half a month of heavy rain. Then, the enemy cavalry will be useless."

"Alright, I've said what I needed to say. Does anyone have any comments to add?"

After speaking, the Third Young Master noticed that almost everyone was looking at him with rather strange eyes, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face? Or is what I said unreasonable?"

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Ah Ren, what you said is already very good. There's no need to pray for rain. In this season, although there are occasional afternoon showers, they're just to cool down the enemy! You were able to analyze the battle situation so thoroughly before the battle and understand the enemy's psychology so accurately, which is already quite good. However, I remember that you seem to have never read any military books before!"

The Third Young Master touched his nose and chuckled, "I'm a genius! That's already universally acknowledged!"

Everyone immediately looked at him with disdain.

※ ※ ※ ※

On the morning of July 27th, as arranged by the Third Young Master, three groups of people left the north gate of Tianjing City and headed to the designated locations in three separate routes.

Qin Feng led the thirty-six Heavenly Generals of Xiaoyao Manor, the two thousand elite "Iron-Blooded Youth Corps" of Tiexue Xiaotian Fortress, ten thousand Imperial Guards, and thirty thousand laborers, carrying a large amount of tools for setting traps, to Lu Pingye, 110 li from the capital.

Qin Lei, accompanied by Hua Linglong, led two thousand elite disciples of Xiaoyao Manor, ten thousand Imperial Guards, and thirty thousand laborers, also carrying a large amount of tools, to Yesanguan, 110 li from the capital.

Meanwhile, the Third Young Master, along with Qiao Wei, Uncle Li, the three Killing Gods, the seventy-two Earthly Fiends, Lian Zhou Luo'er, Qin Ni'er, Tie Xuanxuan, and ten thousand Imperial Guards, including five thousand cavalry, to Chen County.

~Chapter Two: One Against a Thousand, Section Two~

“Third Young Master, there’s something I want to tell you.” Qiao Wei rode beside the Third Young Master, not even looking at him directly, and spoke in a forlorn tone.

The Third Young Master said, “Just say it, don’t beat around the bush.”

Qiao Wei sighed and said, “But I’m afraid you’ll beat me up if I tell you.”

The Third Young Master immediately looked wary and said, “Brother Wei, what exactly do you want to say? You’re not saying you want to steal my girlfriend, are you?”

Qiao Wei turned his head and looked at the Third Young Master sincerely, saying, “Third Young Master, what kind of person do you take me for? Am I that kind of person? I’m seventy years old, why would I have any lustful thoughts?”

The Third Young Master said suspiciously, “That’s hard to say. You look no different from a man in his thirties. You know, men at this age are most prone to falling into the trap of women.”

Uncle Li leaned over and said with a smile. "I agree. Old Qiao is a hooligan and a lecher. Last time at Xiaoyao Manor, he even tried to peep at Xiao Ye taking a bath. This time in the capital, as soon as we arrived, he dragged me to a brothel. After we came out, he looked up to the sky and sighed, 'I've seen countless breasts in my life, but I've never seen such big ones...' With his character, what shameful things he might do is perfectly understandable, isn't it?"

The Third Young Master smiled at Qiao Wei and said, "Brother Wei, it's not that I doubt you, it's just that your character... sigh, it's too problematic. Tell me honestly, what exactly do you want to tell me? Confess and you'll be treated leniently, resist and you'll be punished severely!"

Qiao Wei immediately cried out in injustice, "You... you two hooligans, do you think I, Old Qiao, am that kind of person? Old Li, you..." "Tell me yourself, who suggested going to the brothel last time, you or me? It was clearly your idea, but now you're blaming me! You old bastard, always picking on sixteen or seventeen-year-old girls, don't you know you're old enough to be someone's grandfather! Damn it, when you came out you even sang a little tune: 'Old ox, old ox, chewing tender grass, chewing tender grass is so fragrant…' Tell me, who's the pervert here?"

Qiao Wei said with a face full of indignation, adding at the end, "Actually, what I wanted to tell Third Young Master was that I brought Miss Qing along too."

Third Young Master looked surprised: "What? You brought Song Qing?"

Qiao Wei nodded, saying, "It's not my fault, she asked to come herself."

The Third Young Master angrily said, "Brother Wei, you really know how to cause trouble for me! We're going to fight to the death, how could you bring her along? Qing'er doesn't know martial arts, how can she protect herself on the battlefield?"

Qiao Wei shrugged and said, "I already said it's none of my business. You know, I, Old Qiao, am soft-hearted. A little girl makes a request, and I can't resist."

The Third Young Master said, "Stop talking nonsense, where is Qing'er? Where is she?"

Qiao Wei pointed behind the Third Young Master and said, "Look, isn't that her?"

The Third Young Master turned around and saw that one of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends who were following him had appeared. The extra one was wearing the same black outfit as the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, riding a horse and smiling at him.

Seeing that pure and beautiful girl, the Third Young Master's anger vanished instantly. He shook his head and sighed, riding up to her side. "Qing'er," he said, "what's wrong with you...? You know we're going to fight to the death. What are you doing here?"

Song Qing smiled slightly and said, "Aren, didn't you say you'd make my final days incredibly exciting? I want to see your heroic figure on the battlefield. Is that not allowed?"

The Third Young Master said, "But this battle is destined to be lost. Of the ten thousand men who came with me, perhaps only a few will return alive. What's the point of such a defeat?"

Song Qing said, "Knowing defeat is inevitable, yet having the courage to fight. Aren, in the past, rumors in the martial world said you were a lecherous, cowardly villain. But now, you have courage and pride. If not now, when will I see you again?"

The Third Young Master was speechless.

※ ※ ※ ※

As the sun set, the county town of Chen, nestled between two mountains, came into view of the Third Young Master and his companions.

Blood-red sunset clouds dyed half the sky crimson, and a gentle evening breeze caressed their faces. This rare coolness in the height of summer did little to soothe the Third Young Master and his companions.

The air reeked of blood.

Following the wind blowing from Chen County, they caught a faint scent of fresh blood.

The smell was so strong that they had detected it nearly ten miles from the town. How many lives would it take to produce such an intense stench?

Looking at the grey outline of the city walls nestled between the two mountains, the Third Young Master slowly raised his right hand and shouted, "Cavalry, retreat! Infantry, advance! Archers, prepare!"

Following his command, the five thousand cavalrymen who had been following the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends began to orderly disperse to the sides, clearing a path in the middle, while the five thousand infantrymen jogged forward, maintaining their formation.

These 10,000 Imperial Guards were all equipped with powerful bows and crossbows, along with a large quantity of arrows. The infantry had already taken down their bows, drawn their iron arrows, nocked them, and pointed the arrows at the ground, ready to fire at any moment.

Qiao Wei said, "Third Young Master, Chen County may have already been captured by the Demonic Sect!"

The Third Young Master nodded, saying, "That's not surprising. Chen County is the only strategic pass and the only route closest to the capital with the best road. If I were Ximen Wudi, I would have had the Demonic Sect disciples capture it first."

Uncle Li frowned, saying, "Chen County originally only had a thousand garrison. If it were the Demonic Sect attacking, only two hundred swordsmen would have been enough to take it. But since Chen County's location is so important, Ximen Wudi would never have sent only two hundred men to guard it. If the Demonic Sect experts guarding Chen County exceed three thousand, it won't be easy for us to retake it."

The Third Young Master sneered. "With Dragon's Roar in hand, even if I charge through the pass alone, I can still take it down!"

Qiao Wei said, "Third Young Master, you mustn't be careless. What if Ximen Wudi personally guards Chen County? Our ten thousand Imperial Guards might be wiped out."

The Third Young Master thought for a moment and said, "Brother Wei, Uncle Li, Elder Liu, Elder Nu, Elder Xiao, you come with me first to investigate! Qing'er, aren't you an expert in military strategy? You can lead the team! Sister Xuanxuan, you, Luo'er, and Ni'er must protect Qing'er. We'll go first!"

After saying that, without waiting for Song Qing and the others to respond, the Third Young Master took the lead and rushed towards Chen County. Qiao Wei, Uncle Li, and the three killing gods followed closely behind the Third Young Master.

When the Third Young Master and the others arrived at the foot of Chen County, they saw that the tall city gate was wide open, and the walls and ground below were littered with corpses, including the bodies of Qin soldiers and civilians.

Countless corpses clogged the roads, and streams of blood meandered silently. The summer heat made the corpses and blood emit a stench, and countless green flies buzzed and gnawed at the bodies, making one want to vomit.

Amidst this mountain of corpses and sea of blood, however, one person remained alive.

It was an old man with white hair and beard, looking withered and thin, somewhat hunched over. He sat on a low stool, leaning weakly against the city gate, a bronze mallet, two zhang long and as thick as a child's arm, at his feet. One end of the mallet was round and protruding, resembling a bell hammer.

The old man seemed to have lost all sight and smell, his eyes unfocused, staring in no direction. Corpses and blood surrounded him, the blood, already turning black, had even reached his ankles, but he was completely unaware.

The Third Young Master looked at the old man; his body was stained with blood, and his pure white hair and beard were mostly stained red with blood. The Third Young Master asked, "Old man, did you see anyone committing murder here?"

The old man did not respond, remaining frozen like a corpse. If it weren't for his faint breathing, the Third Young Master and the others would have almost mistaken him for a dead man as well.

The Third Young Master asked again loudly, but the old man still didn't answer. Qiao Wei said to the Third Young Master, "Third Young Master, this old man is probably scared out of his wits."

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "We won't get anything out of him. Let's go into the city and take a look."

Uncle Li said, "Third Young Master, you mustn't. If the Demonic Sect has really taken the county town, why haven't they collected the corpses and closed the city gates? They've probably already set up ambushes and traps in the city, waiting for us to fall into them."

The Third Young Master shook his head and said, "Within a radius of fifty feet, there's not a trace of human life except for us. No matter how powerful the Demonic Sect experts are, I think only Ximen Wudi can hide his tracks under my nose. Besides, take a close look at the corpses on the ground."

Qiao Wei, Uncle Li, and the three killing gods immediately began to carefully examine the corpses on the ground. After looking for a while, "Entwined to the Death" Liu Duanhun was horrified and said, "Everyone was killed by the same person!"

The others also nodded, their faces full of surprise and uncertainty.

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "Old Liu is right. The corpses on and off the city walls all have similar injuries, all caused by being struck with a blunt object with great force. You see, some corpses were pierced through, but judging from the large holes in their bodies, they don't look like gunshot wounds or sword wounds; they must have been caused by a rather thick blunt object." As

he spoke, the Third Young Master glanced, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, at the bell hammer at the feet of the old man leaning against the city gate, and said, "If that bell hammer were used, it could pierce such large holes in people's bodies."

Qiao Wei and the others immediately looked at the old man. Qiao Wei frowned and said, "How strong would it take to pierce so many people's bodies with a bell hammer? Third Young Master, you don't suspect this terrified old man, do you?"

The Third Young Master shook his head and smiled, "I didn't say I suspected him, but the least likely is often the most likely." He turned to the old man and said, "Old man, do you think what I said makes sense?"

The old man still didn't answer, as still as a dead man.

The Third Young Master shook his head slightly in disappointment and said, "The murderer might still be in the city. Let's go in and take a look."

With that, the Third Young Master spurred his horse towards the city gate, followed by Qiao Wei, Uncle Li, and the three killing gods, filing in one after another. As they passed the old man, the old man murmured as if in a dream, "Don't go in... there are demons..."

The Third Young Master chuckled and said, "Don't worry, old man. Even if there are demons, how do you know we aren't even more wicked than demons?"

The old man nodded weakly and said, "In that case, I'll see just how wicked you killing gods can be!"

As he spoke, the old man suddenly grabbed the bell hammer at his feet with lightning speed, and a cold light, almost tangible, flashed in his dim old eyes. He gripped the bell hammer and swung it with all his might. The bell hammer, weighing over two hundred pounds, seemed as light as a withered wooden stick in his hands. A sound like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami ripped through the air. The speed at which the bell hammer swung was unbelievable; after the swing, it seemed to disappear into thin air, leaving no trace!

Bang! A loud crash rang out, and the mounts of the Third Young Master and his companions were almost simultaneously shattered into six pools of blood. However, the Third Young Master and his companions, having been prepared, leaped into the air the instant the old man swung the bell hammer, dismounting from their horses and escaping unscathed.

After shattering the six warhorses, the bell hammer, still carrying immense force, struck the city gate. With a deafening roar, the thick oak-clad copper-plated city gate, a full eighteen inches thick, was pulverized by his single blow!

Wood chips flew everywhere, but the Third Young Master and his companions each struck out with their palms in mid-air, deflecting the wood chips that were aimed at them. Then, with a twist in mid-air, the six of them landed safely on the ground.

"Who exactly are you?" Third Young Master glared at the old man guarding the city gate, wielding a two-zhang-long bell hammer in one hand, and demanded an answer.

The old man slowly straightened his slightly hunched back and said in a low voice, "Is it necessary to know who I am? What use is a dead man to know so much?"

Third Young Master sneered, "A dead man? Are you so confident that you can kill us?"

The old man said slowly, "I can... kill you all!" As he spoke, he moved again! His movements were incredibly fast, and when he moved, a long series of afterimages appeared behind him, indistinguishable from real people, making it impossible to tell which was real and which was fake! His hand speed was even faster, and in an instant, he had already unleashed six consecutive blows with his staff, simultaneously striking Third Young Master, Qiao Wei, Uncle Li, and the three killing gods!

The fierce wind from the staffs made it almost impossible to breathe, and the violent true energy was like a raging wave on the sea. Third Young Master and the others quickly retreated, each striking out with two palms as they did so. The twelve palm strikes clashed with the six staff gusts of wind, producing a deafening roar that violently shook the ground and kicked up clouds of dust. Within a ten-zhang radius of the impact, the ground caved in more than ten zhang. The Third Young Master and his companions were propelled far away by the recoil, barely managing to regain their footing.

The old man, too, was thrown back by the force of the impact, crashing heavily into the city wall. Stone fragments shattered, and the old man's body was embedded in the brickwork, motionless.

"It's Zuo Yuanfang!" After regaining his footing, Liu Duanhun, who had participated in the battle against the Moon Worship Cult, suddenly exclaimed in horror, "The number one martial arts master in the world back then, the leader of the Moon Worship Cult, Zuo Yuanfang!"

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