Du Yucheng was a top-tier expert in the early stages, far weaker than Xu Qingshan and Cui Wuming in their peak stages, but he had never felt his speed was so fast.

The flames of revenge burned in his blood, unleashing his boundless potential.

He only had eyes for Zhou Nuo.

The old halberd had sunk into the Jinghai Sea. Du Yucheng wielded the newly forged halberd and made his move when he was ten steps away from Zhou Nuo.

The halberd is a mid-range weapon, and combined with Du Yucheng's kinetic energy, it is already very dangerous for Zhou Nuo within ten steps.

Zhou Nuo did not expect that Du Yucheng would not flee but instead charge over alone. Although she was highly skilled in archery, her martial arts level was only that of a first-rate master. Under Du Yucheng's powerful attack, she was no match for him.

"If we can't catch Zhao Huan, and we can't kill Zhao Cheng, then killing one of Zhao Cheng's women wouldn't be bad either!"

"Even if I die, I'll make that bastard Zhao Cheng suffer!!"

Du Yucheng roared inwardly as he brought his halberd down on Du Yucheng's head.

Clang!

A long spear was held horizontally above Zhou Nuo's head, catching the halberd steadily. The loud noise vibrated Zhou Nuo's eardrums.

Seeing that it was He Zhi who had saved him, Zhou Nuoyi felt relieved and immediately led the archers back to the guard.

"The old commander was always right. He was worried that you, you little shit-eater, would go crazy, so he told me to keep a close eye on Zhou Nuo and Fu Zheng. Just as the old commander predicted."

He shook his long spear, causing Du Yucheng to stagger back several steps.

Du Yucheng angrily retorted, "What did you say? What shit-eating brat?!"

He Zhidao said, "Didn't you eat to your heart's content downstairs at Hongxiuzhao? That was once a legendary tale in Yanchuan City! No, it's now a laughing stock of the entire Dajing!"

"hateful!!!"

Du Yucheng was furious and had no intention of retreating. He attacked He Zhi.

When He Zhi was young, he was a talkative and joking person, but under Zhao Huan's influence, he had long since become taciturn and composed. At this moment, he said such things to Du Yucheng to provoke Du Yucheng's fighting spirit.

Having achieved his goal, He Zhi held back no longer, aiming every spear thrust at Du Yucheng's vital points, determined to leave him there.

He Zhi's spear technique was the authentic Dragon Spear Guard technique. Although it was not as unparalleled as Wen Pojun's, it was on par with Zhao Yan's self-created Zhao Family Spear. Moreover, his cultivation level was higher than Du Yucheng's. In less than ten spear thrusts, Du Yucheng was hit in the right shoulder, his halberd slipped from his hand, and he rolled backward dozens of times before barely dodging He Zhi's next killing move.

Being at a disadvantage made Du Yucheng more sober. He glared hatefully at Zhao Huan on the high platform of the distant camp, bit his lip, and no longer caring about revenge or face, he turned and ran away.

He Zhi was not about to let go of the opportunity to kill the enemy general, so he quickly gave chase.

"withdraw troops!!"

"Commander Long has ordered that Commander He return to camp!"

He Zhixin was unwilling, but he still stopped and sighed as he watched Du Yucheng and the soldiers flee. He shook his head and returned to camp.

He was used to Zhao Huan's steady style, and although he looked displeased, he did not disobey orders.

On the high platform, Zhao Huan smiled at everyone and said, "He Zhi, Zhou Nuo, Fu Zheng, you all did a very good job."

As he spoke, Zhao Huan patted Deng Yanjiao's head and laughed, "And you, Yanjiao, you've done a great job."

Deng Yanjiao rubbed against Zhao Huan's palm and giggled, "Beat the bad guys!"

He Zhidao said, "General, Du Yucheng and his men are in a panic. I have a chance to kill him. If we chase after them, we can wipe out more of their forces."

Zhao Huan said, "If Li Dai were still alive, we could do this, but don't forget, we only have a mere thousand men now. Under our plan, Du Yucheng fell into the trap, allowing us to win with fewer men. But if we pursue them relentlessly, they might be tempted to fight to the death, and then we'll be in trouble."

After a moment's thought, He Zhi realized that Zhao Huan was right, so he said no more.

"Yuan Fei's intelligence was very useful; the commander's camp is now safe."

Zhao Huan took a few steps forward, looked towards the front line of the battlefield, and said, "The outcome of this battle depends on them."

He Zhi said, "The Third Young Master is struggling under Xu Qingshan's sword. There's no danger here anymore. Let me go and help him!"

"No need."

Zhao Huan waved his hand, looked at Zhou Nuo, and said, "Xiao Nuo, hasn't Huan Yun been clamoring to go into battle? Go and call her, and have her assist Zhao Yan in dealing with Xu Qingshan."

"Yes!" Zhou Nuo stepped down from the platform, holding the Jingling Bow.

Zhao Huan looked up at the sky and said, "Regardless of victory or defeat, the strength of the Great Jing will decline after this battle..."

Eastern part of Xuzhong County.

It just rained in spring.

Under Feng Jing's leadership, the remnants of the Zhennan Border Army wandered to three prefectures. Along the way, some died, some were wounded, and some couldn't hold on and secretly slipped away. Now, only 100,000 men remain.

Feng Jing led these 100,000 men into a small town in the eastern part of Xuzhong County. After settling the soldiers, he directly occupied the town government office.

None of the town officials dared to say a word. In front of someone like Feng Jing, who held military power, these insignificant officials were no different from ordinary people.

A light drizzle began to fall in the town again.

Feng Jing, Huang Shi, and Chi Jianzhang, three key figures in the border army, were drinking alone in the government office.

The fate of the Zhennan Border Army has been a question that has troubled the three of them for years.

"Yang Taozhi killed the Prince and General Yuan, which is an irreconcilable feud. Now Wang Ren and Zhao Huan are locked in a stalemate. In my opinion, we should lead our troops to the Suidong Plain and help Wang Ren eliminate Zhao Huan!"

Huang Shi took a big gulp of wine from the jar and slammed it down on the table.

Feng Jing remained calm, while Chi Jianzhang looked deeply troubled.

Chi Jianzhang shook his head and said, "It is still doubtful whether the Prince and General Yuan were really killed by Yang Taozhi. If we really want to go to Suidong, I suggest we don't choose Wang Ren's side."

Huang Shi asked suspiciously, "Old Chi, what do you mean by this?"

Chi Jianzhang said seriously, "Wang Ren has won many battles over the years, but I believe that the victory in Suidong will ultimately belong to Zhao Huan."

Huang Shi said, "Old Chi, I know you admire Zhao Huan, and your defensive style is modeled after his, but you can't just gamble on something because you like it, can you?"

Chi Jianzhang explained, "According to intelligence reports, Zhao Huan's army also has 5,000 Dragon Spear Guards hidden in it, which further increases Zhao Huan's chances of winning."

Huang Shi said, "What if Yang Taozhi really is the murderer who killed the Prince and General Yuan? Wouldn't you be helping our enemy? How can we face the Prince?"

"Stop arguing."

Feng Jing said casually, "We either choose a side now, or we declare ourselves king."

Huang Shi said, "I disagree with declaring independence. The prince's surname is Yuan, and I cannot rebel!"

Chi Jianzhang said, "I also object. The Zhennan Border Army cannot betray us."

"Then choose a faction."

Feng Jing took a sip of wine and said, "I agree with Lao Huang's idea and choose Wang Ren."