203 Dalong Prefecture, 11th

Captain Guan felt extremely heavy-hearted at this moment. Although he seemed to have everything under control just now, he was also a little worried.

This Dalong Prefecture needs to be accepted and valued by others; otherwise, it won't be able to withstand the pressure. Chaos is beginning. I wonder what the others' arrangements are. What are their plans?

But I've encountered such a golden opportunity. If I can't be certain of these things, wouldn't I look foolish?

Sooner or later they'd have to choose sides anyway, and the fact that none of the veteran generals wanted to take sides clearly indicated their own considerations. They couldn't possibly expect peace through mere scheming.

This is far removed from the brief peace that the old generals fought for, braving mountains of knives and seas of fire. Temporary peace and tranquility do not guarantee permanence.

To think that peace can be achieved solely through these schemes is a ridiculous joke. Look at the Dragon King in the distance; he might not agree.

This monster might agree, even to the neighboring country separated by the mountains. Would it agree?

The territory guarded by the Second Prince was constantly at war, with numerous battles large and small. Their strength had increased rapidly, though casualties were also high. However, resources were scarce.

The soldiers are all elite, those who survived. They've all come through fire and water. The only weakness of this force is that the Second Prince and the First Prince haven't yet achieved a breakthrough in their individual strength.

It's enough for ordinary people, but not for the throne. It's not enough for the struggle for power.

Given the opportunity to meet such a young person with such behavior, their future prospects are limitless.

Not just in the future. The present holds limitless potential. Oh, Emperor Wu!

Captain Guan's thoughts drifted far, far away. Below, his soldiers were tending to the wounded and searching for any who had escaped.

Time passed slowly. The entire Dalong Prefecture fell silent instantly!

As time went by and the economy gradually recovered, the people at the grassroots level seemed to have never cared much about the changes at the top.

The greater concern is whether, with a new ruler, they can have enough to eat and whether they have any hope for the future. This has been the case throughout history.

From the direction of Liangdao Cliff, four fast horses galloped across the wide official road, billowing dust like a flash of lightning across the sky. The horseshoes gleamed in the sunlight, kicking up clouds of mud and grass.

As they approached Two Blades Cliff, they gradually slowed down. But where was Two Blades Cliff now?

Looking around, the area within a radius of ten miles, where the Two Blade Cliffs once stood, is now a flat plain.

Rocks and broken branches were scattered everywhere, presenting a scene of devastation. It was as if a catastrophe of the century had occurred.

Those trees that once towered into the clouds are now nothing but short stumps and broken branches!

Scattered around were rocks of varying sizes and shapes, some broken into countless small pieces. Upon closer inspection, traces of fire could be seen, blackened and awe-inspiring.

The once extremely steep Two-Knife Cliff has been transformed overnight into an unimaginably desolate place.

A squad of soldiers was cleaning up the area, busy tidying up the ground. They had already cleared a path three zhang wide. The ground was covered in what looked like powder.

Upon closer inspection, one can see the immense power that shattered the gravel, trees, and soil into powder. A gust of wind then whipped up a cloud of dust, a sight that left onlookers terrified.

Is this even a force that humans can create? Think about themselves. They definitely couldn't. I really do. What kind of behavior is this?

Legend has it that the Martial Saint split mountains and cleaved roads, overturning rivers and seas. Is this scene today truly of splitting mountains and cleaving roads?

Such immense power! The four women's hearts were in turmoil, unable to calm down for a long time.

A single stroke splits a mountain in two—it's a breathtaking power, as if I could see a silver light streak across the sky.

After the flash of the blade, the earth seemed to tremble. Lightning flashed and thunder roared in the sky. Rocks shattered, and dust filled the air. Thunder boomed. The mountain was instantly cleaved into pieces.

Such a thrilling moment. And my own people missed it. The feeling of regret was written all over my face.

Thinking of those who accomplished such a magnificent feat evokes a feeling of envy in one's heart! One longs to be there in person. "If only I could hear the truth in the morning and die content in the evening!"

The four of them were exceptionally beautiful, not only because of their elegant attire, but also because of their extraordinary charisma.

The soldiers cleaning up here are led by a young general, who is wearing black armor with sharp thorns on his helmet. The armor is smooth as a mirror and clearly well-maintained.

He stepped forward and asked softly, "This area is temporarily closed. Who are you looking for?"

Xie Yanyan dismounted, stepped forward, clasped her hands in greeting, and asked, "I am Xie Yanyan from the Xie family of Wanzhou City. I have come on Lord He's orders to pay my respects to General Yun Qing and his entourage."

Upon hearing this, the young officer hesitated and said, "Miss Xie, please wait a moment. Let me go and inform them first." After saying this, he sent someone to inform them.

The Shi sisters and Shang Qingxuan dismounted and went to the side, waiting patiently. They then carefully observed the dust beneath their feet.

Not long after, about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, came the sound of several hoofbeats, approaching rapidly from afar.

They entered, and soon they all saw each other. They dismounted themselves upon approaching, since they were complete strangers.

However, they were both secretly sizing each other up. Both were exceptional individuals, the cream of the crop. Words like "peerless beauty" and "exceptionally talented" were insufficient to describe them.

She possessed a refined and elegant demeanor, a serene and joyful spirit, long and slender legs, a straight waist, and a flawless figure—exquisitely beautiful and ethereal.

Moreover, none of them were dressed in elaborate costumes, nor did they resemble the pitiful Fei Yan relying on her new makeup. They were all naturally beautiful without any artifice.

Both sides were filled with envy.

Jie Yanyan stepped forward, her beautiful eyes scrutinizing Yun Qing before she asked, "You must be General Yun Qing."

Yun Qing was dressed in a general's uniform, always wearing armor. The armor had a pattern, and the elbows were trimmed with silver. The shoulders and waist were well-fitting, and the figure was exquisite.

He nodded and replied softly, "Indeed, may I ask how I should address you, young lady?"

Jie Yanyan chuckled softly, "General Yun, my name is Jie Yanyan, and these are Consort Shi, Shi Wanwan, and Miss Shang Qingxuan."

After listening to the introductions and getting to know each person, Yun Qing introduced them, saying, "This is Yun Shuni, this is Lieutenant Yun, and this is Miss Yun Su."

After getting acquainted with the others, Jie Yanyan slowly explained, "General Yun, Lord He instructed that we have made the arrangements. Nearly a hundred carriages have arrived. If that's not enough, we can add more."

Yun Qing clasped her hands slightly and said, "Thank you very much, Miss Jie. I am deeply grateful."

The group chatted for a few moments. Shi Wanwan and the others couldn't help but ask, "Was this caused by last night's battle?"

Yun Qing and the other two nodded.

Shi Wanwan asked excitedly, "Sister Yunqing, could you please describe to us what happened here last night?"

As they waited there, the group recounted the battle of the previous night.