Chapter 105: Breaking Off Relations

Wide streets, magnificent palaces, ten thousand torches illuminated the dark night like daylight, only hearing the sound of one person's horse hooves, swords and halberds like a forest, the light reflecting on his crimson-as-blood cloak, almost making people unable to look directly.

The Shao Yuan Jun's perfect smile could make the women of the world's hearts beat, could make the ice peak melt into spring water, but at this time, the cold sharpness of Huang Fei's lips made everyone present feel a bone-chilling chill.

Slaughtering ten thousand armies, destroying cities and countries, Qie Lan had never seen him look like this.

But Huang Fei did not look at anyone from the Jiuyi Tribe, including Ye Xuanshang and Su Ying. Among thousands of people, he only stared coldly at the woman dancing in gorgeous clothes in front of the Jun Mansion amidst the sword and spear shadows.

"Zi Rao Sister!" A sad cry suddenly came from the Liefeng Cavalry. Han Xi, with messy hair, rode forward and shouted, "You... why did you do that!"

Among the generals behind Huang Fei, Fang Feibai's face was gloomy, with Zhao Yu, who was dying, leaning in front of his horse; Old General Kuang Tian held a whip on the side, and three gray-clothed old men followed a step away, looking unremarkable, not knowing what their identities were; Zhan Xing and Yi Qingqing were both glaring at the crowd, Xiao Luchen fell slightly behind, half-closing his eyes to adjust his breath, seeing that although he saved his life, it was impossible to restore his cultivation without a few months.

When Fang Feibai and the others arrived at the Shangyang Palace, Huang Fei had already rescued Han Xi and Zhao Yu one step ahead. The entire Shangyang Palace was destroyed in the sea of fire, Han Xi was fortunately unharmed, but Zhao Yu was seriously injured and almost lost her life. At this time, she relied entirely on Fang Feibai's protection, she struggled to raise her hand and pointed at Zi Rao, "You demoness... how could the Monarch trust you so much... and actually commit such a poisonous hand..." Zi Rao ignored her, but when she looked at Fang Feibai, the ink color in her pupils suddenly closed, and a bit of ink color darkened like light.

Fang Feibai looked back at Zi Rao expressionlessly, and Su Ying, who hated him to the bone, but he knew that the change in the Hengyuan Hall tonight was nothing compared to this.

The Queen of Chu and the little prince died unexpectedly in the sea of fire, causing the Jun Mansion to fall into unprecedented passivity. The King of Chu died in the chaotic army, the Helian remnants retreated to the Western Mountain, Han Hui went missing in the chaotic battle, Han Xi Princess, although a childhood sweetheart with the Shao Yuan Jun, had a heart for the Eastern Emperor. If the Eastern Emperor wanted to blame the King of Chu's death on the Jun Mansion, it could be said to be easy, and even by using some means to control Han Xi, he could indirectly influence the Chu State's political situation. Tonight Su Ying escaped from prison, Third Young Master Ye sneaked into the palace, the Jiuyi Tribe helped with all their strength, all of which were inseparable from the Di Du, and what was even more terrifying was that there was a Xuan King Ji Cang.

The Xuan-Chu War, both sides exhausted their national strength in this one battle, Ji Cang and the Di Du behind the Mingyi Tower, whether they had already reached some kind of cooperation in secret? Who exactly does the Eastern Emperor want to support, Chu or Mu? The Nine Princess changed the marriage contract to marry in five days, what kind of chess move is this? Is all this a conspiracy by various forces against the Chu State?

What Fang Feibai could think of, Huang Fei could naturally think of too.

Surrounded by heavy troops, the surroundings were silent, one person stopped by the steps, one person rode across the long street, the charming face, the sharp gaze, only the sound of wind, fire, and clothes fluttering could be heard between the two, constantly striking everyone's heart.

Finally, Huang Fei opened his mouth coldly, "When the fire started in the Shangyang Palace, where were you?"

Zi Rao's brows moved slightly, and she did not answer.

Huang Fei's gaze gradually turned fierce, and he suddenly shouted, "Yue Yan! Tell her!"

The two generals who had just been mobilized out of the Jun Mansion by Zi Rao were both in the formation. They met the Liefeng Cavalry on the way to the Shangyang Palace. Yue Yan's voice did not carry a trace of emotion, word by word stating the undeniable facts, "Since the Monarch left, the Nine Princess and two accompanying maids entered the bedroom, until the Shangyang Palace caught fire, the subordinate did not see the Princess again."

Zi Rao remained silent.

Huang Fei stared at her, the dark tide in his eyes surging like the underworld flames from hell, as if he wanted to burn this enchanting color into ashes. Han Xi trembled and said, "Zi Rao Sister, did you really have another purpose for marrying Huang Fei? Why don't you speak, don't you dare to answer personally?"

Under the night wind, Zi Rao suddenly smiled lightly, her cinnabar lips opened slightly, and said one word: "Yes." Turning her eyes to Han Xi, "You are right."

Han Xi opened her eyes wide, her body wrapped in a cloak trembling slightly, "If it was for the Di Du's plan, for the Royal Family, even if you had to kill an innocent baby and a defenseless woman, you wouldn't hesitate?"

Zi Rao's face was like still water, saying lightly, "Yes."

One word stirred up a thousand waves. Although the Jun Mansion side was still strictly arrayed and no one spoke, the suddenly intense murderous aura made the surrounding air like a deep lake ice cracking, surging with angry waves. Ye Xuanshang's eyes flashed with surprise, and the wind and clouds passed by. Qie Lan and the others looked at Zi Rao standing alone under the moon, all showing shock. If the change in the Shangyang Palace was the Di Du's open repair of the plank road and secret crossing of the Chencang, then this means of overturning the universe would bring how terrible shocks to the Nine Domains, no one dared to assert, and no one dared to imagine.

Hearing Zi Rao's answer, Han Xi bit her lip tightly, two lines of tears falling, "Then Zi Hao Brother..."

Zi Rao watched her falling tears, her cinnabar lips seemed to have a trace of charming and strange smile, "Zi Hao, he is my only relative. If it is for him, I can do anything."

Han Xi shook her head, "But... Royal Brother is my brother, Royal Sister-in-law... Royal Sister-in-law is also Huang Fei's only relative!"

A red shadow flashed in front of her, Huang Fei suddenly raised his hand, "Han Xi, you step back!"

Han Xi was shocked by him, only to see the red color in his eyes, his face cold and terrifying, thinking of the Queen of Chu and the newborn baby dying in the sea of fire, actually leaving no bones, she choked up for a while and couldn't say a word.

Huang Fei's eyes were compelling, looking around the army, nodding and sneering, "Your plan is not bad, using the marriage alliance as an excuse to promote the Xuan-Chu War, step by step making the Chu State fall into chaos, waiting for me and Ji Cang to lose both sides, the Di Du can sit and reap the benefits, and then unite with the Mu State and Jiuyi to eliminate the Xuan King and unify the Nine Domains. Very good! Zi Rao, you are worthy of being the woman I, Huang Fei, fancy, having this qualification and courage to go against me, it is a pity that you forgot who can truly control the Chu State!" The Zhuri sword was unsheathed with a "clang". "Tonight, you and I have no more affection!"

The sword edge was dazzling, Zi Rao couldn't help but narrow her eyes slightly, her gaze flowing like stars, whether happy or angry, sad or happy, no one could say what her expression was at this time. After a stalemate for a while, only to see her smile lightly, raise her sleeves and hands, the brilliant phoenix crown fell to the ground, her long hair scattered in the wind, accompanied by her cold, charming, and pleasant voice, "Well, this play, I'm tired of acting anyway, this is refreshing."

Black hair and dark clothes fluttered like dancing, night wind urged clouds to darken, firelight hurriedly reflected their jade faces and heroic postures, peerless style, one night of husband and wife love, solemn monarch and minister righteousness, all vanished in this gesture, Zi Rao narrowed her eyes and turned to the Jiuyi Tribe, "What does Queen Qie Lan think?"

Qie Lan's bow and arrow tightened slightly, slowly raising her eyes, actually smiling, "I knew one day I would face Senior brother on the battlefield, but I didn't expect it to come so soon."

"You think the Eastern Emperor can really protect Jiuyi?" Huang Fei raised his hand coldly, and with the fierce light of the Zhuri sword, the three armies moved, and the blood-like murderous aura rushed towards them!

Zi Rao and Qie Lan's breathing tightened at the same time, the Zhuri sword fell, the Liefeng Cavalry moved, and the murderous aura like blood rushed towards them!

Outside the West City Gate of the Chu capital, the fire did not go out along the way, broken swords and remnants were scattered in the wild grass and chaotic stones, corpses were everywhere, the night wind kept blowing the pungent smell of blood, mixed with bursts of thick smoke, and the wailing of soldiers who were seriously injured and dying.

The Helian Hou Mansion and the Liefeng Cavalry pursuers fought fiercely all the way, retreating steadily. By the time they killed their way out of the city, there were less than two thousand of the ten thousand rebel troops left, everyone had no will to fight, horses were tired, seeing the defeat was irreversible, fortunately, a fire in the Shangyang Palace caused Huang Fei to unexpectedly return to the division, Helian Xiao, the son of Helian Wenren who had been controlling the outer city guards, led reinforcements to arrive in time, and joined Helian Yiren to retreat to the Western Mountain military camp.

Clouds covered the moon, the sound of horse hooves, a team of red-armored iron cavalry galloped across the mountain fields where the war had just ended, led by Shan Qi, one of the four generals of the Jun Mansion. This road of troops left the city to the west, joined the three thousand iron guards led by Feng Yun at the bank of the Yuan River, thousands of torches were like dragons, straight to the Le Yao Gong. At the same time, the city defense navy moved along the river, warships shuttled back and forth, and the war clouds were dense.

In less than half a quarter of an hour, the water and land roads leading to the Le Yao Gong were all blocked, and even birds could hardly fly out.

Just at this time, a team of people appeared on the road that must pass through the Le Yao Gong.

The leader was Nie Qi. The firelight shone on the carriage shaft decorated with Kui dragon patterns and black jade double pendants, plus the guards on the side, the face was like an ancient well, and the identity of the person in the carriage was self-evident.

Meeting on a narrow road, the galloping Liefeng Cavalry suddenly separated, copying to both sides like eagle wings.

Shang Rong's long brows lifted, and he suddenly retreated from the front to the side of the carriage. Heavy firelight penetrated through the carriage curtains, reflecting on Zi Hao's cold face. His sleeves moved slightly, the jade flute fell into his palm, and he decisively ordered, "Capture the main general, break out of the encirclement with all strength!"

The Chu capital, which was usually prosperous and lively, was now a bloody storm.

The moment Zi Rao and the others made contact with the Liefeng Cavalry, they were plunged into a bloody, bitter battle. The elite troops of the Marquis Mansion, renowned throughout the Nine Domains, not only held an absolute advantage in numbers, but their tactical strategy was also impeccable. The spearmen leading the charge, coordinated with the fast-saber battalions on both flanks, alone forced everyone within the confines of the Marquis Mansion's long street. The heavy cavalry on the perimeter, unsuited for alley fighting, remained motionless, subtly sealing off every street intersection. Meanwhile, nearly a thousand mansion guards split into two routes, striking from the left and right simultaneously, effectively cutting the Mingyi Tower subordinates and the Jiuyi tribespeople—who belonged to the Di Du—cleanly in two, leaving them unable to support one another and greatly reducing their combat effectiveness.

Zi Rao's side mostly consisted of Jiuyi Tribe soldiers, commanded by Qie Lan, but Ye Xuanshang had the highest martial arts. At this critical moment of continuous fierce fighting, he knew very well that if they were defeated one by one, this team of less than a hundred people would be quickly swallowed by the iron tide-like Liefeng Cavalry. Even if they were top experts, they would only die in battle.

The Shao Yuan Jun Mansion was located in the east of Shangying City, adjacent to the forbidden palace imperial garden with continuous halls on the left, and the Chu River natural danger with beautiful mountains on the right. Now the royal palace had been covered by fire, and there were Duqi forbidden guards blocking and controlling it. Only by using the river water route that connected the Chu and Mu countries could they have a chance to escape.

Whether they could concentrate their strength to kill their way out of this long street of less than a hundred meters in the Jun Mansion was the key to life and death.

The Guili sword's cold light flashed, and two long knives attacking the face were broken. In the blood flying and bones cracking, the ten or so soldiers who rushed up were all killed or injured. When they fell back, they hit the outer soldiers again, and the tight formation of the Liefeng Cavalry produced chaos.

Ye Xuanshang was calm, taking the opportunity to rush to the enemy formation first.

Qie Lan's eyesight was no less than Ye Xuanshang's. Knowing that the opportunity to break out was fleeting, she fought hard against the enemy's blades with the sharpness of the Fuxuan sword. Under the sword light and snow clothes, almost no one could block her move, and she forcibly advanced to Ye Xuanshang's right wing.

Zi Rao also followed Ye Xuanshang's left side at the same time. The strange light of the thousand-thread technique formed a beautiful strange light in the battlefield where flesh and blood flew, and the silk shadows changed and danced, weird and unpredictable. Anyone who entered its coverage range would definitely not survive, making Ye Xuanshang have no worries, and the Guili sword technique was exerted to the extreme.

Formed by these three people as the vanguard, they killed a bloody path from the tiger-wolf-like enemy, Li Si and Su Ying followed closely, the command of the Jiuyi Tribe was transferred to Shusun Yi, and the well-trained silver-armored soldiers were suppressed by two experts, Chu Rang and Sikong Yu, and cooperated with female generals with slightly weaker martial arts such as Qingming and Luan Ying, constantly advancing forward.

At this time, the Mingyi Tower side, which was heavily pressed and surrounded by enemy troops, was in a dangerous situation of being completely wiped out.

Ye Xuanshang roared, the Guili sword flashed left and right, rolling towards the two generals of the Jun Mansion who joined forces to block.

Two "clang" sounds shocked the whole field. With the joint attack of the two generals, they couldn't block his one sword. If they retreated a step late, it would be hard to guarantee they wouldn't splash blood on the spot.

The two generals were like this, and others were even less able to resist the power of the Guili sword, and the blockade in front of the formation collapsed. Seeing that they were only a few steps away, the two sides could meet, and suddenly a whistle came from the front of the Jun Mansion.

The Liefeng Cavalry fast knife camp heard the order and retreated, countless spearmen formed a car-suspension battle formation like an iron bucket, spear shadows were dense in all directions, alternating and rotating, and the Jiuyi Tribe's offensive suddenly stagnated.

High in the Jun Mansion, Huang Fei and others were looking coldly at the tragic battlefield below.

Not far behind him, Han Xi stood there motionless, surrounded by strict protection of the guards. This night of shocking changes, the unprecedented slaughter and bloodshed, seemed to have knocked her into a nightmare, and she couldn't believe the cruel facts before her until now. Every time the blood light entered her eyes, her bitten red lips trembled slightly, but even she could see that facing Huang Fei's ruthless suppression, Zi Rao and others' death or capture was only a matter of time.

The Liefeng Cavalry formation operated continuously, but did not rush to attack, clearly wanting to consume the opponent's physical strength with a wheel battle. By the time the frontal annihilation battle ended, the battle circle here suddenly tightened, and the powerful pressure that came suddenly almost destroyed everyone's fighting spirit, and the Jiuyi Tribe soldiers with weaker martial arts immediately suffered heavy casualties.

Such an orderly coordinated attack would annihilate the enemy in several times the time of a chaotic army battle, preserving one's own combat effectiveness. Every move of the Liefeng Cavalry showed its well-deserved, unstoppable strength. What's more, at this time, the experts with the highest martial arts in the Jun Mansion, Huang Fei and Fang Feibai, had not yet made a move, and even the Southern Chu troops led by Zhan Xing and Yi Qingqing, the "Soul Rope" Kuang Tian and the three gray-clothed old men beside him, and even the core members of the original Zizai Hall were just watching from the side, and the true strength of the Shao Yuan Jun Mansion was far more than this.

"I didn't expect Ye Xuanshang to be so powerful at this time, it's a pity." Fang Feibai had missed his hand in the Hengyuan Hall earlier, and it was not a heartfelt submission. At this time, these words were truly felt, and he glanced at Bie He and others who were eager to try because of the fierce battle in front of him, and turned to Huang Fei, "It's almost time, why are you still dawdling with them?"

At this moment, there were no outsiders, and he and Huang Fei did

At this moment, with no outsiders nearby, he and Huang Fei did not strictly observe etiquette, and only Fang Feibai knew best why Huang Fei had ordered the group of experts to hold back their strength.

Even in the midst of a towering rage, the Shao Yuan Jun, as a commander, still maintained precise and terrifying decisiveness.

When the enemy was exhausted and his own side's morale and bloodlust had been stirred to the peak by the slaughter on the battlefield, this fresh force—which had long since seen through the enemy's strengths and weaknesses—would, once joined, act like a fatal strike of nine-heaven thunder, thoroughly ending this encirclement and annihilation battle.

The perfect moment had already arrived.

Huang Fei's handsome face seemed carved from solid ice; even the emotion of anger was entirely absent. He opened his mouth to issue orders: "Zhan Xing and Qingqing, each lead your men to strike from the flanks; do not show mercy to Su Ying or that maidservant. The three masters, Zhong, Ming, and Cha, are responsible for intercepting the Jiuyi generals. Old General Kuang will deal with Qie Lan, Feibai will intercept Ye Xuanshang, and Biehe and Xianqing, you all find a way to trap Zi Rao. Aside from her, kill everyone else without exception!"

His deployment of troops and generals seemed to be spoken offhandedly, but in reality, every step had been meticulously calculated.

Using the South Chu elites led by Zhan Xing and his wife to strike directly at the enemy's soft underbelly, killing the weakest, Li Si and Su Ying, in one blow to break the enemy formation; the three gray-clad elders dealing with the Jiuyi generals were experts of the same standing as Kuang Tian among the "Ghost Masters" of the past. Using them to pin down Shusun Yi and the others was precisely to coordinate with the front, cutting the enemy in two so they could not attend to both ends. As for using Kuang Tian's soft whip to deal with Qie Lan's Floating Gossamer Sword, and Fang Feibai to intercept Ye Xuanshang, it was also perfectly timed and would be without issue.

With the orders issued one after another, the overall situation was set. Fang Feibai nodded secretly, but upon hearing the last sentence, he was suddenly stunned: "We have reached the point of breaking with the Di Du, yet you intend to spare her?"

Huang Fei's pupils contracted slightly, flashing with a sharp, strange light: "Opposing the Shao Yuan Jun Mansion—is it really as easy as throwing one's life away? Since the Eastern Emperor wishes to compete with me, I shall accompany him to the end!"

Fang Feibai's double hooks fell into his hands, and he raised an eyebrow, laughing: "I thought you had truly developed feelings for her. In that case, no matter what, I must be the one to destroy the flower."

Huang Fei snorted coldly: "A superfluous act. Move!"

(End of Chapter)