Chapter 364: Phantom Shadows

In the pitch-black night, the village's outline loomed faintly. In the distance, a group of horsemen approached silently, their steps light, creating not a single sound, like ghosts in the night. The thin, small man at the head looked toward the village and spoke softly: "My Lord Wu, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's forces are in the village. Shall we enter now?"

His voice was low and cautious, like a feather drifting in the wind, without a trace of noise. This man was the spy Tong Wa had planted here; he had been shadowing Jiang Jiang Mingyu for days. Seeing the army enter the village with no guards, he immediately returned to report.

The man called "My Lord Wu" heard this, narrowed his eyes, and gazed intently. In the pitch-black, silent mountain village, no movement could be seen, not even a shadow of a night watchman. He pondered for a moment, a cold sneer curling his lips, and said softly: "No rush. You know the way; sneak into the village first to check. As long as Jiang Jiang Mingyu falls for the trap, I will immediately lead men to eliminate the remaining enemies."

His voice was as low as a snake's tongue, his tone revealing coldness and cruelty.

"Remember, Jiang Jiang Mingyu is extremely cunning; you must investigate thoroughly. Caution is best. Go!" My Lord Wu's face was indistinct in the night, but his tone could not hide his anxiety. He knew this battle was of great importance and could not afford any failure.

The thin, small man responded with a sound upon receiving the order, his figure flickering as he vanished into the darkness. His steps were like a cat's, raising not a whisper of wind. My Lord Wu watched the direction of his disappearance, his eyes sharp as blades, killing intent filling the air, as if waiting to enjoy this horrific feast.

At this moment, inside the nearby mountain village, there was a deathly silence, not even the sound of insects or night owls. Large and small tents were faintly visible, which made My Lord Wu overjoyed—Jiang Jiang Mingyu's men were not on guard; they must have fallen for the trap!

Just as he thought this, a clear bird cry rang out in the silence, short and sharp. My Lord Wu's heart tightened; this was the secret signal between him and the spy! Something was wrong! He instinctively gripped the long blade at his waist, staring fixedly at the village, feeling as if time had frozen.

At the third watch, the sky was pitch black, and the village was deathly silent. Then, a figure darted out rapidly from the darkness; it was the spy sent to scout earlier. He walked lightly, his face filled with barely contained joy, and reported excitedly: "My Lord Wu, the village is full of scattered corpses; the houses and tents are unattended. It seems Jiang Jiang Mingyu is finished!"

In the faint moonlight, My Lord Wu paused slightly, then burst into loud laughter, his booming voice cutting through the silence of the long night. "Good! Excellent!" He could no longer suppress his inner ecstasy, waving his large hand, cold light flashing in his eyes: "All troops, charge into the village! Find Jiang Jiang Mingyu's head!"

The soldiers shouted upon hearing the order, raising their weapons and surging toward the village. Yet the silent mountain village made no sound; the empty houses and dark tents looked like gaping mouths.

Soon, My Lord Wu personally arrived in the village, seeing scattered corpses everywhere, their faces blue-purple, their deaths painful. He looked up; the full moon hung high, and under its bright, clear radiance, the scene in the village appeared even more desolate. A grim smile spread across My Lord Wu's face; he had finally waited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

"All troops, search quickly! You must find Jiang Jiang Mingyu's head before dawn!" he commanded sternly. A thought lingered in his mind: if he succeeded, fame and fortune would be within his grasp! This thought made his blood boil, and he could no longer suppress his inner excitement and ecstasy!

The soldiers searched everywhere and soon returned to report, but they had not found Jiang Jiang Mingyu's body. The grim smile on My Lord Wu's face gradually stiffened; alarm bells rang in his heart, and he vaguely felt something was terribly wrong. At this moment, a small soldier rushed over holding a head. "My Lord Wu, I found a head; I don't know if it is..."

Before he could finish speaking, My Lord Wu snatched the head to examine it closely. Suddenly, with a loud "Bang," dozens of oil tanks behind him exploded, and the scorching flames instantly lit up the entire village!

The flames shot into the sky, illuminating the surrounding darkness. With a "Boom" from the oil tanks, figures of the One Da Jiang army surged out of the thick smoke. Holding long blades and war spears, they expressionlessly walked slowly to surround the Southern Jiang squad, a bucket of iron formed by warriors enclosing them completely.

"You..." My Lord Wu's face instantly turned pale, his eyes wide with terror, unable to speak. He looked around and finally realized that what lay on the ground were all dummies! He, who had just been immersed in pride and joy, now felt his ecstasy shatter into powder.

"We've fallen for the trap!" he roared loudly, drawing the long blade at his waist to break out. Just then, a series of urgent hoofbeats approached from afar. Jiang Jiang Mingyu, clad in silver armor, with eyes like lightning and a solemn, deadly expression, appeared on horseback: "You want to wipe out my One Da Jiang army? Tong Wa underestimates my million-strong army too much!"

He tightened the reins, and the steed stopped before My Lord Wu. Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked down at him, sneered, and a deadly chill permeated his eyes: "Today, I will definitely collect the blood debt from you!" His tone was arrogant and cold, as if declaring the inevitable defeat of Southern Jiang.

My Lord Wu trembled with excitement, wanting to refute but unable to utter a single word, forced to watch helplessly as One Da Jiang warriors held him firmly. At this moment, the Southern Jiang squad, who had just dreamed of fame and fortune, all looked deathly pale, having already lost the will to fight, realizing they could not escape death tonight.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand indifferently toward Tu Tu Kesiluo, whose eyes were sharp as a hawk's, staring coldly at the Southern Jiang soldiers. "Someone, immediately behead them and hang their heads on the city wall to warn Tong Wa!" His tone was calm but radiated cold killing intent.

"Stop! Spare our lives!" Hearing this, My Lord Wu felt as if struck by lightning, knelt on the ground in extreme terror, weeping bitterly, and begged for forgiveness incoherently, but it was of no use. At this moment, the fame and fortune they had expected was to come soon had vanished into thin air.

Tu Tu Kesiluo sneered coldly, slowly raising the long sword in his hand, his eyes revealing ruthless cold light: "Your Majesty has ordered that not one be left. Kill them!"

Hearing this cold and ruthless order, My Lord Wu's face changed within the encirclement; he knew it was time to fight to the death. He suddenly drew the long blade at his waist and shouted fiercely: "Brothers, fight them to the death! Kill one for one, kill two for a profit!"

Seeing the commander say this, the other five thousand Southern Jiang soldiers finally erupted in desperate rage, their eyes turning red. "Fight the One Da Jiang dogs!" "Stand together, kill them!" "Kill!" Amidst a roar, these five thousand men gave their last breath, trying to break through the encirclement.

However, these pitiful five thousand men, before the hundred thousand One Da Jiang cavalry, were like a grain of sand in a surging river, quickly submerged. By the time the Southern Jiang soldiers finished shouting these few words, very few of those standing beside them remained.

Despite this, My Lord Wu showed no fear, continuing to shout and leading his remaining subordinates to rush the encirclement. Three One Da Jiang soldiers fell consecutively under his blade. Tu Tu Kesiluo frowned, immediately spurred his horse and galloped over. "Move aside!" Before the crowd could make way for him, a flash of cold light passed, and My Lord Wu felt a sharp pain in his neck; warm blood gushed out. He tried desperately to block the wound but was too weak to raise his hand again.

The moment My Lord Wu fell, the morale of the Southern Jiang army completely collapsed. The remaining few hundred men also fell entirely; not one survived. The surrounding One Da Jiang soldiers cheered, congratulating Tu Tu Kesiluo on eliminating the enemy commander. Tu Tu Kesiluo, however, remained expressionless, sheathing his sword, feeling no joy in his heart. In his eyes, this was merely fulfilling Jiang Jiang Mingyu's order.

At this time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's white horse walked slowly over. He showed no joy on his face, merely scanning the scattered corpses indifferently and nodding. This battle was just a minor incident to him; the grand strategy was to crush Southern Jiang and recover lost territories. To achieve this goal, any sacrifice seemed necessary to him.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face was calm, his tone cold as steel, his eyes sharp as knives, the corners of his mouth slightly downturned, his brows tightly furrowed. He spoke slowly and clearly, word by word: "Cut off all enemy heads, fill the large carts, and quickly send them to the foot of Xiongzhou City, so that Zuo Zhao and Tong Wa can witness this tragic scene with their own eyes!"

The soldiers moved quickly, raising their sharp swords without hesitation. The "swish-swish" sounds rose and fell; enemy heads fell one by one, rolling to the side, blood splashing everywhere. Some heads retained expressions of terror, eyes wide, mouths gaping; others were lifeless, their faces a deathly gray. The soldiers, expressionless, numbly and quickly cut off head after head, piling them onto the large carts.

Several heavy carts moved forward with difficulty, pushed by the soldiers. The thick wheels crushed the enemies' broken bodies and scattered limbs and flesh scattered on the ground; the cart bodies and wheels were soon covered in dark red bloodstains. The convoy moved slowly away, carrying countless broken lives, trudging through the desolate wilderness toward the distant Xiongzhou.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched the carts move further and further away until they disappeared on the horizon. At this moment, his tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, his fists slowly unclenched, and his expression softened slightly. Yet a trace of cold ruthlessness still lingered in his eyes.

"Tu Tu Kesiluo, let the main army rest here for now. We will decide our next move after the messenger reports Xiongzhou's reaction." He instructed lightly.

"Big Brother, our army has penetrated deep into enemy territory; water will become a problem. How should we solve this?" Tu Tu Kesiluo asked hesitantly.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked up at the towering peaks piercing the clouds for a while, pondered for a moment, and finally made up his mind: "You immediately lead men up the mountain to dig for a water source. Southern Jiang is rainy and humid; the high mountains must have an end. There must be clear, sweet mountain springs waiting for us there."

Indeed, less than an hour later, Tu Tu Kesiluo and others emerged from the mountain, their faces filled with joy. "Found it! We found the mountain spring!" he shouted loudly, and the other soldiers cheered and jumped with delight. Clear, sweet mountain spring water gushed out continuously; the soldiers rushed to scoop up water and drink deeply. The exhaustion on their faces vanished instantly, and their spirits soared.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu also took a light sip of the mountain spring; the coolness slid over his lips and teeth. Gazing at his clear reflection on the water surface, he could vaguely see the emotions churning deep in his eyes. At this moment, had his beloved, whom he thought of day and night, safely arrived in a place ten thousand li away? Was she also gazing up at the same blue sky?

A gentle breeze brushed his face; Jiang Jiang Mingyu whispered to himself: "At this time, Liu Liu Yifei should have already arrived in Qu Province... Take care, my dearest..."

He stood quietly, waiting for news of the messenger's return from Xiongzhou and news of Liu Liu Yifei's safe arrival. Although the wait was long, the dawn of victory was firmly in his grasp. Jiang Jiang Mingyu believed this without doubt.

He looked up again at the clear sky above; a majestic eagle was circling overhead...

The next morning, the messenger Jiang Jiang Mingyu sent to Xiongzhou finally returned to the camp. But compared to when he left, the biggest change in that soldier was that he now had only one ear—the place where the other should have been was just a bloody hole.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned, instantly understanding what this meant. This was clearly Tong Wa and Zuo Zhao's provocation and mockery toward them. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face gradually turned iron-green, and his fists unconsciously clenched. The generals around him also had ugly expressions, their angry eyes staring at the injured soldier.

"Tong Wa, Zuo Zhao, you are too arrogant!" Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes were bloodshot, his whole body trembling. He slammed his fist heavily on the table, making a loud "Thud." "Big Brother, since they are so shameless, let us immediately send troops to annihilate Xiongzhou in one blow, and execute Tong Wa, Zuo Zhao, and all their subordinates! If we do not eradicate them, where is the face of our One Da Jiang? If we, the elite troops, endure this humiliation, it is simply unacceptable!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo's roar echoed in the tent; Li Goudan and He Jing also had killing intent in their eyes, jumping with rage. Such open provocation by the enemy was something they had not encountered in years. The three could not wait to send troops and tear Tong Wa and Zuo Zhao to pieces.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded calmly and said slowly: "Good, organize the army immediately, and attack Xiongzhou with full force!" His tone was calm, but a trace of coldness permeated his eyes, making people shudder. A killing intent never before seen slowly erupted from him, making people feel cold and oppressed.

Hearing the commander issue the order to punish, the entire camp immediately boiled over. The soldiers, originally exhausted, seemed to have been injected with energy; their spirits lifted, and they began to busy themselves. Some ran to rummage through boxes and cabinets, looking for usable weapons; others ran to check their armor and warhorses... Every camp and squad was rapidly organizing, preparing for a full-scale attack.

"This time, we must definitely execute Tong Wa and the two of them along with their lackeys to wipe out the shame of our One Da Jiang!" A young strongman gripped his long sword, slashed it a few times in the air, making a "clash-clash" sound, his eyes revealing determination and killing intent.

"The King of Zhen Guo is right. If we do not avenge this grievance, what use is raising soldiers? This time, we must slaughter the enemy clean!" Another soldier also clenched his fist, saying hatefully.

Just as the soldiers were ready and prepared to set out, Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood alone on high, looking down at the army regrouping, and sighed deeply. His heart churned like a storm, his thoughts myriad. He involuntarily thought of his beloved wife, Liu Liu Yifei, whom he had not seen for a long time, and his distant hometown, Fengzhou. To protect his family and people, he must achieve final victory!

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and wiped the tear from the corner of his eye. He knew this decisive battle would be tragic, but he had no choice. For the future of One Da Jiang, he must personally eliminate Tong Wa and Zuo Zhao, this major threat. Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked tragically at the sky and murmured: "Liu Liu Yifei, you must be safe!"

At this moment, the deputy general rushed in and said: "Your Majesty, all camps are ready; please give the order to depart!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned to look at the deputy general and nodded: "Convey my military order: the entire army departs, striking directly at Xiongzhou!" His eyes were bloodshot, his battle intent exposed. Gripping the cold iron, he vowed to eradicate Tong Wa and other bandits by the roots, winning peace for his subjects.

At this time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was only fifty or sixty li from Xiongzhou. After galloping for two hours, the city tower of Xiongzhou came into his view.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stared tightly at the front. The previous arrogant words challenging them made him very angry. Now, seeing the city tower of Xiongzhou ready for battle, his face sank like water, his brows tightly furrowed, and killing intent surged.

"Tu Tu Kesiluo, challenge them," Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered coldly.

"As you command!" Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes flashed with sharp light. He immediately spurred his horse and galloped out, arriving at the foot of the city. Holding a three-foot cold blade in one hand, he let out a long whistle toward the city wall, his voice like thunder: "Tong Wa, Zuo Zhao, get out here!"

On the city tower, two middle-aged men clad in heavy armor were staring dumbfounded at this giant.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was tall and burly, holding a three-foot cold blade, radiating an innate momentum and majesty. His eyes, sharp as iron and stone, were now gazing at the two stunned men above the city tower, his gaze sharp as a torch.

"Speak, you two grandsons! Which one is Tong Wa, which one is Zuo Zhao? Why not kneel down and confess your crimes immediately!" Tu Tu Kesiluo shouted fiercely. His voice was loud and powerful, echoing and reverberating in the square like thunder.

The soldiers on the city wall heard the sound and poked their heads out to look; the Commandant also looked up and clearly saw this giant barbarian, his heart shivering with a chill. He hurriedly strode toward the city to report: "Go quickly and inform the two Governors! Jiang Jiang Mingyu's army has arrived! Archers take position, rolling logs and stone blocks ready, prepare for their assault!"

Instantly, chaos erupted within the city; the soldiers scattered in all directions, checking their bows, sharpening their weapons, and standing ready in an orderly fashion.

At this moment, "clatter-clatter" footsteps sounded as two men clad in heavy armor strode swiftly to the city wall—these were the Southern Border's two generals, Lord Tong Wa and Zuo Zhao. The two men wore solemn expressions and firm gazes, looking as if they were ready to die with the city.

Seeing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo's mouth split into a grim smile, radiating a chilling aura of killing intent. He waved his sword, pointing the tip directly at the two men: "You two scum, daring to plot poison against my great army, and even daring to harm the One Da Jiang envoy! You deserve to die a thousand deaths!"

His eyes flashed with a fierce light as he roared with a harsh voice: "Get out of the city right now! Consider yourselves lucky; my lord might still spare you a whole corpse!"

As he spoke, Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes turned blood-red, and his aura of violence spread throughout his body. He clapped his palm, and his steed neighed, rearing up on its hind legs before its front hooves slammed down, kicking up a cloud of dust that filled the sky.

"Surrender quickly and die! Today is your day of sacrifice!" Tu Tu Kesiluo grew even more arrogant, his momentum overwhelming.

Seeing this, the soldiers on the city wall all changed color and instinctively stepped back a pace. They knew well that if they truly fought this barbarian general to the death, their chances of victory were slim.

At this moment, the bearded giant Lord Tong Wa let out a cold sneer and, chest out and head high, said: "I am indeed Tong Wa! Why do you not leave quickly? Do you truly wish to be annihilated here?" His tone was arrogant, showing no fear of the threat.

"Nonsense!" Tu Tu Kesiluo instantly flew into a rage, his voice booming like a great bell. His eyes were blood-red, and his aura of violence erupted like a volcano.

"I have come to punish you by the command of the One Da Jiang Emperor, yet you still dare to be arrogant?!" In his fury, Tu Tu Kesiluo slapped the horse's flank. The steed beneath him let out a long neigh, rearing up on its hind legs like an angry lion, matching its master's violence with immense momentum.

"Surrender quickly and die! Today is your day of sacrifice!" He waved the long sword in his hand, the sword light flashing, determined to chop the two men into minced meat.

Lord Tong Wa and Zuo Zhao turned pale and involuntarily stepped back a pace. They also understood that if they truly fought Tu Tu Kesiluo, they would likely be no match for his sharp edge.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was extremely pleased, making no attempt to hide the look of triumph on his face. He shouted: "You two scum, what more is there to say? Surrender immediately and die!"

His eyes flashed with a fierce light, his tone vicious: "Get out of the city right now, and Laozi can still spare your lives; if I give the order, when the city falls, I will surely cut you into a thousand pieces!"

As he spoke, Tu Tu Kesiluo's chilling killing intent made people's hearts tremble and their livers shake. For a moment, the city wall was utterly silent, a stillness covering the ground.