NOVPUBWith spirit shifting to Qiányáng, it signifies that the martial artist has comprehended the essence of Pure Yang Qi, their aura fierce as fire, capable of shaking a hundred miles with a mere wave of the hand — an imposing presence not to be lightly regarded.
The sea of flames composed of Gu Tianyun’s myriad Sword Qi, not only resembled the stunning beauty of the evening glow but also possessed enough power to shake the heavens and earth. It not only dispersed the pervasive Cursed Sound but also forced Zhan Taiqing to retreat, astonishing everyone present and leaving them speechless.
"Yin Yang Holy Realm martial artists, like gods incarnate!"
"This has already transcended the category of martial arts, hasn’t it? How can one be so strong?"
"No, wait, the battle clamor between Ji Yanzhi and the Blood Demon on the night of the Rakshasa Festival was even more intense. But those two are already grand abilities of the Shattered Realm!"
"No wonder, no wonder the Lu Sword Executor called for reinforcements. As long as the Sword Chief is here, Wanyang County won’t be lost. Brothers, we will definitely hold out until the reinforcements arrive!"
"Exactly, it’s been nine days already, the reinforcements must be arriving soon."
...
It’s worth mentioning that the remaining three thousand soldiers of the Mansion Army from Wanyang County had retreated from Tongling, so they were not overly shocked by the grand battle they now witnessed. Only the sect members of Tianding Sect and the loose cultivators within the city were truly shaken to their cores and burst out shouting in amazement.
Especially upon seeing Zhan Taiqing, clad in white, seemingly frightened away by Gu Tianyun and hastily retreating towards the city walls, the morale of the people below surged to its zenith, resulting in a tidal wave of exclamations.
"They’re retreating!"
"They’ve retreated."
"Hahahaha, the Yongzhou dogs are scared."
"Sword Chief is invincible!"
Who knew who was the first to shout "Sword Chief is invincible, hold the Prefectural City," these eight words resonated particularly well with everyone’s feelings at the moment. And so, a second person followed, then a third, a fourth...
Sword Chief is invincible... Sword Chief is invincible... Sword Chief is invincible......
The garrison troops inside the Prefectural City were roaring like the tide, their emotions were all stirred up by the heroic spirit of Gu Tianyun’s sword that repelled the enemy, inflating to an extreme point in an instant. The three thousand Silver Armored Army at the very front, bearing the brunt of the city’s defense pressure these past few days, were all screaming at the top of their lungs, their faces flushed red, some even raising their swords towards the city walls as if they had the urge to charge out and attack.
As the saying goes, when one gains strength, the other loses. The high morale of the besieged soldiers was a stark contrast to those on and beyond the city walls, the Yongzhou Army. Their morale plummeted as if they were frostbitten eggplants.
Gu Tianyun sheathed his longsword, his eyes narrowing slightly, revealing a hint of confusion. But when he saw the people’s roaring below and the rapidly lifting spirits, he couldn’t help but reveal a slight smile.
"Sword Chief, your divine prowess is unparalleled, I am deeply impressed!"
Seeing Zhan Taiqing retreat, Lu Guanqing couldn’t contain his excitement and flew up to bow deeply to Gu Tianyun, his voice filled with emotion.
This sentiment was undoubtedly genuine; if it wasn’t for his role as the Sword Executor and the pride associated with it, he would have knelt before Gu Tianyun right then and there.
Frankly speaking, for Wanyang County to hold firm was naturally the hope of everyone invested in the Wanjian Holy Sect, and even the entire Xuzhou. However, the one with the most personal stakes at risk was none other than the Sword Executor himself.
If Wanyang County were breached by Yongzhou, not only would he lose his position as Sword Executor, but he might also face accountability from the Holy Sect. How could he, accustomed to throwing his weight around Wanyang, tolerate this? Therefore, Gu Tianyun’s swordplay was of critical importance to his encouragement.
To fend off Zhan Taiqing—or, more accurately, to prevent Zhan Taiqing from recklessly mounting an attack—meant the likelihood of Yongzhou’s army forcing an assault on the city was even slimmer. As long as they could hold out until reinforcements arrived, Wanyang County would be preserved, and his position as Sword Executor would remain secure. Moreover, if he could coordinate with the reinforcements to deal a heavy blow to the besieging Yongzhou troops, Lu Guanqing might even gain some merit.
As these thoughts arose in Lu Guanqing’s mind, his eyes flashed with eagerness...
"Zhan Taiqing has only retreated for the time being; we mustn’t let our guard down. For the next few days, the garrison must patrol tirelessly, especially at night. We have to arrange for personnel to be on guard, ready to counter any movement immediately. We can’t give them any chance to breach our walls."
"At your command!"
Gu Tianyun looked at the vast army outside the city, a hint of vigilance in his gaze. Zhan Taiqing had indeed been repelled by him, but she was unlikely to give up the fight that easily. She had also not ordered the army to attack alongside her, a clear testing of his strength. It was something he dared not believe didn’t have subsequent moves planned.
However, he still had some confidence in his own abilities.
If Zhan Taiqing wished to break through the city, there was only one way: to launch a relentless, casualty-indifferent onslaught. But that would also fall perfectly into his own desires. Once the enemy forces suffered substantial casualties, they would no longer be a concern. He wouldn’t even need the Holy Sect’s army; the reinforcements from Longxiang and Yangping counties alone would suffice to wrap things up then.
......
Outside the city, at the Demon Sect’s camp
"You all just wait out here!"
Expecting Zhan Taiqing, who had suffered a minor defeat, to return to her tent to plan the following battle, Han Feng and a group of experts followed her to the entrance, only to be told not to enter, leaving them all with puzzled expressions.
Zhan Taiqing didn’t pay them any heed and walked in alone...
"Isn’t Hou Yuxiao in there? Is the Master putting too much trust in him, to discuss matters with him in secrecy without us?"
The one who spoke was a regular grandmaster. Hearing this, both Peng Yuhu and Han Feng’s brows furrowed, clearly resonating with the concern expressed.
