AGM 206 - Besiege
An oppressive air permeated the atmosphere in the Royal Capital of Chu. The hearts of the people were wavering, as though they too could sense the dark clouds of war pressing down its terrifying aura on them.
The Qin rebels broke the defenses of many cities, and were pressing towards the Royal Capital. Their movements were exceedingly unpredictable. Every time upon receiving info from scouts, as Chu planned and prepared their defenses, the Qin rebels would abruptly change their plans, targeting the other cities instead. Considering the fact that the attacking forces consisted of the elite regiments of Qin rebels, as well as their speed of assault, Chu’s pathetic attempts at defending were easily crushed.
Such ferocity caused people to truly feel how deeply the Qin Clan had hidden their strength, hiding in the shadows after they were forced to be relocated. Perhaps the Royal Clan back then had predicted and feared this exact scenario today, which led to them ostracising the Qin Clan, and schemed to remove their military authority. Despite this, it seemed that their preparations back then were still not thorough enough.
And in the end, the Royal Clan decided to forego all the other cities, withdrawing the troops used in defense in order to further fortify the Royal Capital. This move was undoubtedly an announcement indicating that the final decisive battle to determine the fate of Chu would be conducted at the Royal Capital.
The Chu Dragon Guards, as well as other elite allied forces of Chu, were all rushing back to the Royal Capital in a frenzy.
The current circumstances of the Royal Capital drew the attention of everyone in Chu. This war for power, who would remain as the final victor? The level of confidence the citizens of Chu had in the Royal Clan was currently not as strong as before. There were even some that speculated that the Chu Royal Clan, who had ruled Chu for over three thousand years, might fall in this coming war.
Even before Qin Wentian entered the city, he had already heard the news regarding how chaotic the current Royal Capital was. Moving in the shadows, he snuck into the city and entered the Divine Weapon Pavilion. An Liuyan had always been well-disposed towards Qin Wentian, and had long disliked the Royal Clan. Not only that, Qin Wentian himself already possessed extraordinary authority within the Divine Weapon Pavilion.
Naturally, his visit to the Divine Weapon Pavilion was an absolute secret, so nobody except a chosen few knew of this. Qin Wentian spent a total of seven days in seclusion, using their massive resources, and enlisting the help of the grandmasters of the Divine Weapon Pavilion to forge all varieties of divine weapons. The grandmasters felt awe and even fear in their hearts, as they had never seen anyone as skilled as Qin Wentian. He frenziedly inscribed Divine Imprints on the weapons with such speed and accuracy, to the point that the forging operation centred around him alone.
Naturally, Qin Wentian didn’t let the Divine Weapon Pavilion suffer a loss. To thank them for their support, he left behind many various blueprints of divine imprints for the grandmasters to study. He even included extremely valuable 3rd level divine imprints. At the same time, paying a stupendous amount of money, An Liuyan engaged the services of the Sky Transport Network, one of the three great companies in Chu, to deliver the divine weapons to the rebels outside of the Royal Capital.
Everything proceeded in absolute secrecy. Needless to say, times of chaos were naturally extremely profitable.
When the Royal Clan finally suspected something was amiss, it was already too late. The Sky Transport Network had already delivered the goods, and Qin Wentian had already departed the Divine Weapon Pavilion. And considering the fact that Chu was already at the precipice of danger, how could they dare to antagonise two major powers such as the Divine Weapon Pavilion and the Sky Transport Network?
After receiving the divine weapons delivered to them by the Sky Transport Network, the Qin rebels were akin to tigers that had been given wings, pressing on with their conquest at crazy speeds. Finally, they stationed their troops outside the Royal Capital and proceeded to besiege it.
On top of the Royal Capital’s city gate, a row of powerful experts stood shoulder to shoulder, along with the current Emperor of Chu, Chu Tianjiao. As far as their eyes could see, the black-armored soldiers of the rebel forces were so numerous, it was as though their numbers were inexhaustible. Not only that, a fiery light could be seen in the eyes of the rebels. That light, was the fanatical light of zealotry, a feeling of madness towards power, as well as revenge.
As long as they overcame this final obstacle, the empire of Chu would no longer be named Chu.
“Has Qin Wentian been found?” Chu Tianjiao calmly asked, no hints of rage could be seen upon his face.
“We have yet to locate him.” A subordinate bowed in reply, “We have already sent men to monitor the movements of the Sky Transport Network, as well as the Divine Weapon Pavilion. If Qin Wentian were to appear there again, he would definitely be captured immediately.”
“Release this as news: Three days from now, at the Chu Emperor District, the execution of Mustang will commence, and Luo Huan shall be bestowed to Qiu Mo,” Chu Tianjiao commanded, unperturbed.
The subordinate replied, “I shall see to it immediately.” After accepting the order, the subordinate retreated. It seemed like this decision was made because the Emperor was compelled by forces outside his control. Who would have imagined that Qin Wentian, who was wanted by the whole of Chu, actually managed to send such a huge present to the Qin rebels right under the noses of the Royal Clan. Undoubtedly, this was tremendously disadvantageous for the Royal Clan.
Swiftly after, the news was spread throughout the entire Royal Capital. Three days later, Mustang shall be executed on the platforms of the Chu Emperor District, and Luo Huan would be given to Qiu Mo to do as he pleased.
Qiu Mo’s face blackened upon hearing the news, this was highly unfavorable to him. Basically, the entire Royal Capital now knew what a beast he was, his reputation had been totally destroyed. He thus decided that after enjoying Luo Huan, he would immediately depart from Chu.
…………
Near the Bamboo Lodge, the river waters gurgled, as a sense of peace and harmony could be felt in the air.
Qin Wentian sat by the river, while Mo Qingcheng quietly sat beside him. Naturally, she had also received the news, and was fuming within. Chu Tianjiao actually used Mustang and Luo Huan as bait for Qin Wentian. From this, one could see that Chu Tianjiao had already fallen to the level of being completely unscrupulous. This didn’t bode well for the future of Chu - the person at the top had a character like this; the fall of the Empire would come sooner or later.
Qin Wentian stood up and walked towards the nearby straw hut. Inside the straw hut, a veiled maiden was quietly sitting there, as though she had always been here.
Upon seeing the approach of Qin Wentian, she inclined her head, focusing her clear gaze on Qin Wentian, yet also gave off a feeling of aloof indifference.
Qin Wentian had long known of the existence of this maiden that had been following him, ever since he left the Celestial Lake Palace. Even when he was in the Dark Forest, gaining insights from the statues, and eventually meeting the group of supreme experts, this veiled lady had always been trailing him from behind. It was as though nothing in this world would be able to faze her. This caused Qin Wentian to silently speculate…how exactly strong was this ephemeral beauty?
“You are here on the behest of Fairy Qingmei?” Qin Wentian gazed at her, as he asked in a low voice. The maiden silently stared at him in reply.
Qin Wentian felt helpless upon seeing this, he then asked again, “Weren’t you always protecting me from the shadows? Why are you so near to me now?”
That pair of aloof eyes still continued staring at him in silence, not giving him a reply with words.
“Sorry for the interruption.” Qin Wentian turned and departed.
“Many people have their eyes on this place, I have to protect your safety.” A clear and melodious voice rang out. Qin Wentian turned his head, his eyes flickering with a smile as he regarded her unmatched countenance.
“Then will you help me deal with my enemies?” Qin Wentian asked again.
The maiden lightly shook her head, still emitting that aura of icy-cool indifference.
“Fine.” Qin Wentian laughed, “My name is Qin Wentian, what about yours?”
The eyelashes of the maiden’s beautiful eyes fluttered, appearing as though she was considering. After which, she replied, “Qing`er.”
“A beautiful name.” Qin Wentian smiled, as he turned and walked away.
Upon noticing Qin Wentian’s return, Mo Qingcheng teased, “So… am I more beautiful or is she more beautiful than me?”
Qin Wentian’s eyes gleamed, back when he and Mo Qingcheng were in the Celestial Lake Palace, they had already witnessed the unveiled countenance of Qing`er. She was so beautiful that she left people breathless. However, her beauty was different compared to Mo Qingcheng; Mo Qingcheng’s beauty was more of elegance and gentleness, filled with the vigor of youth, capable of toppling kingdoms and empires, while Qing`er’s beauty transcended mortality, an icy coldness, resembling a celestial maiden that descended from the Heavens.
“Wait, are you jealous?” Qin Wentian grinned.
“Hmph.” Mo Qingcheng rolled her eyes, but she felt happier as well upon seeing Qin Wentian’s mood getting somewhat better.
At this moment, a figure slowly approached, walking to the side of Qin Wentian.
“How is it?” Qin Wentian calmly inquired.
“There were many that wished to participate. The pavilion lord wanted me to ask you, how many do you wish to hire?” asked the figure.
“What are the strength levels of those that wish to participate?”
“With the lure of the divine weapons you created, we managed to find about twenty people at the 3rd level of Yuanfu that were willing to join your cause.”
“Twenty... so be it. As for the other Yuanfu cultivators below the 3rd level, hire thirty for me. Bestow upon them a low-tier, 3rd-grade divine weapon of their own choosing. The Divine Weapon Pavilion will bear the brunt of the cost for me. There shouldn’t be any problems right?” Qin Wentian replied in a low voice.
“The arrangements shall be made.” That figure nodded with confidence as he added, “Do you have any other instructions?”
“I need information. Regardless of the price, help me monitor the actions of all the important people in the Royal Clan. I want detailed information, even to the extent of what they’re eating for every meal, their locations and their habits,” Qin Wentian replied.
“Understood, there will be scouts coming here to deliver their reports intermittently. In any case, regarding the situation here, everything is under control. If your enemies move against you, we will immediately send a man to report, and will prepare a new safe location for you.”
Qin Wentian nodded, he knew this place was already discovered by his enemies. Just like what Qing`er said earlier, there were many eyes already on this location.
“I’ll take my leave then.” That figure bowed, as he departed. Although his countenance was calm, his heart was shaking in wonderment. The youngest Grandmaster in Chu’s history, based on his talent in divine inscription, he had managed to secure the support of the Divine Weapon Pavilion.
No one knew which direction the wind would blow. The war was filled with countless variables, and nobody had a clear conclusion.
……………
In the blink of an eye, three days passed.
Today, in the Chu Emperor District, countless powerful guards and soldiers were stationed there for protection. Mustang was left tied up on the platform below the Azure Dragon Jadeite Seat. His clothing was all torn and tattered, dyed red by blood and his hair was unkempt and scraggly, giving testament to the suffering he had been subjected to during this period of time.
Luo Huan’s countenance looked exceptionally haggard, but in spite of this, a bewitching, devilish smile filled with charm was still etched on her face. Occasionally, she would turn her gaze towards Qiu Mo, causing Qiu Mo’s body to turn cold.
“Hmph, what can she do to me in that state?” Qiu Mo snorted. “Very soon, you shall be mine.” Qiu Mo’s gaze roamed about Luo Huan’s fabulous twin peaks, with undisguised lust in his eyes. Since his reputation was already gone, there was no need to hide under the mask of a gentleman any longer.
Luo Huan’s only reply was a cold laugh.
“Qiu Mo, you will surely die a terrible death. Do you believe me?” Luo Huan sneered. Qiu Mo froze, “What a ‘powerful’ mouth. Tonight, I shall experience it for myself how ‘powerful’ your mouth is.”
Gazing at that alluring figure, and imagining what he would do to her, Qiu Mo’s lust soared even higher.
“Why hasn’t his highness arrived yet?” Qiu Mo turned his gaze onto the Jadeite Seat. Today, was of paramount importance. Why hadn’t Chu Tianjiao appeared?
At this moment, Qiu Mo discovered several powerful experts appearing one after another. They were all experts under the command of Chu Tianjiao. Today, if Qin Wentian dared to appear, it would be impossible for him to escape, even if he was given wings.
“The Qin rebels are currently attacking the city gates,” someone whispered to Qiu Mo. This caused Qiu Mo to be stunned, why was the timing of the Qin rebels’ attack so accurate?
Outside the Royal Capital, the loud sounds of killing echoed as an overbearing and stifling atmosphere suffused the air. There were even some Yuanfu cultivators directly flying into the Royal Capital to kill the defenders.
The troops under the command of the Qin rebels, had begun to launch their attack on the Royal Capital!