The city gates were already closed, and the city walls were heavily guarded, prohibiting entry and exit.
Saintess Luo Yue wanted to leave the city. Ignoring the soldiers' obstruction, she used her lightness skill to fly over the city wall, along with the leaders of various sects in the martial arts world.
At this critical juncture, they decided to put aside their grudges with the Red Lotus Sect and unite to fight the enemy.
Faced with the approaching righteous warriors, the Red-Clad Army was about to engage in battle when the leading Red-Clad General slowly raised his hand, stopping the soldiers' impulsive actions.
Black Wolf's gaze was piercing as he stared directly at the Holy Maiden Luo Yue, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "Gentlemen like you are pillars of the martial world. You have gathered here today, surely to stop our army's siege?"
He then looked at Yun Feiyang, the leader of the martial arts alliance.
Yun Feiyang held a long sword, the tip of which lightly touched the ground, his body as steady as a rock.
His eyes gleamed with an unwavering determination. "Black Wolf, you traitors intend to overthrow the imperial court and harm the people. How can we, the heroes and heroines of the martial world, stand idly by? Today, we will not only stop your attack on the city, but also bring you, these treacherous bandits who have brought ruin to the country, to justice!"
Upon hearing this, Black Wolf burst into laughter, his laughter laced with disdain and arrogance: "Yun Feiyang, you call yourself the leader of the martial arts alliance, yet you've fallen into the trap of thinking you can change the world with just a surge of passion? Let me tell you, this world is already ruled by the strong, and the law of the jungle prevails. You people are nothing but a mantis trying to stop a chariot, overestimating yourselves!"
"Hmph, Black Wolf, you're far too confident." The Emei Sect Leader, Abbess Qingxu, sneered from the side.
With a light wave of his whisk, he exuded an air of otherworldly grace and unyielding authority. "Though we are not officials of the court, we care for the common people, and it is our duty to protect the righteous path. Your actions are intolerable to Heaven and Earth; today is your end!"
After speaking, Abbess Qingxu moved swiftly, like a light-footed dancer, instantly closing in on the black wolf. Her whisk, carrying a sharp gust of wind, aimed directly at the black wolf's face.
The leaders of the other sects were not to be outdone, each displaying their unique skills. In an instant, sword light shone like silk in the sky above the city wall, and palm winds howled, tearing the night into pieces.
Seeing this, Black Wolf's eyes sharpened. He did not back down, but instead shouted loudly, "Men of the Red Shirt Army, let these so-called martial arts masters see our strength!"
After speaking, he sprang up like a cheetah in the dark, engaging in fierce combat with Abbess Qingxu. The two exchanged blows, their moves sharp and evenly matched.
At the same time, Saintess Luo Yue was not to be outdone.
She flashed forward, her longsword unsheathed, transforming into a silver lightning bolt, aiming straight for the black wolf's vitals.
Seeing this, the surrounding martial arts figures also joined the battle, engaging in fierce combat with the Red Shirt Army soldiers.
For a time, shouts of battle filled the air above the city walls, and sparks flew everywhere. The two sides fought back and forth, neither giving an inch, and the battle was extremely fierce.
However, the Red Shirt soldiers were numerous and well-trained, and the江湖人士 (jianghu figures) gradually fell into a disadvantageous position.
Upon witnessing this scene, Saintess Luo Yue was extremely anxious and decided to retreat first.
She took a deep breath and channeled all her strength.
With a sudden swing of his longsword, a sharp sword aura shot out, heading straight for the black wolf.
Black Wolf sensed the power of the sword energy and dared not take it head-on, so he quickly dodged to the side.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, she led the remaining heroes of the martial arts world to retreat quickly towards the city gate.
Unexpectedly, Black Wolf's martial arts skills were so high that the Holy Maiden was unable to defeat him.
"Brother, that Red Shirt Army leader is really powerful; I'm no match for him. This time, Godfather will be disappointed," Li Xi sighed.
Situ Feng was unconcerned. "Don't worry, everything is under my godfather's control."
Are there any other arrangements? She pondered to herself, but did not show her doubts, only nodding slightly.
"I'll do whatever you say, brother."
After a few days of recuperation, the retired emperor returned to take charge of the overall situation.
Prince Jing was still young, and naturally did not have the experience to handle political affairs as his grandfather did.
The emperor is now in a coma, and the Red Shirt Army has already besieged the city, but the armies from all over the country that came to the emperor's aid have yet to arrive.
Panic gripped the city. The night was as dark as ink, with only a few scattered torches flickering in the streets, illuminating anxious and desperate faces. Deep within the palace, imperial physicians moved in and out, their brows furrowed. The scent of medicine mingled with the heavy atmosphere, yet there was no sign of the emperor's health improving.
The drums of the Red Shirts could be faintly heard outside the city.
On the city wall, the defending soldiers still had high morale, but they couldn't help but feel a little afraid in the face of the fierce rebel army.
The generals gathered together, discussing countermeasures in hushed tones. They all knew that the strength of a single city was insufficient to withstand the iron hooves of the Red Shirts.
However, news of the Red Shirt Army ambushing and killing the troops sent to defend the emperor reached the palace, causing widespread panic. Many secretly packed their belongings, preparing to escape the palace amidst the chaos.
The retired emperor sent Prime Minister Lin to the outskirts of the city as an envoy.
Lin Xiang faced the leader of the Red-Shirt Army riding a tall horse, his brows furrowed, but his tone was calm: "His Majesty sent me here to discuss state affairs with the Black Wolf righteous men, hoping to stop the fighting, secure the country, and benefit all the people."
Black Wolf, the leader of the Red Shirts, wore a black robe and had a cold and stern face.
Black Wolf sneered and spurred his horse forward a few steps.
His voice carried a hint of disdain: "Lord Lin, you are mistaken. It is not that we wish to wage war, but that the court is corrupt and treacherous, and the people are suffering. We are raising an army for the sake of the people and to restore peace to the world."
Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Lin sighed softly and said slowly, "If the leaders of the Red Shirt Army can temporarily cease hostilities, enter the palace to meet the Emperor, and discuss national affairs, they will surely be able to find a solution that satisfies both the people's hearts and the greater good."
"Don't even think about fooling us, Lord Lin." Black Wolf's voice sounded even more piercing in the cold wind.
His eyes were like knives as he stared directly at Prime Minister Lin. "In the imperial court, where is the true emperor's voice? It's nothing but a puppet stage for a bunch of powerful ministers. We, the Red-Clad Army, are a separate faction, and we are determined to use our swords to cleave this chaotic world and restore a bright and clear sky for the people."
"Do you know how many innocent people will be killed or injured, how much chaos will ensue, and how many lives will be lost?" Lin Xiang's voice carried a hint of pity as he tried to awaken a sliver of reason in Black Wolf's heart.
“Sacrifice is inevitable, but if it allows future generations to live in a country free from oppression and hunger, it is all worthwhile.” Black Wolf said firmly, “Lord Lin, you are well-read and should understand that the wheels of history always roll forward, and nothing can be built without destruction.”
Lin Xiang was silent for a moment. "General Black Wolf, have you ever considered how this will end if we resort to violence to combat violence? What the people of the world yearn for is nothing more than peace and hope. Why don't we join hands and find a path that can solve our current predicament without plunging the country into deeper disaster?"
After hearing this, Black Wolf's lips curled into a cold smile, clearly showing his disdain for the person or thing in front of him.
"Lord Lin, your suggestion is good, but reality is far more complicated than you imagine. Our Red Shirt Army is united because of our despair for the court. If you ask us to give up our weapons easily, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the masses."
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