Chapter 248: One More Move

The enemy, seeing this, were utterly terrified. They had never imagined they would find themselves in such a predicament. They tried to flee, but discovered they were completely surrounded by Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's troops, with no escape.

They could only fight desperately, but it was useless. Their cavalry, before Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's forces, was as fragile as tofu, cut down in droves.

Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's troops grew fiercer with each kill, closing in ever tighter. They gave the enemy no chance to catch breath—only death awaited them.

In no time, the enemy cavalry was annihilated, leaving only a field of corpses and blood. Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's forces also suffered heavy losses, reduced to less than half their original strength.

Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu exchanged a glance and laughed, embracing each other. Both felt immense relief and pride. They had won this victory at the cost of their own lives.

The soldiers behind them shouted in unison: "We've won! We've won!"

Their voices shook the forests and echoed throughout Lin'an City.

The defenders inside Lin'an City heard the cries and stared in terror at the outskirts. They saw Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's troops cheering wildly in the woods, and the enemy cavalry lying dead across the forest floor.

Hu Han Na's heart sank. He had believed his elite cavalry could handle Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's forces.

He had thought he could use this cavalry to wear down Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's strength, then hold them back with the city walls.

Half an hour later, below Lin'an City, the armies were fully arrayed.

After a moment of stalemate, Tian Jiu raised his blade and roared toward Hu Han Na on the ramparts: "Hu Han Na, come down and face death!"

Hu Han Na, enraged, drew his sword at once and shouted: "Tian Jiu, traitor who betrayed his lord—how dare you show your face!"

Tian Jiu sneered in reply: "Those who aid tyrants have only one fate—total annihilation! My lord will unify all under heaven. You cling to outdated ways—your only path is death!"

Enraged, Hu Han Na immediately led his troops out of the city: "You rebel dog, daring to speak of heaven's will? I'll take your head!"

The two armies clashed beneath the city walls. Hu Han Na rode forth alone, charging straight for Tian Jiu.

"Traitor, die!" He raised his long blade and brought it down with full force. Tian Jiu met it with his own, blades colliding—the battle was joined.

"Come on!" Tian Jiu laughed, eyes blazing red, his strength surging. Hu Han Na struggled, already overwhelmed.

As Hu Han Na reeled back, Tian Jiu spun his horse and launched a reverse spear thrust—his blade aimed straight for Hu Han Na's back!

Hu Han Na barely turned to block—too late. He and his horse tumbled to the ground. Tian Jiu pressed the advantage, slashing his blade through Hu Han Na's sword and driving it straight into his chest!

"Die!" With a thunderous roar, Tian Jiu's blade pierced Hu Han Na's chest. Hu Han Na screamed in agony and died.

"Good! Good! Good!" Jiang Mingyu, watching from afar, burst into laughter at Tian Jiu's killing of the enemy commander, his spirits soaring.

Tian Jiu raised his blade and roared, voice booming: "Comrades, we march now! Today, we take Lin'an City—leave not one alive!"

The eager vanguard charged into the enemy ranks with a deafening roar. Tian Jiu led the charge, unstoppable.

"Die!" He slashed at a nearby soldier—the man fell instantly, blood spraying.

"Kill!" Jiang Mingyu, from afar, raised his tiger tally and led the main force into the city. Zhang Jiaqi held the rear, guarding the center and preventing any enemy counterattack.

"For our lord, charge with me!" Zhang Jiaqi rode ahead, his sword a streak of light—every enemy before him recoiled.

Inside Lin'an City, cries of despair filled the air. Jiang Mingyu's army advanced as if through empty land, swiftly capturing and breaking the enemy forces.

By evening, Lin'an City had fallen completely.

Tian Jiu, having slain Hu Han Na, led his troops into the city and joined Jiang Mingyu. The two met, embraced, and laughed together in triumph.

"Brother Tian, you were magnificent—slaying the enemy commander in one stroke, earning our army an immortal feat!" Jiang Mingyu praised.

"Nonsense, nonsense. This victory is all due to our lord's brilliance, giving us the chance to act."

"Enough with the modesty. Today, you are the undisputed hero—no one else comes close. Come, let's enter the city and celebrate together!" Jiang Mingyu grabbed Tian Jiu's hand, smiling.

"Agreed! Today is truly a day of joy!" Tian Jiu laughed back.

The two led their troops into the city, greeted by the people's cheers and gratitude. Lin'an had been Fei Hou's stronghold, but he was cruel and greedy—the people had suffered terribly. Now, with Jiang Mingyu's army victorious, they rejoiced.

"Lord Jiang, General Tian—you are our saviors!"

"Lord Jiang, General Tian—you are our deliverers!"

"Lord Jiang, General Tian—you are our heroes!"

The people surged forward, offering flowers and fruit to the two generals, expressing their thanks.

Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu felt deeply moved. They reminded their soldiers to protect the people's safety and property, forbidding any abuse.

"These people are our fellow countrymen! We must protect them, not harm them!"

"These people are our foundation! We must respect them, not oppress them!"

"These people are our strength! We must cherish them, not betray them!"

The soldiers nodded in agreement. They knew they fought for the people, not for personal gain. They saw the people's trust and hope—not fear or hatred.

Thus, under Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu's command, the army entered the city without a single act of violence or looting. Instead, they helped repair homes and roads, restoring order and peace.

This conduct earned the people even greater admiration and affection for Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu. They believed these two generals were rare men of virtue—worthy leaders to follow.

Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu were glad to have the people's support. They felt this was the true embodiment of their original ideals—to serve the nation and its people.

That night, in the city's largest tavern, Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu held a grand victory banquet. They invited all officers and civilian representatives to share in the joy.

The tavern glowed with lantern light, music and dance filled the air. Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu sat at the main table, toasting and conversing with all, the atmosphere lively.

"Today's victory came at great cost. I now raise my cup to honor and thank every soldier who gave his life for the nation!" Jiang Mingyu rose, cup raised.

"For those who died for the nation!" Everyone rose, raising their cups in reply.

"They are our heroes, our examples, our pride! Their spirit will forever inspire us! Let us observe three minutes of silence for them!" Jiang Mingyu said.

"Three minutes of silence for them!" the crowd echoed.

The tavern fell utterly still. All bowed their heads, closed their eyes, silently praying and remembering.

After three minutes, Jiang Mingyu spoke again: "Enough. Let us not waste their sacrifice. Let us continue striving for peace! Let us drink to the future!"

"To the future!" the crowd shouted back.

Laughter and noise returned to the tavern. Everyone raised their cups, drinking heartily, congratulating and encouraging one another.