[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-peace-decree":3,"chapter-the-peace-decree-the-peace-decree-chapter-53":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Peace Decree",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2328228,4553,"Chapter 53","the-peace-decree-chapter-53",53,"\u003Cp>The warrior’s aura surged skyward, churning the crimson flames above, staining the thick clouds with red. Yue Qianfeng stood atop the peak, yet did not charge into the city as the courtiers above had guessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his status as the South Chen’s undisputed master of foot combat, if he stormed into Guanyi City—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In close-quarters battle, few could stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could pierce Chen Guo’s heart like a sharp spear, striking straight toward Jiangzhou City, only two hundred li away—then the tiger would enter the mortal world, and even the ministers of the capital would tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he could not do this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Qianfeng held a wine jug, standing there watching the townsfolk within the city, the smoke and dust of life now in chaos after his roar. He lowered his gaze, tilted his head, and drank the cheap wine—one cash a cup, three strings a jug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were his comrades, the very people they had fought to the death to protect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he turn his blade against them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A master like him—even without a divine weapon—could, in a single burst, slaughter tens of thousands. Who would die beneath his fists? Whose father? Whose child? Whose daughter? Whose beloved?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted the wine jug, tilted his neck, and swallowed the fiery liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wanted criminals he had captured trembled, then, under his gaze, charged toward three of the city gates, leaving only one gate open. These criminals carried Crimson Dragon Qi—if they harmed civilians, they knew the fate awaiting them and did not wish to feel it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who refused to cooperate were crushed by the giant’s fist—one blow, each skull burst like a rotten melon. As he killed these fugitives, Yue Qianfeng’s eyes held cold, dead intent, colder than the most vicious criminals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the wanted criminals surged toward the three gates, disrupting the view—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zu Lao would calmly enter from among the last group of civilians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mo Family’s Grand Master and the Yin-Yang School’s Si Ming waited there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the most crucial element was not the fugitives—it was Yue Qianfeng himself, the rebel whose presence drew the gaze of every powerful figure, noble, and clan in the city, ensuring Zu Lao’s safe entry and completing the final step of the rescue of Marshal Yue. That was the plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could a great general of the realm be a fool who knew no strategy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment he defected from Yue’s army, his purpose was this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it meant his own death here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Qianfeng grinned faintly, murmuring silently to himself:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue’s Army does not harm civilians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frontier generals do not disturb the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We are your soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upholding loyalty and righteousness to the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My brothers who fought and died beside me—if I die here, I’ll bear the title of traitor alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My comrades on the frontier will be safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he drained the wine, placed the Yue Army waist token beside the flask, and whispered: “Marshal, watch me charge once more. You pulled me from a mountain bandit to the path of honor, gave me this great name. Today, I return it all to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This life. This martial prowess. This name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gripped two hand halberds and hurled them with full force, unleashing his battle qi. The halberds spun, tearing through his internal energy, twisting the primordial qi into flames. At that moment, his manifestation seemed to manifest through the fire—two fire dragons crossed ten li of distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they slammed into the city gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mo Family’s giant crossbows mounted on the walls shattered instantly. The five-inch-thick city gate shattered into dust. The massive bronze gate nails melted as if consumed by flame. The gate could not close. The burly giant roared with laughter:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahahaha! Yue Qianfeng is here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who dares fight me to the death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>………………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The martial aura surged skyward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi grunted, feeling the clash of dragon and tiger qi strike him. His brush tip pressed hard against the white paper, leaving a black ink spot. The other literati maintained their calm, but the young students were thrown into panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the great change!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in black armor, his brow resolute, stood atop the gate, slashing through the lingering qi with his blade. He planted his sword tip into the ground—his first priority: defend Guanyi City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was Chen Guo’s famed city defender, fearing Yue Qianfeng sought to lure him away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slashed through the charging fugitives, roaring: “Xue Daoyong!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the imperial villa, an old man in Confucian robes sighed. Xue Shuangtao froze as she saw her grandfather raise his hand, pull down his robe, revealing a fitted battle suit beneath, and beneath that, soft armor. The elder grasped a heavy bow and said: “Those who play the game often cannot leave it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guanyi, remember this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will protect you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Tiger manifestation roared. The old man strode forward. The White Tiger rode the gale. He drew his bow and leapt into the air. The bow stretched taut. The distance to the gate was five li; to Yue Qianfeng, fifteen li. One arrow unleashed golden wind, tearing through the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It spun, shredding toward Yue Qianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Qianfeng gripped his halberds and swept them hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like thunder cracking open, the shockwave rolled across the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragon roared! Tiger howled!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Daoyong did not hesitate—he swiftly retreated from the city, lest their clash drag civilians into the battle. His arrows flew, and as the primordial qi surged, his manifestation briefly manifested, visible to the naked eye: a colossal crimson dragon roared in the sky, while the White Tiger bellowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden winds tore all things. Flames burned against the crimson clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like ancient myth reborn, it descended upon the mortal world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth trembled. Guanyi City shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholars turned pale, awestruck by the terrifying battle. Long silence followed. Their voices trembled: “Th-this… this is a traitor… Elder Xue’s archery is peerless, unmatched under heaven—he must prevail…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi felt the bronze ding change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragon and tiger converged. Literature and martial qi flowed. This was precisely the great change Si Ming had spoken of—the moment when literary fortune reached its peak and martial qi surged to its height. This was the opportunity Xue Shen had named. Li Guanyi could now feel the fusion of his manifestation and internal qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the threshold to entry!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The supreme entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Guanyi’s heart was not on this. He held his brush, gazing afar, recalling all he had seen these past days. At last, he understood: Guanyi City’s defenses were set to await Yue Qianfeng—and Yue Qianfeng was the warrior escorting Elder Zu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the clash between the imperial clan, Chen Dynasty, and frontier generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Xue Daoyong, Guanyi City’s strongest, was drawn into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would kill each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi had heard the elder’s praise and regret for Marshal Yue. He knew Yue Qianfeng’s purpose. He immediately judged: Xue Daoyong and Yue Qianfeng were not enemies destined to fight to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But neither of them knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an imperial relative, Xue Daoyong believed Yue Qianfeng sought to storm Jiangzhou’s imperial palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Qianfeng believed Xue Daoyong was the one blocking Elder Zu’s entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would fight desperately, each for their own cause and stance. Such masters, such stakes—death was not impossible. Li Guanyi watched the dragon and tiger qi clash in the sky, devouring each other. He saw the crimson dragon’s eyes blazing red, the White Tiger’s fangs bared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw their killing intent, their will to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, within his bronze ding, the primordial qi boiled. The long-awaited threshold to entry lay before him. If he sat here, where literary qi was strongest, he would naturally break through—and he could use the dragon-tiger clash to push his manifestation into a purer realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy lowered his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand, pressed to his chest, loosened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly laughed and cursed: “To hell with it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crimson dragon roared, flames burning upward against the heavens—Yue Qianfeng had unleashed a technique, slashing down with terrible force. Xue Daoyong had not anticipated such desperate resolve and brutal strength. He took a blow, and the White Tiger formed from the clouds screamed in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bow shattered. Xue Daoyong was clearly losing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shuangtao’s face turned pale. She seemed to hear her grandfather’s pained grunt, her heart aching as if stabbed. Tears welled in her eyes. Around her, all scholars—even the powerful literati—remained motionless. Then, suddenly, a clear whistle pierced the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, the neigh of a warhorse exploded. Several men were thrown aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A horse with crimson mane tossed its head, flinging off its groom, galloping toward them. Changsun Wuchou recognized the horse, eyes wide: “That’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Guanyi?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure sprinted out, brushing past Xue Shuangtao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under silent stares, the boy in blue robes leapt onto the horse, right hand gripping the Su Ni bow, left hand clutching the reins. The once-rebellious steed reared up, neighing like a dragon. Changsun Wuchou lunged forward: “Li Guanyi, what are you doing?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Guanyi’s eyes blazed: “Gratitude repaid is justice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is where my righteousness lies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only he, who could absorb the essence of manifestations, had the right to enter. Only he, who knew both sides and saw the tide, could speak now. Even if he risked being caught in the backlash. Even if he might fail. Even if it cost him his entry—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spurred the horse. It neighed. He abandoned the supreme entry. Perhaps his body was still young. Perhaps it was true—youth has its own wildness. To watch two men who had both shown him great kindness kill each other, while he sat quietly to break through—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy’s brow lifted. He laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart blazed like the sun, radiating ten thousand rays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon and tiger manifestations paused. Though Li Guanyi had abandoned the technique Xue Shen had given him to enter through battle posture, the two manifestations grew even more fervent—no longer restless as before, but filled with an indescribable spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bold and spirited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if ready to fuse completely with the boy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warhorse neighed, carrying Li Guanyi forward, charging against the crowd of scholars and literati. Not a sound stirred. Even the most arrogant scions wore complex expressions. Xue Shuangtao’s eyes widened, reflecting the boy’s bold spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this most literary gathering of thirty years, among those raised since childhood in benevolence, righteousness, and courage—he was the only one who dared, in such a moment, declare: “This is my righteousness,” and charge forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would be famed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiangzhou, Li Guanyi.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1768,"2026-06-20T19:20:33.127Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","afd3e410ad1a2da07902bf9b335b146f0a40d1d0d539b1fb85d10b41430735ca","the-peace-decree-chapter-54","the-peace-decree-chapter-52",593,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-peace-decree-cover.jpg"]