Chapter 185: The Death of Xiao2

After Jiang Jiang Mingyu had been out for a while, Wu Xiao2 and Li Goudan discussed leaving him to guard the tunnel while they went out to scout the situation; thus, taking a torch and oilcloth, he rushed out of the tunnel. The moment he emerged, he saw Wang Hao's military camp right before his eyes. There, lights blazed, and the scent of wine and meat overflowed. Wang Hao's soldiers were laughing and celebrating their victory, completely unaware of Wu Xiao2's presence.

Seizing the opportunity, Wu Xiao2 threw the torch and oilcloth toward Wang Hao's camp. The torch and oilcloth quickly caught fire, illuminating Wang Hao's camp as if it were midday. Wang Hao's soldiers were awakened, grabbing their weapons and searching everywhere for the enemy.

Taking advantage of their panic, Wu Xiao2 waved his long blade and charged toward Wang Hao's main tent. He killed many of Wang Hao's soldiers along the way but also suffered numerous wounds. He finally arrived before Wang Hao's main tent. With a mighty swing, he split the tent door open and walked inside.

He saw Wang Hao sitting on a tiger-skin chair in the center of the tent, his face deathly pale. Beside him were several trusted generals and maids. Seeing Wu Xiao2 enter, they all screamed in terror.

Wu Xiao2 ignored them and rushed straight for Wang Hao. Holding his long blade high, he shouted at Wang Hao: "Wang Hao! You rebellious traitor! Today is your day of death!"

Seeing Wu Xiao2's ferocity, Wang Hao was startled. He quickly rose from his chair, drew the precious sword at his waist, and said to Wu Xiao2: "Who are you? You reckless boy! Do you think you can kill me? You are nothing but a petty clown; I am the number one hero under heaven! You have come today only to die!"

As Wang Hao spoke, he swung his sword to stab Wu Xiao2. Wu Xiao2 did not retreat but advanced, raising his blade to meet him. The two engaged in a life-or-death struggle inside the tent. Their blades clashed, emitting a clanging sound. Their eyes met, filled with hatred and murderous intent.

Although Wu Xiao2 suffered heavy injuries, he felt no fear. He had only one thought in his heart: kill Wang Hao, for the sake of the nation and the people. Relying on a surge of bloodlust and courage, he fought Wang Hao to a standstill.

Seeing Wu Xiao2's tenacity, Wang Hao was somewhat surprised. He had thought Wu Xiao2 was already at his wit's end and could be slain with a single strike. But he did not expect Wu Xiao2 to still possess such strength, resisting him for so long. He felt some anger in his heart. He thought: This boy is truly stubborn; he is not easy to deal with. It seems I must use some tricks.

Thinking thus, Wang Hao changed his tactics. He no longer engaged Wu Xiao2 head-on but began to maneuver and dodge, searching for Wu Xiao2's openings. He would flash left and right, pounce and collide, feign an attack then retreat, or launch a real attack then feign a withdrawal. Like a cunning fox, he constantly tested Wu Xiao2's reactions.

Seeing Wang Hao become increasingly agile, Wu Xiao2 felt some anxiety. He knew Wang Hao was stalling, waiting for reinforcements. He thought: I cannot let him succeed. I must end this battle as soon as possible. He increased the frequency of his attacks, trying to force Wang Hao into a direct clash.

Just then, Wu Xiao2 suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looked down and saw that a dagger had pierced his chest. That dagger had been thrown by one of the maids standing behind Wang Hao.

In fact, that maid was one of Wang Hao's mistresses. Seeing Wang Hao and Wu Xiao2 locked in an indecisive fight, she was deeply worried. She thought: I cannot let my beloved get hurt. I must help him kill this boy. So, while Wu Xiao2 was distracted, she secretly drew the dagger hidden in her sleeve and threw it at Wu Xiao2.

The dagger pierced Wu Xiao2's chest, sending a chill through him. He knew his time was short. He barely lifted his head, looking at Wang Hao and that maid. His eyes were filled with grief, indignation, and unwillingness. He thought: I am about to die, and I have not yet completed my mission. I have not yet repaid Wu Xiao2's teachings, I have not yet married the woman I love, I have not yet given my parents an explanation. How can I die like this?

Thinking thus, Wu Xiao2 gritted his teeth, summoning his last shred of strength, and swung a blade at Wang Hao. He thought: Even in death, I will drag you down to hell with me!

Seeing that Wu Xiao2 still possessed such strength, Wang Hao felt some fear. He quickly stepped back, trying to dodge the blade's edge. But he found he had nowhere to retreat. For behind him lay the rubble consumed by flames.

Wang Hao felt a surge of heat from behind, burning his clothes and skin through. He wanted to scream, but found he could no longer speak. For the blade of Wu Xiao2 had already pierced his throat.

Wang Hao and Wu Xiao2 fell embracing each other, collapsing into a sea of fire. Their eyes remained open, gazing at one another. Their eyes were filled with hatred and confusion. They thought: Why did this happen? Why could I and Jiang Jiang Mingyu not live in peace? Why did they have to kill each other? Why did they have to sacrifice their lives for a vague ideal?

Their thoughts grew hazy, their lives slowly fading. The last thing they saw was each other's face.

Just then, a tremendous boom echoed, shaking the entire city. In fact, Li Goudan had placed some gunpowder and bombs in the tunnel, intending to use them against Wang Hao's pursuing troops. But he did not expect the gunpowder and bombs to be ignited by the flames, causing the tunnel to collapse and the city walls to fall, destroying the entire city.

Li Goudan was also buried beneath the ruins. He felt his body crushed by heavy stones, unable to move. He thought: Am I dead? Did I make a great mistake? Did I cause Xiao2's death? His heart was filled with regret and self-blame.

Just then, he heard a voice sound in his ear: "Li Goudan, wake up!"

Li Goudan turned his head and saw a person standing beside him. That person was Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo.

In fact, after the fire attack began, Tu Tu Kesiluo led part of the troops to break out from another direction. He planned to engage Wang Hao's reinforcements, buying time for Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

The moment Jiang Jiang Mingyu went out, he found Tu Tu Kesiluo at the agreed location.

When they heard the tremendous boom coming from within the city, he immediately led his troops back. Seeing the city had become a pile of ruins, he was deeply shocked.

Soon, Jiang Jiang Mingyu found the tunnel entrance.

After walking a while in the tunnel, they saw Li Goudan's figure buried under the stones. Recognizing Li Goudan, he felt a surge of joy. He thought: Li Goudan is still alive, but I do not see Wu Xiao2. He quickly dismounted, ran to Li Goudan's side, and called out: "Li Goudan, wake up!"

Hearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice, Li Goudan barely opened his eyes. Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo standing beside him, he felt warmth in his heart. He thought: My lord is still alive; perhaps he can save Wu Xiao2. With a weak voice, he said: "Wu Xiao2, you have come."

Seeing Li Goudan still had breath, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt relieved. He said to Li Goudan: "Li Goudan, do not be afraid, I am here. First tell me, where is Xiao2?"

Li Goudan pointed forward and said: "Xiao2... Wu Xiao2 is over there... fighting a duel... with Wang Hao..."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was startled. He asked: "Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao fighting a duel? What is the result?"

Li Goudan shook his head and said: "I do not know... I only heard... a tremendous boom... then... I knew nothing..."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu grew even more worried. He thought: Could it be that both Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao are dead? What should I do? He said to Li Goudan: "Li Goudan, rest assured. We will go find Wu Xiao2. Wait for me to return."

Li Goudan nodded and said: "My lord, General Tu... be careful... Wang Hao... is very powerful..."

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded and said: "I know. Do not speak, save your strength." Having said this, he stood up and walked forward.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo exited the tunnel and entered the city. They saw the city was a sea of fire, bodies strewn everywhere. Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought: This is a disaster. He searched for Wu Xiao2's figure in the sea of fire. He soon discovered Wang Hao's main tent. He thought: This must be where Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao fought their duel. He rushed into the tent.

The moment he entered, he saw Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao embracing as they fell, lying quietly in the flames. He saw that Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao's eyes were still open, gazing at each other. He saw that Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao's chests were pierced by blades, their blood staining their clothes red. He saw that Wu Xiao2 and Wang Hao's expressions were filled with hatred and confusion.

Seeing this scene, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo felt as if their hearts were being cut by a knife. Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought: Wu Xiao2 is dead, Wu Xiao2 is dead! He burst into loud weeping, knelt beside Wu Xiao2, embraced his corpse, and cried out: "Xiao2, Xiao2! Wake up! You cannot die!"

After crying for a while, he suddenly felt Wu Xiao2's body tremble slightly. He looked up in surprise and saw Wu Xiao2's eyes blink slightly. He exclaimed in joy: "Xiao2, you are still alive! You are still alive!"

Hearing Tu Tu Kesiluo's voice, Wu Xiao2 barely opened his eyes. Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo holding him and weeping, he felt warmth in his heart. He thought: My lord is still alive; perhaps I can still be saved. With a weak voice, he said: "My lord... you have come..."

Hearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice, Tu Tu Kesiluo felt even more joyful. He said to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Wu Xiao2, do not be afraid, I am here to save you. First tell me, how are you?"

Wu Xiao2 shook his head and said: "I... I cannot go on... I am already... about to die..."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt a pang in his heart. He said: "Wu Xiao2, do not say such things. You can still be saved. I will take you out."

Wu Xiao2 gave a bitter smile and said: "My lord... do not lie to me... I know myself... there is no hope... You must go quickly... do not worry about me..."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt even sadder. He said: "Xiao2, I cannot leave. I cannot abandon you. You are my brother. I will accompany you on this final journey."

Hearing this, Wu Xiao2 was deeply moved. He said to Tu Tu Kesiluo: "My lord... you are a good person... you are a good general... you are a good brother... thank you... for always accompanying me..."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tears flowed even more fiercely. He said to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Xiao2, do not thank me. This is what I should do. I only regret... not being able to help you realize your ideals..."

Hearing this, Wu Xiao2 also shed tears. He said to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "My lord... do not regret... this is not your fault... this is the arrangement of fate... perhaps this is my destiny... perhaps this is the will of heaven..."

The two embraced each other like this, and Wu Xiao2 gradually lost consciousness.

Wu Xiao2's body grew colder and colder, his breath weaker and weaker. He felt he was about to leave this world. He thought of his life, of his parents, of his lover, of his master, of his lord. He felt that although he had accomplished nothing great, he had not lived in vain.

He felt that although he had gained no honor, he had not betrayed any trust. He felt that although he had realized no ideals, he had not betrayed any principles. He felt that although he had left no legacy, he had not incurred any debt. He felt he was a lucky person, for he had good brothers, a good lord, good friends, good partners, good comrades, good comrades-in-arms. He felt he was a happy person, for he had had a beautiful youth, a passionate adventure, a fierce battle, a heroic sacrifice. He felt he was a proud person, for for a great goal, for a righteous cause, for a bright future, for a beautiful dream, he had fought, challenged, struggled, and died without hesitation.

Wu Xiao2 closed his eyes. He felt Jiang Jiang Mingyu tightly gripping his hand, unwilling to let go. He felt Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hot tears flowing, constantly calling his name. He felt Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently stroking his cheek, unwilling to believe he was gone. Wu Xiao2 said in his heart to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: My lord, do not be sad. I am not dead. I have only gone to another world. I will wait for you there. We will meet again. We will drink and eat meat together again. We will laugh and talk together again. We will fight side by side again. We will share glory together again. My lord, do not forget me. I will always be your most loyal subordinate. I will always be your closest brother. I will always be your most reliable support. I will always be your strongest shield.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt Wu Xiao2's hand gradually loosen, he felt Wu Xiao2's breath gradually stop, he felt Wu Xiao2's heartbeat gradually vanish. He knew Wu Xiao2 had gone, gone very far, very far, never to return. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart was cut like a knife, in unbearable pain. He shouted loudly at Wu Xiao2: Xiao2! Xiao2! You cannot die! You cannot die! You cannot leave me like this! You cannot abandon me like this! You cannot leave me alone like this! You cannot leave me helpless like this! You cannot leave me in despair like this! Xiao2! Xiao2! Come back! Come back! Return to my side! Return to my embrace! Return to my sight! Return to my life! Xiao2! Xiao2! Did you hear? Did you hear? Promise me! Promise me!

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice echoed in the main tent, but received no response. Only the flames crackled, only blood dripped drop by drop, only death was silent and soundless. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt his world had collapsed, he felt his soul had shattered, he felt his life had ended. He held Wu Xiao2's corpse, unwilling to let go, unwilling to rise, unwilling to leave. He was like a child who had lost his favorite toy, lost his closest partner, lost his most important support. He was like a madman, weeping without regard for anything, shouting without regard for anything, struggling without regard for anything. He was like a tragedy, played by fate, cruelly treated by reality, tormented by life.

Tu Tu Kesiluo stood aside, silently watching Jiang Jiang Mingyu's grief. He also felt endless sorrow and helplessness. He also wanted to weep and shout for Wu Xiao2. But he knew he could not do so. For he was a general, a warrior, a leader. He could not show his weakness and fragility. He could not let his subordinates see his tears and trembling. He could not let his enemies see his fear and despair. He must be strong and brave. He must be calm and rational. He must be decisive and wise. For he still had responsibilities and missions. For he still had war and victory. For he still had the nation and the people.

Tu Tu Kesiluo walked to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's side, gently patted his shoulder, and said in a low voice: "My lord, I know you are very sad. I am very sad too. Xiao2 was our good brother; we all loved him, we all miss him. But we cannot give up like this. We cannot yield like this. We cannot fail like this. We still have more important things to do. We must still avenge Xiao2. We must still revive the nation. We must still bring glory to the people. My lord, please pull yourself together. Please stand up. Please come with me." Hearing Tu Tu Kesiluo's words, Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised his head and looked into Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes.

He saw determination and belief in Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes, loyalty and respect, friendship and sympathy, hope and expectation. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt that Tu Tu Kesiluo truly cared for him, truly supported him, truly accompanied him, truly encouraged him. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt he still had a good brother, a good lord, a good friend, a good partner, a good comrade, a good comrade-in-arms. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt he still had a shred of strength, a shred of courage, a shred of hope, a shred of dream. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt he still had things worth fighting for, protecting, realizing. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt he could not give up like this, could not collapse like this, could not end like this. Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt he was still a person, a living person, a person with flesh and blood and emotions, a person with ideals and beliefs.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu wiped away his tears, released Wu Xiao2's corpse, and stood up. He said to Wu Xiao2: "Xiao2, rest assured. I will not forget you. I will avenge you. I will complete your ideals for you. I will guard your hometown for you. I will preserve your name for you. Xiao2, wait. We will definitely meet again. We will definitely laugh together again." Having said this, he turned around and said to Tu Tu Kesiluo: "General Tu, let us go. We still have things to do." Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded and said: "Yes, my lord." He then followed Jiang Jiang Mingyu out of the tent.