Northern Border… Fort Boulder.
Yan Ze led the army to fight against the enemy, and had already repelled countless enemy attacks.
The number of soldiers in the city was decreasing rapidly. Finally, he repelled the enemy’s attack again. The sky also gradually turned dark. It also announced the end of the day’s battle. In the midst of the killing, the soldiers arranged the corpses. The ones who died were their comrades, relatives, and friends.
Everyone was solemn, staring silently at this sight.
Yan Ze knew that the soldiers were on the verge of collapse. After more than ten days of defending, more than half of them had died. Although many of the enemies had died, the other party had made ample preparations and had clearly sent out more experts. With more 9th Grade Earth Rank experts charging into the formation, even if he had the advantage of the city walls, it was difficult for him to resist. “All units, prepare to defend against the enemy’s night attack!” Yan Ze solemnly instructed. To him, after years of fighting, he was no stranger to seeing death. No matter how many people died, the war would continue. Meanwhile, Su Wen had already arrived outside the city. He was panting heavily! Several days and nights passed… and he finally arrived.
Compared to the large army, Su Wen could travel at an even faster speed. However, at this moment, he was carrying someone on his shoulder. This person was dressed simply and had a weathered face. At this moment, his hair had been blown into a mess. The moment he landed on the ground, he vomited. Su Wen took out a thousand taels of silver and handed it to him with a smile. “Thank you for pointing the way. It’s not too late for you to run back now.”
The man took the silver and ran away without saying anything… Imagine if you were halfway in your journey and someone asked you if you knew how to get to Fort Boulder on the Northern Border. The moment you answered yes…
You were forcefully carried and bounced all the way there… That kind of experience was definitely not good… But Su Wen had no choice! He had no time and could not make a mistake. Su Wen only took five days compared to the journey of eight used by a messenger on horseback!
He came to the southern side of Fort Boulder, where the Yan Country’s army was stationed. When he arrived at the city pass, Su Wen shouted, “I’m Su Wen. I want to see Yan Ze!”
Neither Yan Ze nor Su Wen expected the two of them to meet under such circumstances. Yan Ze sat in the hall while Su Wen entered.
After the aides of Yan Ze retreated, the duo exchanged glances. “How is Luoying?” Yan Ze asked.
“Not bad.”
The room fell silent. Finally, Su Wen spoke, “Father-in-law, retreat. There are no reinforcements coming!” To Su Wen’s surprise, Yan Ze’s expression did not fluctuate. “Has His Majesty set up defenses along the Huai River?” Yan Ze asked calmly.
Su Wen looked at Yan Ze in shock. He had actually guessed it! “Yes…”
Yan Ze smiled and said disdainfully, “His Majesty is always so calm. His control over his emotions is so good that it’s disgusting.” After a moment, Yan Ze sighed. “Leave. I won’t retreat!”
“Why?” Su Wen asked anxiously. Yan Ze said in a low voice, “If I retreat now, I will definitely be defeated. Once the soldiers let go of their anger, it will be difficult for them to resist the enemy. Lu Zhen will then take the opportunity to go south and snowball into an irresistible force. If he marches quickly, the defense of the Huai River will be unstable, and it is very likely that he will find a loophole and break through.”
He stood up and said, “That’s why we at Fort Boulder still have to hold on for a few days more.”
Su Wen said anxiously, “But if Yan Country really breaks into the city, it will be too late to leave.”
Yan Ze turned to Su Wen and snapped, “But have you thought about it? If I escape, the enemy’s forces will be unstoppable. Once they head south, the country will topple over, and the Great Zhou will become the battlefield of the Heaven Ranks. At that time, all lives will be lost. Furthermore, with His Majesty’s personality, how can he spare me? Even Luoying will be implicated because of this!” At this moment, Su Wen understood that Yan Luoying entering the capital was a restriction to Yan Ze. At this point, Yan Ze would still act according to Emperor Zhou’s wishes. Yan Ze sighed. “In my entire life, Luoying is the only child I have. I can’t watch her get punished because of me!” At this point, Yan Ze sneered, “But since you’re here, you can use this as a cover to motivate the soldiers to kill a few more rounds!”
Upon hearing Wanyan Ze’s words, Su Wen fell silent. What should he do? What could he do? “You can leave. If it’s really difficult for me to break out of the encirclement, at the very least, Luoying still has you as her husband! She wrote a letter to me and said that she’s very satisfied with you. Since you’re here today, it’s obvious that you have feelings for her. Treat Luoying well in the future!” Yan Ze said in a deep voice. “Men, send Su Wen out of the city! His Majesty has already sent Su Wen here. Reinforcements will arrive soon! Hold on for a few more days!” Yan Ze roared.
Obviously, this was his method to increase morale.
The soldiers would not know if it was real or fake. In any case, there was really someone who came.
The war would still continue.
The sun rose and another charge was launched. Yan Ze personally led the army to fight! In the distance, someone frowned as he looked at the situation in the city.
It was Lu Zhen. Compared to Yan Ze and Wu Kunhu’s muscular bodies, he seemed a little weak.
He frowned and said, “The morale of the Great Zhou Army has increased instead of decreasing today. Could it be that the Zhou Emperor’s reinforcements have arrived? Impossible, it can’t be so fast. Pass down the order, attack the city with all your strength! In three days, I want to see the city break!”
Yan Ze relied on this boost in morale to hold on for two days!
However, on the third day, he still could not hold on!
The Yan Country army surged forward like a tide, cooperating with a large number of experts.
The soldiers in Fort Boulder were already on the verge of collapse. Seeing that the reinforcements had yet to arrive, their morale plummeted and they even fell into greater despair!
There were sounds of fighting everywhere.
At this moment, Yan Ze was fighting against three 9th Grade Earth Rank opponents by himself. His armor had shattered, and he was fighting topless with several wounds on his body. Death seemed inevitable. At this moment, a golden light flashed. The 9th Grade Earth Rank cultivator fighting Yan Ze was instantly sent flying! At the same time, a furious roar shook the heavens and earth. “How dare the Great Zhou disobey the rules! Using Heaven Rank experts in a Kingdom War?” “Amitabha.” Monk Huiming recited a Buddhist chant in reply. He casually grabbed Yan Ze and flew backward!
At this time, a person flew over from the horizon.
That person looked extremely young as he pointed at Huiming and rebuked angrily, “Your Great Zhou actually dares to break the rules?” At that moment, another person flew out of the Great Zhou Dynasty’s territory. He berated, “This person is not an expert of our Great Zhou Royal Court!” At this moment, Monk Huiming had already brought Yan Ze to Su Wen’s side. He looked at the expert from Yan Country floating in the sky and said in a deep voice, “This old monk isn’t a Heaven Rank expert from the Royal Court. I only have a personal relationship with this Benefactor Yan Ze, so I don’t want to see him die! Moreover, what are the rules that you all are talking about?” Yan Ze looked at Su Wen with gratitude in his eyes. He never expected Su Wen to be able to find a Heaven Rank expert to help him. Su Wen was also helpless. Although he wanted to save Yan Ze, it did not mean that he wanted to throw himself into it.
The enemy was powerful. No matter how strong Su Wen was, he was not a Heaven Rank expert. He might not even be able to fight against ten thousand enemies alone, let alone so many experts on the other side. If he charged in alone, it would be akin to the tale of the calabash boy trying to save his grandfather, sending himself straight into the enemy’s hands!
Hence, Su Wen had already considered this before he left. He sent someone to deliver a letter to Huiming! The old monk owed him a favor and promised to help him once!
In Su Wen’s opinion, it was a waste not to use it.
In order to save Yan Ze in the chaos, Heaven Rank experts were undoubtedly the most reliable!
However, Su Wen did not expect this scene… Both the Great Zhou and Yan Country had hidden Heaven Rank experts. Obviously, their existence was to prevent enemy countries from using Heaven Rank experts.
Hearing the old monk’s words, the Yan Country Heaven Rank expert said disdainfully, “Is it over just because you said no? When Yan Luoying slaughtered the citizens of my Yan Country, did I ever step forward and say no?” He shouted, “The Great Zhou is not abiding by the rules! The Yan Country will begin the Heaven Rank war!” His furious roar actually spread out in a mighty manner! His voice spread throughout the entire continent.
Monk Huiming was also stunned!
He was a newly ascended Heaven Rank cultivator, so how would he know the rules? In the capital, Emperor Zhou raised his head in anger!
Damn it!
What was going on?
In the blink of an eye, several Heaven Rank experts flew into the air within the Great Zhou’s territory.
Thirteenth Master, Si Tu, and a few others that were not known!
They headed straight for the northern border! At this moment, an angry shout came from the Southern Wilderness as well. “The Great Zhou Dynasty has broken the rules, and everyone has the right to punish them! The Wilderness will begin the Heaven Rank battle!” In the blink of an eye, the two strongest enemies of Great Zhou started a battle between Heaven Ranks!
Emperor Zhou’s face turned ashen!
This was the main reason why he didn’t dare to use a Heaven Rank expert. Whoever did so first would be giving the other party an excuse. But Emperor Zhou felt wronged. He hadn’t sent any Heaven Rank experts this time!
At this moment, the old eunuch bowed and said, “Your Majesty, it doesn’t seem to be our people. It’s Monk Huiming. Su Wen asked him to save Yan Ze.”
Emperor Zhou took out a star disk and injected his True Qi into it. Not long after, two shadows appeared. Emperor Zhou roared angrily, “Yu Shensu, how are you even controlling the people in the martial world?!” As he roared, a woman’s voice rang out. “Why didn’t you ask Zhang Qian? Why did you come to ask me? I’ve been in seclusion for many days… Who knew that another Heaven Rank expert would appear?” A man lazily said, “I’m sorry, I was sightseeing recently and forgot to tell him the rules… I will help you block the Southern Wilderness!” At this moment, Su Wen was standing beside Monk Huiming. Little Monk Zhizhen was also present. That idiot was chuckling, “It’s over. Master is in big trouble this time.”
Huiming glared at him in reply.
No one had expected such a situation to occur. On the other side, Lu Zhen glared fiercely at Su Wen and Yan Ze before starting to retreat! Ordinary people would only be courting death if they stayed nearby.
At this moment, several figures flew over the horizon!
The two sides faced each other in midair.
The atmosphere had already turned heavy just from their auras.
However… no one attacked first. Both sides were still evaluating each other’s combat strength.
The Yan Country had started the Heaven Rank war, but that didn’t mean that they had absolute confidence in winning. They wanted to use the righteousness of their country to garner the support of the surrounding countries of Great Zhou!
Currently, seven people from Yan Country and six from Zhou Country have come! In addition to Huiming, the number of Heaven Rank experts didn’t seem too far off. Huiming said in a low voice, “Benefactor, Zhizhen, the few of you should leave quickly. In this battle, you guys have no rights to participate!”
Huiming, who knew that he had caused a huge mess, had no regrets as well.
Instead, he decided to stay. Su Wen hurriedly left with Yan Ze and Monk Zhizhen
However, everyone ignored their presence. Instead all their attention was placed on the Heaven Rank experts on each side.
The confrontation could not last forever!
Finally, the two sides started fighting! There was only a vast collision of Heaven Earth Origin Qi! This battle was earth-shattering! This lasted for three days and three nights! A Heaven Rank expert’s ability to fight continuously was far beyond that of a cultivator of Earth Rank.
And in the Southern Wilderness, several barbarian experts had just flown to the Great Zhou territory.
Suddenly, a streak of starlight descended from the distance.
A person in green robes descended with a sword in hand. With a smile on his face, he said, “Go back. Unless Ge Mu comes out personally and fights to the death with me, none of you will be able to enter.”
When the Barbarian experts saw this person, they looked at each other. They all knew this person!
The Great Zhou Sword God! Zhang Qian! His strength had already reached an extreme level. However, this person had never listened to the orders of the Royal Court. Why would he appear here?
But no matter what, against Zhang Qian… they did not dare to attack!
Su Wen looked at the loud explosions and mushroom clouds behind him.
He muttered, “I’ve really gotten into big trouble this time.”
Yan Ze shook his head slightly and said, “It’s more than just big trouble. You have to know that no matter what level it is, there are rules. This time, the Great Zhou has broken the rules, and among the ranks of the countries, they have lost their sense of righteousness! Currently, it’s a competition between two countries, so it’s fine. But once the surrounding countries lean towards the Yan Country, our Great Zhou will definitely lose sooner or later!”
Su Wen was a little helpless. What should he do now?
Be a wanderer?
That would definitely not do. His family and father were all in the capital.
At this moment, Su Wen could sense Yan Ze’s thoughts. Sometimes, one’s fate could not even be decided for themselves. He could only rush back to the capital with Yan Ze.
The little Monk Zhizhen followed behind him. The moment they entered the capital, Su Wen and the others were brought to see Emperor Zhou.
Upon entering the palace, they only saw the Zhou Emperor with a completely pale face. He coldly remarked, “Good! Just great! Su Wen, you’re really good! Do you know how much trouble you’ve caused?” Su Wen pursed his lips. “I don’t think it’s a big deal. Isn’t this just a deadlock with Heaven Rank experts?” “What do you know!” Emperor Zhou threw a pile of letters in front of Su Wen!
He sneered and said, “Look! Take a good look! These are all letters sent by the other nations! No matter if it’s a big country or a small country, they all sent me letters, asking me to give reparations! Look carefully! What do you think we should do now?”
Su Wen said helplessly, “You didn’t tell me that I couldn’t let a Heaven Rank expert save my father-in-law!” Emperor Zhou laughed in anger. “If I could use a Heaven Rank expert to save someone, would I still be so foolish to not do so? In front of the two armies, it’s not like back in the country. As long as a Heaven Rank expert makes a move, it will be seen through!” “Get lost! Hurry up and go home!” Finally, Emperor Zhou roared out in anger. Su Wen hurriedly left the palace.
In the palace, Emperor Zhou calmed his anger and helped Yan Ze up. “Minister Yan, you’ve worked hard.”
After all, Yan Ze refused to retreat… there was nothing to fault him in his actions. Yan Ze said calmly, “It wasn’t hard.”
That indifferent expression made Emperor Zhou extremely unhappy. He immediately lost the desire to continue the conversation. “Then General Yan should go back and rest early.”
“I shall take my leave!”
Yan Ze turned around and left.
Emperor Zhou closed his eyes. On the other side, Su Wen left the palace and realized that Zhao Jin and Chu He had already arrived with the carriage.
“Young Master, I came as soon as I heard that you were back.”
Su Wen pondered for a moment and said, “Zhao Jin, go and arrange a residence. My father-in-law has entered the capital and probably won’t be able to leave for a while. He has to have a place to stay.” After Su Wen finished speaking, Zhao Jin left. By this time, Yan Ze had also left the palace. “Let’s go.”
Right at this moment, Luo Ning appeared. He came up to Su Wen, saying in a low voice, “Third Master, the Prime Minister wants you to go back.” Su Wen nodded and said to Chu He, “Bring my father-in-law back first.”
He himself returned to the Prime Minister’s residence with Luo Ning.
The father and son met, and sat down in silence for a moment. Su Changqing said, “The trouble this time is huge!” “I know…” Su Wen was also helpless. If he knew that this matter was so serious, he would definitely think of another way.
Su Changqing sighed and said, “This time, Your Majesty must settle the war as soon as possible. In order to guarantee that no more countries will be involved, Your Majesty has already decided to give the North portion of the Huai River to the Yan Country.”
Upon hearing this, Su Wen raised his eyebrows. “Isn’t that good? We didn’t plan to guard that area anyway.” “How can it be that easy! His Majesty promised to give the royal family’s secret martial technique, the Five Tyrant Arts, to the Yan Country! He also promised to compensate the Yan Country with several kinds of heavenly treasures.”
Su Changqing said, “His Majesty has paid a heavy price this time. Most importantly, the Five Tyrant Arts is the ultimate technique of the royal family. Most of His Majesty’s most trusted Heaven Rank experts cultivate this battle technique. If Yan Country obtains it and deduces the flaws of the Five Tyrant Arts, our Great Zhou will suffer greatly in the next Heaven Rank battle!”
“Eh…” This time, Su Wen did not know what to say. Su Changqing said, “This is something that can’t be helped. The Great Zhou and Yan Country are two hungry tigers, while the other countries are a pack of wolves. The moment one side has the advantage, the others will definitely want a share of the loot. If His Majesty gives the wolves a share, we will definitely die under the claws of the hungry tigers. Thus, he would rather bear the pain and retreat, preserving our strength. Even the wolves won’t dare to provoke us without a cause!”
After saying that, Su Changqing looked at Su Wen and said, “As for you, Wu Qiuhan, the Crown Prince, the Third Prince, and the others have all submitted a petition to punish you. Neither I nor His Majesty have an excuse to protect you.” Su Wen smiled bitterly. He knew that he had indeed caused a huge disaster this time.
“Then what should we do? What does His Majesty plan to do?” Su Changqing said, “How to deal with you? I don’t know either. I’m certain that His Majesty won’t kill you. However, you will definitely suffer a little.”
“It’s good that I won’t die!” Su Wen said with a smile, “He didn’t even kill me despite such a huge disaster. Looks like His Majesty still cares about old times!”
“Relationship my ass. You should be able to tell by now that a Heaven Rank expert is the foundation of a country. His Majesty has suffered heavy losses this time. If he kills you and deprives the country of another future Heaven Rank expert, won’t he suffer a huge loss?” Su Changqing said, “Let’s see how His Majesty deals with this. There should be an outcome in the next few days.” Su Wen smiled and said, “Who cares? There will always be a way out when the time comes. So long as you still have a life, there will be a day when you can rise again. I’m gonna go see my daughter!” Su Changqing rolled his eyes at him. “Hmph! Bring Su Su back for dinner! Wu Kunhu sent a Wind-Ripping Hou to your house the day before and I happened to bump into it. I asked for it and froze it in the icehouse!”
When Su Wen heard this, he flew into a rage. “Why did you even take it!”
“Hehe, shouldn’t you be filial to me?” Looking at Old Su’s matter-of-fact expression, Su Wen felt helpless. “Alright then…” “By the way, you don’t have to come in after you send her over. I’ll send Su Su back after dinner.”
Su Wen: “????”
