Chapter 392: The Greatest Hero (Grand Finale)

On the southern frontier’s ramparts, night cloaked the battlefield as arrows rained down like a dense black curtain. The Commandant’s roar echoed through the darkness, ordering the new recruits to raise their shields and brace for the Dajiang troops’ charge.

Li Goudan and others charged through the arrow storm, seemingly fearless of death. At the Commandant’s command, the southern frontier’s new recruits raised their shields to block the incoming arrows. Yet the arrow storm was too dense; many Dajiang soldiers still fell beneath it.

Many Dajiang soldiers, lightly wounded but not dead, struggled to rise—only to be pinned to the ground by the next volley of arrows. The bloody scene made the new recruits on the wall tremble; some even began to vomit.

The Commandant on the wall sensed the danger and shouted orders to fire, hoping to halt the Dajiang advance. But Li Goudan and his men showed no fear—they charged the wall with even greater ferocity.

“Raise your shields, advance, set up the scaling ladders!” the Commandant ordered again. The new recruits raised their shields, yet many Dajiang soldiers still fell under the arrow storm.

Li Goudan decisively abandoned his horse, lifted a scaling ladder, and led the bravest warriors toward the wall. His fearlessness inspired the Dajiang troops; they surged forward in unison, and the new recruits on the wall fell one after another—but their formation held firm.

The southern frontier’s new recruits, overwhelmed by the brutality of battle, were already panicked. Jiang Mingyu, watching from below, saw the tide turning and swung his Royal Sword, ordering archers to fire, trying to create an opening for Li Goudan and his men to scale the wall.

“Fire! Suppress the arrow storm on the wall—give Goudan and the others a chance to climb!” Jiang Mingyu’s order reached the archers on the ramparts; arrows surged toward the wall like a swarm of locusts.

The Commandant on the wall roared at a new recruit, ordering him to hold his ground and fire. The southern frontier’s new recruits trembled through this perilous battle, yet they struggled to maintain the wall’s defense.

In the heat of battle, the West Gate had already fallen to the Dajiang troops; the tide turned increasingly against the southern frontier. E Bu seized the moment to rally the Dajiang troops, his voice thunderous: “The West Gate is ours! We cannot lag behind—storm the city and earn glory for His Majesty!”

These words stirred the Dajiang troops’ morale and shattered the southern frontier’s. The chaos and fires within the city had not yet subsided, yet the Dajiang troops had already breached the gates—the battle grew even more dire.

Jiang Mingyu saw the situation turning against him, raised his Royal Sword, and ordered another volley of arrows to curb the Dajiang advance.

“Quickly up the wall—do not let the Dajiang troops climb!” Gao Ren finally arrived on the battlefield, having stopped fleeing southern frontier soldiers along the way. He looked up at the ramparts and bellowed: “Hold the wall, men—buy time for the city!”

The arrow storm gradually lessened; Li Goudan and E Bu had already led the Dajiang troops across the moat. The number of defenders on the wall had dwindled. Jiang Mingyu saw his chance and raised his Royal Sword, unleashing another wave of arrows.

The Commandant on the wall roared at the southern frontier recruits, demanding they hold their ground and repel the Dajiang assault. But the wall’s defense was crumbling; even the arrows could no longer fully halt the Dajiang advance.

Li Goudan reached the ramparts, raised his blade, and shouted: “Set the ladders—follow me up, now!” Dajiang soldiers scrambled up the ladders, while the defenders fought to the death.

At that moment, a unfamiliar voice rang out: “Quickly up the wall—do not let the Dajiang troops climb!” Gao Ren had arrived. Seeing the scene, he immediately seized a stone and hurled it at the Dajiang soldiers on the ladders.

“Smash them! Smash them to death!”

Gao Ren’s voice boomed like thunder through the night. The new recruits on the wall, awed by his authority, hurled stones down en masse. Dajiang soldiers on the ladders writhed under the hail of rocks—some struck bloody, others tumbled from the wall, their screams and crashes merging into chaos.

Li Goudan’s expression shifted from fury to desperation. He urgently ordered his men to set up more ladders. Arrows still rained down, but the defenders on the wall, now too overwhelmed to think, desperately shielded themselves and hurled stones to repel the enemy.

Jiang Mingyu stood on the wall, his bow never still, firing arrows to suppress the Dajiang advance. His gaze swept the battlefield—his heart anxious yet resolute. He knew this battle decided the fate of the southern frontier.

Che Gang smiled coldly, one hand gripping his bow, watching impassively. His eyes brimmed with murderous intent; he had long harbored hatred for the feud between the southern frontier and Dajiang. To him, this battle was vengeance against Wei Yangyao—and retribution against all those behind the avalanche.

“Your Majesty, watch as I pierce his heart with a single arrow,” Che Gang’s voice cut like frost. He drew his bowstring—and an arrow shot through the air, aimed straight at Gao Ren’s heart.

Gao Ren’s smile froze. A choked, futile gurgle escaped his throat, then he collapsed with a thud. Che Gang smiled coldly: “Those who aid tyranny deserve death.” In his eyes, no snowflake in an avalanche was innocent. All were Wei Yangyao’s tools. Wei Yangyao had slaughtered his family—so all of them deserved to die. Jiang Mingyu, watching Che Gang’s gaze—as if it could devour everything—made another silent vow: the truth must never reach Che Gang. That was why he had refused to let Che Gang lead the assault—if the truth surfaced, it would be Jiang Mingyu who suffered.

Gao Ren had fallen so quickly—the southern frontier troops’ morale shattered instantly. “Bad news—Commander Lin is dead!” “The Dajiang troops are too fierce—what do we do?” “What can we do? Run now or we’re dead!” “...” Unlike Wei Yangyao and his circle, they were mere common soldiers. Even if the Dajiang breached the city, they could surrender. Would Jiang Mingyu really slaughter all two hundred thousand new recruits?

Thinking this, the few hundred southern frontier recruits coerced by Gao Ren fled without looking back. Jiang Mingyu seized this precious moment, swung his Royal Sword, and ordered a full volley of arrows. The Commandant, hiding behind his shield, gritted his teeth and screamed: “Come back! All of you, come back!” Come back? If you don’t run now, you’re dead! Returning now would be suicide. Not only did they not slow—they ran faster. Seeing this, the panicked Commandant abandoned caution, stood up, and rushed to block the fleeing recruits. Just hold on a little longer—the fires in the city would soon die out, and Huo Zhun would arrive with the veterans. The city could still be saved.

At that moment, Che Gang, standing beside Jiang Mingyu with a grim face, drew his longbow again. *Puch!* The Commandant, who had just narrowly escaped death, was struck by an arrow like Gao Ren—slumped to the ground, filled with bitter resentment. Seeing the Commandant fall, the Dajiang recruits’ flight grew even faster. Fewer living men remained on the wall. Li Goudan threw down his shield. “Up!” As he spoke, countless Dajiang soldiers swarmed the ramparts like ants. With no resistance above, Li Goudan and E Bu easily led their men up the wall. After cutting down a few isolated Dajiang soldiers, E Bu roared: “Seize the ramparts! Hold the high ground—protect His Majesty’s army as they enter!”

Fewer living men remained on the wall. Li Goudan threw down his shield. “Up!” As he spoke, countless Dajiang soldiers swarmed the ramparts like ants. With no resistance above, Li Goudan and E Bu easily led their men up the wall. After cutting down a few isolated Dajiang soldiers, E Bu roared: “Seize the ramparts! Hold the high ground—protect His Majesty’s army as they enter!”

From his vantage point, he also saw the entire city was now a sea of fire. Southern frontier soldiers fled in all directions, screaming as flames consumed them—leaving not even ashes. The stench of charred flesh rose thick and choking, nauseating and terrifying. Thinking of all the resistance he’d faced since entering the southern frontier—from Jia Fu to Wei Yangyao—Li Goudan spat fiercely. “Damn it—they got what they deserved. Satisfying. So satisfying.” “Dare to threaten Dajiang? Hmph—deserved their end.” Che Gang spoke to Jiang Mingyu at nearly the same moment: “Your Majesty, the fire is nearly done. It’s time for the final assault.”

Jiang Mingyu grunted, raising his Royal Sword high. “Hear my command—full charge! Break down the gates—kill your way in!” Che Gang led the way, urging soldiers carrying heavy logs toward the gate. “Ram it! Smash it hard—faster!” Dajiang troops, seeing victory within reach, shouted triumphantly and charged the gates with the logs.

Muffled thuds echoed continuously—the East Gate, once tightly shut, burst open under the force, as if embracing them. Jiang Mingyu met Li Goudan, who had already cleared the ramparts. They converged at the gate. Jiang Mingyu swiftly issued orders: “Goudan, E Bu—lead your troops to flank the camp and eliminate the remaining enemies.”

Meanwhile, Che Gang and Feng Xi followed Jiang Mingyu, leading their men toward the palace. Tens of thousands of troops surrounded the palace; the remaining surrendered soldiers lay dead or kneeling, unable to resist. The fires around had been extinguished. Jiang Mingyu marched forward, unyielding.

“Enter the palace,” Jiang Mingyu ordered. His soldiers followed, entering the palace gates. The interior was horrifying: burned buildings, corpses littering the ground—the palace’s former glory now reduced to ruins.

Che Gang surveyed the surroundings coldly, his eyes showing no pity—only cruelty toward enemies. Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, a deep weariness rising within him. His gaze swept the ruined halls—he thought of the burdens he bore, and his heart grew heavier.

“Your Majesty, with Huo Zhun dead, Gebao City has finally fallen,” Che Gang reported. Jiang Mingyu nodded, then turned to the soldier who had brought Huo Zhun’s head.

“Your Majesty, this is Huo Zhun’s head. Prince Huo ordered us to deliver it—please accept it,” the soldier bowed, offering the head.

Che Gang stepped forward, examined it closely, then nodded: “Correct, Your Majesty—it is Huo Zhun.”

Jiang Mingyu’s lips curled slightly. He took a deep breath, gazing at the scene before him. After a brutal battle, Gebao City had finally been taken—the southern frontier’s victory came at terrible cost. He knew this triumph rested on the silent sacrifices of countless nameless warriors. They had defended their homeland with their lives.

“Tu Kexiluo, He Jing, and Sui Min have done invaluable service. Goudan, E Bu—clean the battlefield, ensure no enemies remain.” Jiang Mingyu looked at his generals with deep emotion.

“Che Gang, Feng Xi—come with me to secure the palace. We cannot let Wei Yangyao escape,” Jiang Mingyu reminded them of the urgent task.

The generals bowed and dispersed. The southern frontier had finally seen victory’s dawn—but even harder tasks and unknown challenges still awaited Jiang Mingyu and his ministers.

When Jiang Mingyu and Che Gang reached the palace, E Bu had already cleared the path. Tens of thousands of troops surrounded the palace; the remaining surrendered soldiers knelt on the ground. The fires around had been extinguished. Jiang Mingyu marched forward, issuing his command: “Enter the palace.”

Inside the palace, chaos reigned. The former glory had been utterly destroyed. Precious potted plants and strange rocks lay scattered, as if looted. Palace maids and eunuchs fled in all directions, terrified of being spotted by Jiang Mingyu—some even risked their lives to escape certain death.

Che Gang sneered, seized a eunuch hiding in a corner. “Where is Wei Yangyao?” The eunuch trembled, pointing to a distant hall. “In... the Audience Hall.”

Che Gang tossed the eunuch aside, mocking: “Now you think of governing? Isn’t that a bit late?” Jiang Mingyu signaled E Bu and Che Gang, then strode directly toward the direction the eunuch indicated.

Inside the Audience Hall, chaos was worse. Scrolls flew everywhere; the dragon-carved desk lay overturned, a scene of utter ruin. The sight made Che Gang grit his teeth—deserved! He grabbed a eunuch lying on the floor without hesitation.

“Where is Wei Yangyao?” Che Gang’s voice dripped with threat.

The eunuch trembled for a long while, then whispered: “In... the Audience Hall.”

Che Gang tossed the eunuch aside, scoffing: “Now you think of governing? Too late.” He waved to E Bu, then followed Jiang Mingyu toward the Audience Hall.

Inside the Audience Hall, scrolls lay scattered, the dragon-carved desk overturned. Wei Yangyao slumped on the grand throne, hair disheveled, imperial robes crooked and torn. Jiang Mingyu pointed: “That’s Wei Yangyao?”

Che Gang stared coldly, teeth clenched. Wei Yangyao looked utterly broken—pale face, vacant eyes fixed ahead.

Jiang Mingyu stepped forward, studying him as he spoke: “Wei Yangyao, Emperor of the southern frontier—we finally meet.”

Wei Yangyao said nothing. Che Gang drew his waist knife and charged without a word: “Dog traitor—give me back my family’s lives...”

E Bu blocked Che Gang, sternly saying: “Che Gang, His Majesty is here—how dare you act so recklessly? His Majesty promised you vengeance for your family—he will not break his word. Wait a moment.”

Che Gang’s eyes bulged as if they might burst—but he glanced at Jiang Mingyu’s back, then reluctantly threw his knife to the ground. The clatter shattered the silence. Wei Yangyao stirred from his daze, his vacant eyes fixed on Jiang Mingyu, and he gave a pale, weak smile.

“You’re Jiang Mingyu?”

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: “Surprised?”

His smile faded: “When you launched your campaign against Guizhou, you should have foreseen this day. To oppose Dajiang—your fate was sealed.”

Wei Yangyao laughed: “You think I’ll beg you?” He burst into laughter, then forced it to stop. “I am Emperor of the southern frontier—how could I beg a mere county magistrate like you? What a joke!”

He turned and spat: “Che Gang, traitorous dog who betrayed his master—you’re here too. Don’t you want to kill me? Come on! I knew you were worse than an animal—I should have chopped your family into pieces and fed them to dogs! What are you glaring at? Want revenge for your dozens of dead kin? Come! You fear nothing—not even killing your sovereign?”

Jiang Mingyu could bear no more. He ordered E Bu to cut out Wei Yangyao’s tongue, then handed him over to Che Gang. Without a tongue, the secret of Che Gang’s family would remain buried forever.

After Che Gang had tortured Wei Yangyao and ripped out his heart to honor his family, dawn broke. Jiang Mingyu sighed, gazing at the clear blue sky. After so many trials, he had finally become the ruler of this continent.

Of the city’s troops, only eighty thousand veterans and a few new recruits had been killed—the rest surrendered to Jiang Mingyu. He showed no mercy: he immediately ordered Tu Kexiluo to purge the Wei family and all traitorous ministers. In just half a month, blood washed every corner of Gebao City; the people cheered the sudden change.

After Gebao City stabilized, Jiang Mingyu decided to return to Jincheng. He gazed at the clear blue sky, feeling the satisfaction of achievement—but in this moment of victory, he also felt a pang of regret.

Liu Yifei was not by his side—she had not witnessed the founding of this empire. This regret brushed across Jiang Mingyu’s heart like a breeze, leaving him lonely.

He turned back to look at Gebao City—the Dajiang flag fluttering proudly on its ramparts. Jiang Mingyu led his generals and soldiers from the palace toward the city gate, preparing to begin their journey home.

Che Gang stood beside Jiang Mingyu, his eyes revealing a trace of bitterness. He stared blankly at the city, as if remembering something irrevocably lost.

“Your Majesty, are we returning to Jincheng?” Che Gang’s voice carried a note of sorrow.

Jiang Mingyu turned, smiled, and nodded: “Yes. We have fulfilled our mission. Gebao City is now Dajiang’s territory.”

Che Gang nodded silently. He understood: though this campaign had ended in victory, it had cost too much. Guilt for his lost family and loyalty to Jiang Mingyu churned within him.

Jiang Mingyu looked back at the city again, his gaze deep. On this war-torn land, he had left the footsteps of a victor—but his heart was filled with reflection on war itself.

“Che Gang, we must ensure Gebao City’s stability. Then I will return to Jincheng to restore order.”

Che Gang understood Jiang Mingyu’s intent. He bowed solemnly: “Your Majesty, rest assured—Gebao City will stand firm on Dajiang’s soil.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled and walked forward. The city gate stood open; sunlight streamed through, casting a magnificent shadow upon him.

He led his army out of Gebao City, dignified and proud. In this moment, he felt unparalleled achievement—and responsibility.

Looking back at the arduous path he had walked, his eyes gleamed with resolve. Jiang Mingyu knew: a new journey had begun—and he would continue writing his own legend.

One month later, Jincheng. The wind bit cold; red banners on the walls snapped fiercely. Jincheng had long warmed—but now it lay draped in snow, like a kingdom of ice. Jiang Mingyu had not yet reached the city gate when he saw Zhuge Yu, leading the court officials, waiting outside. The wind howled, yet the officials stood solemn, respectfully awaiting.

As Jiang Mingyu approached, Zhuge Yu bowed with the others: “Congratulations, Your Majesty, on achieving a feat unmatched in history, establishing a glorious imperial legacy. Your Majesty has unified the continent—Dajiang shall reign eternal.”

Even Zhang Jiani, who had been at home recovering after childbirth when Jiang Mingyu departed, had returned—alongside the graceful Liu Yifei. Liu Yifei’s business had grown larger; her slender waist now showed a slight swell—the pulse of new life stirring within her.

Soon, everyone had returned. Zhuge Yu led them all to kneel: “Congratulations, Your Majesty, on achieving a feat unmatched in history, establishing a glorious imperial legacy. Your Majesty has unified the continent—Dajiang shall reign eternal.”

Back in the palace, Jiang Mingyu donned his dragon robe. Joy shimmered in his eyes. He looked at the assembly, his voice clear and resonant: “The empire is won. The continent is unified. It is time to reward the worthy.”

His gaze settled on Zhuge Yu: “Zhuge Yu, you have labored tirelessly behind the scenes since the founding of our state. Without you, there would be no unification today. You are Dajiang’s greatest minister. I appoint you as Duke Zhaokai, Chancellor, with hereditary title.”

Zhuge Yu bowed deeply in thanks. Jiang Mingyu turned to Tu Kexiluo: “Since the uprising in Shangmu, you and I have shared glory and hardship. How many storms have we weathered to reach this day? I grant you the title of Co-Regent Prince of Dajiang, with hereditary rank—forever sharing fortune with me.”

Then came a series of promotions—generals received titles and honors one by one. Jiang Mingyu’s gaze turned to Zhang Jiani, warmth rising in his heart: “Zhang Jiani, you stayed home nursing your child—and yet you are a hero of Dajiang. I appoint you as Empress Zhenyi, and bestow a thousand bolts of gold and silk.”

Amid the jubilation, Zhang Jiani suddenly spoke: “Big Brother, you’ve rewarded so many—but you forgot the greatest hero.” Jiang Mingyu looked at her, puzzled. She pointed to Liu Yifei’s swollen belly: “Look.”

Jiang Mingyu’s eyes flashed bright—he instantly understood. He burst into loud laughter, echoing through the palace: “I have a son! Dajiang has an heir! I have a son! Dajiang has an heir!”

The palace erupted in cheers; joy filled the air. Jiang Mingyu looked at Liu Yifei, his eyes brimming with tenderness and delight. He drew her close, bringing her before the assembly: “This is my Empress of Dajiang—and mother of Dajiang’s future prince.”

On Liu Yifei’s lovely face shone pure happiness. She exchanged a glance with Jiang Mingyu—silent, deep joy and hope passed between them.

Jiang Mingyu surveyed the assembly again, announcing: “Dajiang is unified. All who served shall be rewarded. Goudan, Feng Xi, Che Gang, E Bu, He Jing, Sui Min—each shall receive honors. Edicts will follow.”

The generals felt profound emotion, marveling at the glorious moment of unification. Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yifei stood together, watching their united, powerful Dajiang—with hope for the future.

The officers felt a mix of emotion, marveling at the glorious moment of unified Da Liu. Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yi stood together, watching with satisfaction as this united and powerful Da Jiang, its future brimming with hope.