Chapter 83 (Final Chapter, Part 1) Ji Yujing and Lin Qingdai joined forces...
This strike, infused with surging internal energy, was like a gust of wind striking a raging wave, its power blazing. Ji Yujing quickly took two steps, gripping his sword with both hands, the veins on the back of his hands bulging, each one clearly visible.
Luo Tingzhou observed their movements, a flash of astonishment crossing his eyes.
This season, Kyō is truly skilled and daring, actually intending to directly confront this arrow.
Ji Yujing had long been famous in the martial arts world and was a master of extraordinary martial arts. He couldn't possibly be unaware of the destructive power of this arrow, yet he still chose to fight head-on.
The archers lying in ambush saw that he had lowered his guard and fired arrows again.
Given the current situation, Ji Yujing is certain that Luo Tingzhou's arrow, delivered with all his might, will pierce his body. He doesn't care; the arrow rain could riddle him with holes.
In short, it's a lose-lose situation either way.
Even worse, Luo Tingzhou, just to be on the safe side, fired another arrow.
In the critical moment, the soldiers who had followed Ji and Jing up the city wall went up to protect his other sides with their swords and knives.
Xu Xian protected his back.
The sharp rain of arrows was blocked by the human wall.
As the menacing aura approached Ji Yujing, he swung his sword, the sword energy sweeping away the arrows.
Clang.
A string of sparks flew out with a sharp sound.
Ji and Jing's eardrums were so shocked that they hurt, and the powerful impact forced him to take a quick step back.
One step, two steps, three steps... until Xu Xian's back supported him.
But none of them turned back; with one collision, they each subdued their enemies.
For his second shot, Ji and Jing still opted for a strong attack.
It was shot down as well.
Blood was flowing from the web of his hand, and his arm was completely numb, yet he still appeared relaxed.
"He's far inferior to Wu Tingshan."
"That's why you'll never become a grandmaster."
To kill someone is to destroy their spirit.
These two sentences struck a chord with Luo Tingzhou, who was momentarily stunned. Seeing this, Ji Yujing rushed straight to the top of the city wall to fight him head-on.
The sword energy surged fiercely, rushing towards Luo Tingzhou. He was startled and came to his senses.
He drew the knife from his back and went straight to meet them.
According to seniority in the martial arts world, he and Wu Tingshan were qualified to be Ji Yujing's grandmasters, and his pride wouldn't allow him to back down.
Not even one step.
But soon he found himself unable to do it, after Ji Yujing used brute force to knock away the arrow he had shot with all his might.
The young man before him had hands covered in blood, all his own. Clearly, the two arrows had inflicted considerable damage on him.
He was very confident in the attack power of his two arrows.
However, when he actually faced Ji Yujing and felt the immense internal energy surging from his body, he became less certain.
When did Ji Yujing become this strong?
He never even studied under any of the great masters in the world.
Luo Tingzhou was unaware that a young man's obsession could defy the heavens. From the day Ji Yujing decided to avenge his friend, he never slept more than three hours a day.
He did not have a famous teacher, but he personally went to Cen Tianzong, a sect known for its disciples' strength and iron fists, and obtained a training method from them. From then on, he trained day after day, regardless of wind or snow.
From a poor but beloved young man to a renowned figure who has shaken the world, all Ji Yujing has achieved is one word: "stubbornness".
He wanted it, and he buried himself in work.
The word "axis" is simple to write and easy to do, yet only a handful of people can truly master it. But once one achieves it to the extreme, they become a figure who amazes the world.
Yu Yong did it; he comforted his deceased family with the destruction of a once-prosperous family. Wu Tingshan did it; before he grew old, the vast western lands were brought to peace by the knife in his hand. Ming Qian did it; she rose higher and higher to protect one person, and from then on, the word "general" in Xun Kingdom could never be separated from her. The Four Generals of Lingdong did it; the sons of poor families built their careers with their bare hands.
Lin Qingdai also achieved this; having read countless books, she could still control the world with her delicate hands. She once wholeheartedly wanted to lead Lingdong to prosperity, and now that spring has arrived and all things are thriving, Lingdong is also bathed in the spring sunshine.
...
This is how a prosperous era should be.
A multitude of brilliant talents stand tall, like carp crossing a river. Only a constellation of stars can illuminate the path ahead.
Amidst the chaos, a golden age has quietly arrived. Though still somewhat vague, it has undeniably emerged.
His internal energy surged, and despite relentless attacks, Luo Tingzhou began to retreat, step by step.
After hundreds of moves, his hands were no longer able to fight.
Ji Yujing's sword finally pierced his heart.
"Out of respect for General Wu, I will have someone collect your body."
The sharp pain made Luo Tingzhou involuntarily lower his eyes to look at the wound. He never imagined that Mingyue City would be his final resting place; he made money but didn't have the life to enjoy it.
How pathetic, how pathetic!
However, the outcome is already decided, so what's the use of regret?
"If possible, General Ji, please send my ashes to my junior brother."
After a lifetime of secret rivalry, in the end, the person he trusted most was someone he had known since his youth.
Ji and Jing did not respond; the sword was thrust deep before being pulled out.
As blood spurted out, he leaped off the top of the city tower and used brute force to open the gate of Mingyue Pass.
Upon hearing the call of the phoenix again, he immediately led his troops forward.
He omitted the pre-battle pep talk, only saying, "The general said that arrangements will be made for everyone to see each other after the battle!"
A burst of laughter erupted, and he added, "I've been wanting to meet Zhang's army for a long time, let's go!"
Ji Yujing didn't linger at the door; he had great confidence in his brother and trusted him completely.
He ventured deep into Mingyue Pass in search of Zhang Qiyuan.
If we cannot kill him today, even if we win this battle, it will be flawed.
At this moment, he never expected that finding Zhang Qiyuan would be so easy. Walking along the city gate, near the end, he saw Zhang Qiyuan standing there. He wore no armor, only a simple dark blue robe, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist. Surrounded by darkness, only the pendant shone silently, lustrous and noble.
Without a closer look, Ji and Kyoto knew it was a jade pendant passed down from the Zhang family.
Its existence is to remind people that there is an insurmountable chasm between commoners and noble families, starting from the moment of birth.
That was indeed the case, but Ji Yujing felt that this was wrong.
Wealth should depend on ability, not on existing class.
After a short while, Ji Yujing arrived near Zhang Qiyuan. He stopped about half a zhang away.
"Ji Yujing, don't you think you're a lucky person?"
As soon as they stopped, Zhang Qiyuan spoke.
Ji Yujing remained silent, but he didn't seem to mind, continuing to talk about other things.
"Everyone is paving the way for you to enter the capital."
Lin Qingdai, Liu Tong'an, Mu Qinghuai and Leng Jialan, who were silently resisting the Northern Banquet in the far north, even united the Northern Li. After Wu Tingshan dealt with Canglan, he ordered Huang Zhenquan to lead 80,000 troops into Lingdong, together with Wu Xingwang's army in the south and the Lingdong army. The three armies then launched a proactive attack on Dongshao from Sanxi Town.
That's one thing, but now even Song Yunyan, the fourth prince of the current dynasty...
Zhang Qiyuan didn't want to admit it, but the secret report from the south last night had somewhat unbalanced his mind.
Qin Yining, the commander of the Southern Army, led a large army into the capital under the pretext of protecting the emperor. Although the Fourth Prince had not yet revealed his true intentions, the Southern Army had been quietly protecting itself, but launched an attack at this critical juncture when Song Yunmian poisoned the Empress and the Second Prince.
The underlying reasons are actually not hard to guess.
Song Yunyan wanted to return to the capital to save his mother, and at the same time, he wanted to share the burden of helping Ji Yujing enter the capital.
The whole country was in turmoil, and only then did everyone realize how powerful their nation truly was. Previously, it had appeared weak due to its chaos and disarray.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yujing roughly knew what he was talking about.
A slight twitch at the corner of her mouth. "Should I apologize to you for this?"
"In the past, you and the likes of the Huo family enjoyed all the benefits brought by aristocratic families. Have you ever apologized to the people? Have you ever felt even a trace of remorse?"
“You’ve mentioned some of the most brilliant and talented people in this land. I can’t control them, and they’re not doing this for me.”
They are fighting for the people.
They fought and died for the land they lived in.
"Of course, there are indeed feelings involved."
Family, friendship, and love.
No one can completely escape the pull of emotions, but what can they do if they are? It doesn't change the fact that they are willing to be.
"These are things that a cold-hearted, self-centered person like you will never understand."
"Further words are useless, let's fight."
As he spoke, Ji Yujing swung his sword at Zhang Qiyuan.
With lightning speed, Zhang Qiyuan dodged to the side.
He kept hitting, and he kept dodging; it wasn't just Ji and Jing who were improving.
"Ji Yujing, you were only able to win because Lin Qingdai suddenly appeared in this game."
Her entry into the game brought countless variables, making it impossible to guard against.
"So what? She's my wife."
For his beloved wife.
Every bit of what she gave him was nourishment, propelling him forward. And because he was loved so deeply and sweetly, as long as she was by his side, he would never develop any obsessions.
"Ji Yujing, who was once proud and unyielding, has now risen to power through his wife."
Each sentence was meant to provoke Ji Yujing's anger and disrupt his peace of mind.
A man, an unparalleled genius.
To say that he rose to power through his wife was an insult to him.
However, these are the usual situations and are not suitable for Ji Yujing and Lin Qingdai.
The first time Ji Yujing fell in love, he received the purest and sweetest love in the world. No matter what others said, he knew that Lin Qingdai had come for him.
All subsequent events stemmed from him.
"So what if I rose to power through my wife? Being liked by Lin Qingdai is my own achievement."
It's been a long time since we last met, and the sharp-tongued Ji Yujing has reappeared.
You must not lose a fight, nor can you argue.
"Sooner or later, you'll die from talking too much."
The sword wind swept by, like a sudden storm, raising layers of sand and gravel from the ground, rushing towards Zhang Qiyuan.
It's no longer easy to deal with someone bare-handed.
"Sword, come!"
He let out a low growl, and a sword was hurled at him from above. He caught it in his hand and, without even removing the scabbard, raised the sword to strike back.
The real battle has begun, a fight that outsiders can hardly get involved in. It's too intense; at its fastest pace, only afterimages remain.
Zhang Jiajun's team also lacked the energy to focus too much attention on this matter.
When the Lingdong army arrived, they ravaged the land like hungry wolves, inevitably drawing blood. The Zhang family army, which had never experienced a brutal battle, had never seen such tactics. They were terrified, unable to contain their shock.
Time passed inch by inch, in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a quarter of an hour, half an hour... The most famous warlords of Xun Kingdom fought each other, and both suffered casualties.
But as if they had agreed beforehand, they all had protective armor on their bodies.
The only difference is that nowadays, Ji and Jing's equipment is second to none.
His only weakness was compensated for by his wife's graceful gesture.
When they joined forces with Jing and Lin Qingdai, they were invincible and irreversible.
After a long and fierce battle, Ji Yujing's black armor was pierced.
Just as Zhang Qiyuan was overjoyed, Ji Yujing curled his lips into a wicked smile.
"Zhang Qiyuan, die."
Ji Yujing leaned forward, the sword penetrating even deeper, allowing him to control Zhang Qiyuan's wrist. Though he couldn't control him for long, it would be enough to kill him.
Ji and Jing threw the soft sword in their hands, and the sword flew forward rapidly.
In the blink of an eye, a considerable distance had been covered.
Finally, it pierced the trunk of an ancient tree. The immense force of the impact caused the outermost layer of the sword to peel off and pile up in a nail-like shape. Propelled by the force, it rebounded, heading towards the back of Zhang Qiyuan's head.
Hearing the sound of the wind, Zhang Qiyuan knew that if he couldn't dodge the hidden weapon, he would surely die today. He began to struggle, trying to break free from Ji Yujing's control.
But Ji and Jing Shenli's names have been widely known for a long time, so it's not that easy.
"Ji and Jing".
Zhang Qiyuan began to roar uncontrollably; he didn't want to die yet.
But Ji Yujing seemed to anticipate every one of his struggles, and he always managed to defuse the situation and regain control.
hiss.
The nail pierced Zhang Qiyuan's head and never came out again.
How deep it is cannot be determined without looking at it.
But Zhang Qiyuan didn't even have time to cry out in pain before he collapsed to the ground, his body curled up to its limit.
Ji and Jing weren't much better off.
The sword pierced his body; when it was pulled out, blood gushed out like a torrent.
He ignored it and slowly walked towards his sword.
He drew his sword and sheathed it.
He followed the path he had come from toward the city gate. Zhang Qiyuan was dead, and Mingyue Pass had fallen. His next enemy, Song Yunmian, was waiting for him in the capital.
During this time, people kept coming over.
Some were trying to save Zhang Qiyuan, others were trying to protect him; in short, it was a complete mess.
Just as he was about to pass Zhang Qiyuan, he heard Zhang Qiyuan muttering incoherently, but Ji Yujing heard it.
"I once had a passionate and intense love affair with Dai Dai."
In my dream.
Ji Yujing looked down at him and scoffed, "You can't even dream about the real her."
No one but him had ever seen her charming appearance.
Dai Dai has only ever loved him, ever since a long time ago.
The massacre at Mingyue Pass took nearly five days.
The common people will remain compliant, but Zhang's army cannot survive.
For the past five days, Ji Yujing has been resting in bed, while the old man surnamed Lu has been constantly nagging in his ear.
If your wife finds out you're using such extreme methods to punish your enemy, she'll scold you again.
You are not allowed to get up. My wife ordered me to keep an eye on you. If necessary, I can have someone hold you down, and no one will dare to say a word.
Take your medicine and get better quickly, otherwise I won't be able to explain it to my wife.
The noise made Ji Yujing frown. When a bowl of medicine soup so black that you couldn't even see the bottom of the bowl was placed in front of him, he couldn't help but say, "Remember? If I hadn't had people bring you food every now and then, you would have gone to see the ancestors in the underworld long ago."
Old Doctor Lu: "Yes, to repay you, I have worked diligently under your care."
"The general values his wife so much, isn't the old man's behavior tantamount to repaying a debt of gratitude?"
It's strange that it can talk.
Ji and Jing couldn't refute a single word.
He thought to himself, "When Miss Lin was angry, she said that everyone could use the name Ji Yujing to manipulate her. But I think she got it backwards; it's clearly that everyone can use the name Lin Qingdai to manipulate him."
Look, old man Lu has won again.
No matter how much he disliked the dark, unappetizing medicine, he had to hold his nose and drink it all. He hoped to get better quickly and have even the scars removed before seeing Dai Dai.
That way, you won't get scolded.
During the time Ji Yujing spent recuperating, the news of Zhang Qiyuan's execution by Ji Yujing spread throughout most of Xun Kingdom.
Lin Qingdai was among the first to find out.
It was an urgent dispatch, carried out for her alone.
After reading Ji Yujing's handwritten letter, Lin Qingdai chuckled softly. That chuckle held a hidden affection, and all her pressure vanished.
The overall situation is now settled, and Anping is on the horizon.
Mingyue was preparing dinner for her when she heard laughter and asked softly.
"Why is the young lady laughing? Has the general brought good news?"
Lin Qingdai responded softly, paused briefly, and then said, "Make preparations, we're setting off back to the capital, following General Ji's marching route."
She still has to go.
Otherwise, this man would definitely abandon everything to come to Lingdong to pick her up. The great battle has just ended, and everything is in chaos; how can we let him act recklessly?
In the far north, after receiving the secret letter, Leng Jialan went to see her cousin, holding the letter in her hand and waving it around, both happy and proud.
"Brother, did I say that in the future, Ji Yujing and Lin Qingdai would be in charge of Xun Kingdom?"
“From now on, you will be a relative of our Xun Kingdom. As a relative, Dai Dai will definitely spoil you without limits.”
The Crown Prince of Beili smiled indulgently and asked, "And what about General Ji?"
Leng Jialan: "He's not important. Dai Dai has the final say on trade matters."
If this were an ordinary statement, the Crown Prince of Beili would certainly not believe it.
The empress and concubines were forbidden from interfering in politics; this has been the rule since ancient times.
Where does an empress get such great power?
However, he witnessed firsthand the changing situation and the life-and-death struggles within and outside Xunguo, but the area affected was extremely limited.
The south is locked down, the northwest is locked down, the far north is locked down, and the Lingdong region remains peaceful...
The brutal wars continued, but their impact on culture and people's livelihoods was limited. Given the influence and methods of this group, recovery wouldn't take long after the war.
When a benevolent person is in a high position and possesses great wisdom, it is truly a blessing for all people.
“Alright, after the war, Beili will become the first foreign country to trade with Xun.”
By the time the news reached Song Yunyan, Qin Yining's army had already reached Liuxing Prefecture. They were about the same distance from the capital as Ningdong Army.
If all goes well, they will be able to meet in the capital in mid-June.
At the moment he received the letter, Song Yunyan was sitting among his soldiers eating a flatbread. This flatbread was nothing like what he used to eat; it was meager and far from delicious, but he didn't care at all. A smile played on his lips, and his eyes shone brightly.
After reading it, he handed the letter to Qin Yining, asking, "Isn't my brother-in-law very capable?"
Qin Yining: "..."
After a dozen or so breaths of silence, he finally managed to utter a single sentence, "Did General Ji ever call you brother?"
The implication is that General Ji didn't acknowledge this brother, and Song Yunyan's status as an uncle isn't very high.
Song Yunyan: "Just wait, this time he'll definitely call me 'brother' willingly."
As Mingyue Pass fell, the aristocratic families overwhelmingly made their decision, and the atmosphere began to boil over. The two armies, led by Ji Yujing and Qin Yining respectively, advanced through the area, with ordinary people constantly approaching them and shouting.
"General, do you think we are capable of fighting a war?"
"I heard that the soldiers in the south were all temporarily selected. If they can do it, why can't we?"
"We can also defend our homeland and overthrow the corrupt imperial family."
"You are all great heroes, great heroes who rescued the poor and suffering people from fire and water."
This scene made Qin Yining unable to hold back her mouth.
Seeing this, Song Yunyan quipped, "Feeling great to be praised by the people?"
Qin Yining: "My old man used to criticize me every day, saying that I only knew how to practice martial arts and did not do my proper job, and that the Qin family's reputation in the south would end with me."
As he said this, the corners of his mouth curled up even higher, "After this battle, my official rank might even surpass that old man's?"
"Fourth Brother, tell me, was it good?"
Song Yunyan: "Awesome! I feel awesome too!"
Qin Yining: "How did you enjoy it?"
Song Yunyan: "Given how much Dai Dai dotes on me, I could be a king before, and I can be now."
Qin Yining laughed even louder, "With Miss Lin here, the position of the fourth son of the Song family is as secure as a mountain."
"Of course not."
"You've really gotten over it?"
"Whether I'm at peace with the trend or not is no longer important. The established families made their choices, the masses made their choices, and I made mine."
That's all.
And he never regretted it until this moment.
The kingdom should not belong to any one family; it belongs to all the people. If the royal family cannot provide peace and security for the people, then the supreme throne should be given to someone else.
The Song family has failed the people, but Song Yunyan has not.
He could still walk among the common people with dignity, go to the Lin family's house for a free meal without any guilt, and ask Dai Dai for all sorts of strange little trinkets.
Fourth Brother.
"Um?"
"Now I finally understand why Miss Lin dotes on you so much, and is willing to go against General Ji for your sake?"
"Why? Am I handsome and kind-hearted?"
"Hahahaha, yes, yes, yes."
June 21st is an auspicious day.
After three days of continuous rain in the capital, the sun finally came out.
Ji Yujing and Qin Yining's armies passed through the two main city gates and entered Jinque City without encountering any resistance. Only then did the soldiers realize the extent to which they could lose the hearts and minds of the people.
This is good, as unnecessary casualties have been minimized.
In front of the imperial city, Lin Yansen and Zhao Xinkuo waited for the new emperor, also hoping to save their old friend.
Although my old friend is now mentally unstable, even if Ji and Jing release him, he probably won't live much longer. But as long as one lives in this world, does what one should do, and has a clear conscience, that's enough.
Upon seeing Lin Yansen, Ji Yujing immediately dismounted and approached him. When he paused, he respectfully bowed, "Father, it's been a long time. Your hand..."
The word "father" secretly pleased Lin Yansen: See, his son-in-law respects him very much.
He nodded slightly, displaying the true bearing of a first-class prince. "I've come to greet you today for two reasons: first, to meet my son-in-law; and second, to request that the general release one of our people."
"For this, we are willing to hand over the Tiger Tally of the Silver Shield Army."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunyan no longer cared about concealing his identity. He immediately dismounted and went to Ji Yujing's side.
"General, please spare my father's life."
Ji Yujing remained silent, and Lin Yansen assumed he was unwilling. "General, His Majesty's condition is very bad now, and he poses no threat to anyone. If you are really worried, I am willing to keep him in the Lin family mansion and keep him in the capital for the rest of his life."
Ji Yujing watched as Lord Lin repeatedly made promises solely to save the cripple Song Qingwu, his mind a jumble of thoughts, the most vivid of which was...
Even with the situation as it is, there are still people who want to protect Song Qingwu. This person isn't entirely evil.
In the past, no matter how much others begged, he would not have let Song Qingwu go. He not only wanted to kill Song Qingwu, but also to hang his corpse at the entrance of Baoshan Street until it rotted away.
But now, he has changed his mind.
Song Qingwu has already met his end and is about to die; even if he kills him himself, it's just a formality and has no real meaning. He might as well give his father-in-law some face.
"I'll leave it to Song Yunyan. I don't want to see him every time I go in and out of the Lin residence."
This means agreement.
Lin Yansen and the other two immediately showed joy.
Song Yunyan: "Okay, okay, leave it to me. I'll buy a house next to the Lin residence."
Lin Yansen & Zhao Xinkuo: "..."
Is this how someone survived to the end, still lively and energetic, by being foolish?
Ji Yujing glanced at him coldly, "I'll see how long Dai Dai is willing to protect you."
"Qin Yining, Xu Xiancongxin, lead the raiding party and come with me into the palace."
"General Zhao, please take command of the Silver Shield Army again and come with me to the palace."
Seeing Ji Yujing's goodwill towards him, Zhao Xinkuo was stunned and unable to respond immediately.
Lin Yansen: "......"
"What are you standing there for? Go and save His Majesty!"
Zhao Xinkuo snapped out of his daze and said, "Okay, okay, let's go."
Zhao Xinkuo's robes fluttered sharply, subtly revealing the excitement in his heart. He truly never imagined that he would one day be able to take command of the Silver Shield Army again.
At the Meridian Gate, a large number of Silver Shield soldiers were stationed.
What should have been a bloody battle was averted by Zhao Xinkuo's unexpected appearance. With their leader back, the soldiers felt instantly at ease.
"Stay put and wait. Do not use force except in self-defense."
"promise."
From now on, they finally wouldn't have to kill anyone. The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief. But the leader's face remained grim.
"Your Highness."
There was only one prince in this group.
Song Yunyan laughed, "You still recognize me even though my face is almost covered in smears? Just say what's wrong, why are you looking so gloomy?"
The general said, "The Crown Prince is indiscriminately killing concubines in the palace. I wonder how the Imperial Concubine is doing now. You should go and check on her."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunyan's face turned pale. He rushed towards the Imperial Concubine's palace, his steps as fast as lightning.
Ji and Jing followed closely behind, their thoughts almost identical.
This Song Yunmian is absolutely outrageous.
Those who entered the palace were all highly skilled in individual combat, and before long they arrived outside a magnificent palace. The palace doors were wide open, and even from a distance, the bloodstains on the threshold could be seen.
"mother."
Song Yunyan was nearly driven mad and rushed into the main hall. But inside, there were only the corpses of some maids and eunuchs, their bodies still warm, indicating they had only recently died.
"Where is my mother? Where is my mother?"
"Song Yunmian, today I will tear you to pieces."
Song Yunyan's eyes turned red with anxiety. It turned out that he hadn't brought any weapons because he was trying to disguise himself. He went to the inner hall with familiarity with the place, and came out with a sharp sword in his hand.
He was consumed by rage and ignored everyone. He grabbed a weapon and headed out of the hall, tears streaming down his face as he walked. He knew it was shameful, but he couldn't control himself.
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