Dawn.

Taiyang rose slowly, like a dim red bead.

The darkness of night still lingered in the air.

Through the dust and smoke drifting over the streets, the whole city exuded a sense of oppression and dullness.

The streets of the county town were empty, with only a few early risers scurrying past, either working or journeying.

The ancient and secluded buildings silently stood on either side, the houses low and old, the walls mottled and peeling.

From afar came the sparse sounds of slapping against the water surface, and at the entrance of a small alley, the clear stream could be seen flowing slowly.

As Taiyang climbed higher, the dust and smoke filling the city became thicker.

Gradually, more and more pedestrians appeared on the streets, but they still hurried by silently.

There were no sounds of laughter or interaction, only a profound melancholy and sense of loss buried deep in their hearts.

On the city walls, countless soldiers stood on the towering stone walls, ready for battle at dawn, their gazes fixed and indifferent, watching the enemy in the distance.

Although silence engulfed the entire city wall, their hearts were filled with sharpness and vigilance.

Each soldier knew that the enemy could launch an attack at any moment and tried hard to stay alert.

「Inside the city gate tower.」

Li Jiufang and ten Lv Shuais sat with solemn expressions, saying nothing, the quiet space filled only with the slow passage of time.

Like a silent pendulum, it reminded everyone of the suffocating oppression.

The insect calamity plan had failed.

The Golden Flower Maternal Sect would surely take the next step.

The scouts from outside the city had already reported last night.

A large number of people were continuously moving towards Qingliu County from outside, forming an encirclement.

Clearly, having failed with their poison scheme, the Golden Flower Maternal Sect was about to launch a direct assault to breach the city.

"Gentlemen, we all know how difficult the battle this morning will be.

I have nothing else to say.

Only that it is my great fortune to protect the people of this city with all of you."

Speaking slowly, Li Jiufang's eyes were clear and bright.

Facing the imminent attack of the Golden Flower Maternal Sect, he showed little fear or panic.

His concern and compassion were solely for the people behind him.

"Hey, Li, don't make the atmosphere so heavy.

I've heard that each and every one of the Saintesses and followers of the Golden Flower Maternal Sect is a beautiful woman.

Incredibly enchanting.

Let me say this first, if we capture any prisoners later, I, Old Chu, want first dibs.

I have seven brothers, and damn it, I'm the only bachelor.

For the future happiness of my brothers, you guys have got to let me have them."

Chu Zhao's playful banter lightened the oppressive atmosphere somewhat.

Everyone burst into laughter.

"You don't know, do you, Old Chu? Most of the women in the Golden Flower Maternal Sect are actually men in disguise. You want to take them as your wife? Once you get into bed, who knows who will be playing who," said one Lv Shuai, laughing loudly as he teased Chu Zhao.

"That's right. Normally the groom comes out holding his waist, but you'll probably be holding your butt."

The female Lv Shuai didn't mind such topics and even led the teasing of Chu Zhao.

"Scram, scram, scram! Damn it, can't you guys wish me something good for once?" Chu Zhao retorted, his fleshy cheeks trembling as he rolled his eyes repeatedly.

Watching the Lv Shuais joking and teasing each other, the corners of Li Jiufang's mouth lifted slightly.

In reality, everyone present understood their chances of winning this battle were extremely slim.

The total forces garrisoned within Qingliu County were no more than 1,400 people.

Though there were many able-bodied men in the city, such numbers were useless in this kind of battle.

Common folk, without training, couldn't lift long spears or don armor.

They would instead disrupt the original formation.

Those who had never been on a battlefield would panic at the sight of danger, causing even more trouble.

As for the exact number of the Golden Flower Maternal Sect's forces, they still did not know, but according to the Scouts' estimates, the Golden Flower Maternal Sect would not have fewer than 10,000 members.

This meant that they were facing an enemy ten times their own number.

"Report! The enemy has appeared thirty li outside the city!"

The Scout's voice rang out.

Li Jiufang and the Lv Shuais put away their smiles, a heavy feeling settling in their hearts.

It was coming...

...

WUUUU—

The deep, heavy sound of a horn accompanied by a great rumbling echoed through the air.

In the courtyard, Qi Xiu and Daoist Qingya, who were seated opposite each other drinking tea, paused mid-motion and turned their heads toward the direction of the noise.

"It has begun."

After a sip of Spiritual Tea, Daoist Qingya's brows and eyes drooped, showing an unusual seriousness and solemnity.

"This is for your protection."

Daoist Qingya took out a purple-black Talisman Script from his bosom.

This Talisman Script, about six inches long, was tiny and exquisite, shining like jade, and engraved with complex and mysterious patterns.

"This is..."

Touching the purple-black Talisman Script, Qi Xiu immediately felt a tingling in his fingertips, as if struck by an electric current.

"A Five Thunder Heart Talisman.

Once activated, it can unleash a force equivalent to that of a Blood-Stained Realm thunder cultivator's Five Thunder Celestial Heart Skill. No one below the Dao Body Realm could easily withstand it.

However, I've placed a restriction on this Talisman Script; it cannot be activated at will. It will only trigger when you face a life-threatening danger.

Keep it for protecting your life."

As he quietly put away the Five Thunder Heart Talisman, Qi Xiu asked Daoist Qingya, who was pretending to be serious, with a smile, "Didn't you say that those above the Blood-Stained Realm should not interfere in worldly conflicts?"

"I haven't interfered, have I? Didn't you just pick up this Talisman Script?"

Blowing lightly on his teacup, Daoist Qingya looked up at Qi Xiu with a raised brow.

"Have you memorized the Dharma Gate I taught you well?"

"Hmm, it's ingrained in my heart."

"Then go. And remember, the sequence of placing the Talisman Scripts must not be wrong, otherwise, the Earth Vein cannot be fully revived."

"I will heed Daoist Qingya's teachings."

Rising to his feet and gathering his sleeves, Qi Xiu gave a bow to Daoist Qingya, just as he was about to turn and leave.

"Hey, wait a moment."

Daoist Qingya suddenly opened his mouth and called out to Qi Xiu.

"Does the Daoist have any further instructions?" Qi Xiu asked, puzzled.

"Nothing much."

Waving his hand, Daoist Qingya turned away.

"Just be extra careful. I'm still waiting for you to report back."

"Hahaha, Daoist, rest assured! I am very protective of my life. Safety always comes first, safety first indeed!"

Laughing heartily, Qi Xiu raised his Escape Light and soared into the sky, plunging headfirst into the battlefield outside the city that was filled with savage cruelty.

With hands clasped behind his back, gazing in the direction where Qi Xiu had departed, Daoist Qingya scratched his own plump belly.

This child truly has some of the style of my younger days.

…

「At Qingliu County, atop the city walls.」

The utterly brutal siege warfare had completely erupted.

The battle on the walls was like purgatory, where the screams, battle cries, and echoes of death from both sides mixed together.

Flesh and blood flew everywhere, and severed limbs were strewn all over the ground.

Relying on their massive numerical advantage, the area beneath the city walls was almost entirely filled with warriors from the Golden Flower Maternal Sect, like a tumultuous wave ferociously pounding against the besieged city.

The war drums sounded!

It was as if they were awakening a sleeping lion.

The city's defenders, like ignited flames, swiftly sprang into action.

Yanking an arrow from his eye socket—the dislodged eyeball he stuffed into his mouth and swallowed—an Iron Peak Army vanguard officer, his face covered in blood, brandished his blade and roared,

"In these chaotic times, if we don't kill a thousand or eight hundred enemies, can we even call ourselves soldiers!

Brothers!

Stay close to the military banner!

Grasp your spears tight!

Wield your swords!

Be the first into battle!

And fight to the death!"

"Fight to the death!"

"Fight to the death!"

"Fight to the death!"

The ferocious roars, shaking everyone on the battlefield, were as ear-piercing and mighty as thunder.

They came from the soldiers' innermost passion and rage, unable to be restrained at this critical juncture of life and death.

"Good! You are truly worthy of my Iron Peak Army's men!

As long as I, Chu Zhao, am here, as long as the Iron Peak Army is here!

None of you shall set foot within Qingliu County!"

Standing majestically at the top of the city walls, ignoring the rain of arrows pouring down like a downpour, Chu Zhao held his battle saber, his eyes flashing with murderous bloodlust.

With saber pointed forward, he bellowed,

"Which of you dares to fight with me!"

"Rustic savage, let me meet your challenge!"

From behind the Golden Flower Maternal Sect, a streak of Escape Light suddenly rose. It was Jiufang, whose insect disaster plan had been thwarted by Qi Xiu's Spirit Pill pouch and who now had to bear full responsibility.

She had wasted tens of thousands of jars of Myriad Nurturing Holy Water.

If this grave charge were confirmed, she would likely face death.

Now, with the war raging, she had no choice but to lead the charge, hoping to earn great merit to lessen her punishment.

"You? I'm in excellent health. You alone probably can't handle me."

Scanning her up and down without reservation, Chu Zhao curled his lip, his eyes filled with crass disdain.

"Insolence!"

Fuming with pent-up anger and provoked by Chu Zhao's frivolous tone, Jiufang burst into true fury, transforming into a streak of Escape Light and charging over.

"You've been tricked!

Now, attack!"

Seeing Jiufang charging forward, Chu Zhao's face quickly lost its frivolous smirk, and a sudden outburst of murderous intent fiercely exploded.

In an instant, a thick shadow of death enveloped Jiufang.

Every hair on her body stood on end.

Realizing something was wrong, Jiufang's expression changed in fright, and she tried to retreat.

"Hahaha! Too late to run now!"

With triumphant laughter, behind Chu Zhao, nine other Lv Shuais each had a dim and ambiguous Array Pattern under their feet, gathering and fusing their strength.

All of it poured into Chu Zhao.

With his hands forming a circle, Chu Zhao revealed a ferocious smirk. His overwhelming qi and blood surged skyward, and beneath Jiufang's feet in the void, it condensed in an instant into an ancient and majestic Array Pattern, filled with an aura of martial slaughter.

"Decimation of Ten Soldiers Formation!

Annihilate her for me!"

The Array Pattern in the void shone brilliantly. Ten shadows coalesced, each firing a piercing beam of blood-light that nailed Jiufang firmly in the void.

BOOM—

She lasted less than three breaths.

Jiufang's Body-Protecting True Gang suddenly shattered, and the piercing beams of blood-light riddled her body, turning it into a wasp's nest.

"Ah! Saintess... save me..."

Bloodied, feeling her life rapidly slipping away, Jiufang howled in agony, turned toward the rear of the Golden Flower Maternal Sect, seeking help.

"A great army of the Great Xuan, only possessing these despicable tricks?"

Stepping on a holy white light, the Saintess of Chiling slowly emerged, looking indifferently at Chu Zhao, her voice cold.

"Hehehe, all's fair in war!

This is war!

You think we're here to play with you."

Goadingly staring at the Saintess of Chiling, Chu Zhao's loosely circled hands suddenly clenched into fists.

With that, those penetrating beams of blood-light moved erratically, and in the blink of an eye, they sliced the Golden Flower Maternal Sect's commander into over a hundred pieces, turning her into a spray of blood rain that scattered all over the ground.

"Hehe, very good. Let's see who can win this war."

Observing Jiufang turned into a pile of mush, the Saintess of Chiling waved her arm, and a dozen streaks of Escape Light rose sharply behind her.

On the city tower, ten Lv Shuais stood side by side, their auras surging.

The real war was only just beginning.

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