Chapter 1426: Seizing the Bridge, Blowing Up the Waterway (Seventeen) [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Yun Ce asked Bei Qiu, but Bei Qiu naturally didn't know.
The news from the front lines was good—the enemy's attention was drawn to their main force, and they couldn't attend to their rear for the time being. Yun Ce knew how precious the opportunity was and dared not delay.
Taking advantage of the thick fog, the elite troops sneaked into the enemy's rear.
The vanguard at the forefront wields a strangely shaped shield.
The shield wasn't very large, but its surface was worn smooth.
A little bit of martial energy can make the shield absorb the surrounding scenery, and with the interference of light, it is extremely difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.
This item, also produced by the Imperial Workshop, is very light, weighing less than one-fifth the weight of an ordinary shield. Its defensive capabilities are also weak; even a normal adult, without the courage of a martial artist, could cut it in half with all their might. At first glance, it seems like a very poorly made product. However, its true purpose is not defense, but camouflage, especially in dense fog where it can perfectly conceal one's presence.
"Let's do it!"
——
"I never would have guessed that the high priest was such a heartless man."
Gu Chi couldn't bear to look at him.
Jimo Qiu is naturally dark-skinned, isn't she?
Shen Tang disagreed: "Wang Chao's words are slanderous."
Honestly, if I were Ji Moqiu, I might not have been able to pull off something like this. Shen Tang may be arrogant and playful, but he's quite serious when it comes to battle; even his most hurtful words are ultimately meant to kill the enemy. Ji Moqiu, on the other hand, may not necessarily want to kill, yet he manages to manipulate people's minds with what he considers his most sincere attitude, breaking their defenses to the max, delivering devastating blows with every word.
To say that Ji Moqiu is black-hearted wouldn't be accurate, but to say he's pure-hearted? Just look at Lady Yuan, who was so enraged by him that she was practically on the verge of death; she'd be the first to object. Shen Tang defended Ji Moqiu, saying, "At most, it was just a lucky accident."
Ji Moqiu's attitude was genuinely sincere, but Yuan Nujun, with her petty mind, judged him by her own standards and could neither understand nor believe his sincerity, which led to a misunderstanding between them.
How can this be considered a heartless and cruel person like Jimo Qiu?
Shen Tang reiterated: "Wang Chao should not wrong good people."
Gu Chi's smile was somewhat forced: "..."
Lord, do you want to hear the nonsense you've been spouting?
Shen Tang's response was so alarming that Gu Chi momentarily forgot the occasion, his dark eyes darting around.
Even the most brilliant and powerful ruler has moments when lust takes hold. This isn't a flaw; it's human nature. Gu Chi had long known that his lord coveted Gong Xi Chou's body and Ji Mo Qiu's face. However, over the years, the two brothers had practically made their willingness to offer themselves up—or rather, Ji Mo Qiu had practically dragged his brother along as a freebie—yet they hadn't gained any official status, and the lord's harem remained empty. Gu Chi was starting to wonder if his lord had some hidden ailment.
Looking back today, it seems like he was simply clueless?
Gu Chi: "A long road tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's true character."
Is he a good person?
Is he heartless?
Time will tell.
Shen Tang: "...Actually, it's better to be a little black-hearted."
At least she won't be easily fooled, nor will she be bullied when she's not paying attention. Kang Guowen and Wu are too cunning; she can't outmaneuver them with just martial prowess. If she's not careful, she could easily be sold out and end up paying for it herself.
Being gentle and considerate is good, but being independent and self-reliant is also good.
You'd be more satisfied if you could have your cake and eat it too.
Gu Chi wanted to roll his eyes and purse his lips when he heard that.
"Is my lord trying to have both?"
Shen Tangxing's eyes widened in surprise.
"The ruler of a country, the sovereign of the world, is it too much for me to ask?"
Gu Chi: "...It's not excessive, but it's excessive to demand contradictory qualities in one person. Why don't you do one thing at a time?"
Shen Tang thought about it carefully and shook her head: "It costs money."
If each person is treated the same, how many mouths would we have to feed?
Shen Tang struggles to support herself.
She prefers to pursue the ultimate cost-effectiveness.
Qi Shan and the others were focused on the battlefield situation, their brows furrowing and hearts pounding with worry, leaving marks on their foreheads. In contrast, Wei Lou and the other old fogies were quite different. They had lived for over a hundred years, and had seen all sorts of storms and battles. They had even experienced countless life-or-death situations, so they were not in a real hurry.
We haven't even revealed our trump cards yet, what's the panic?
He thought he had a good mindset, but he didn't expect the person in question to have an even better one. On the battlefield, with swords drawn and a great battle imminent, what was she talking about—men, what was she talking about beauty?
In this respect, he is far inferior to the former ruler.
Wei Lou was so angry that he glared and puffed out his beard.
It gives the impression of a newly collapsed wall.
Wei Lou glared at Shen Tang, who was bewildered by his gaze. After a moment's reflection, she realized what he was angry about. Seeing Shen Tang's stubborn expression, he gritted his teeth: "Shen Jun, are you so confident of victory?"
"The overall situation is uncertain, but we are certain we will not lose in the smaller aspects."
Wei Lou turned his gaze back to the battlefield: "Those who rely on the size of their country and the number of their people, and who wish to show their power to the enemy, are called arrogant soldiers."
He didn't say the next sentence explicitly, but Shen Tang should understand.
If it were the late lord, he would not have done so.
Shen Tang was scolded by Wei Lou, but she wasn't angry. Others weren't her, so they naturally didn't understand where her confidence came from.
but--
Her intrigued gaze made Wei Lou feel extremely uncomfortable: "Shen Jun, are you so confident in your youth that you're sure I won't hold it against you?"
Shen Tang said calmly, "Of course not, it's just that I feel you seem to be expecting me to perform according to saintly standards."
This world is just a giant makeshift operation.
Let alone a few jokes to ease the tension before battle, insults and attacks on each other's private parts are basic tactic in duels, the specifics depending on the character of both sides. However, Wei Lou had unwittingly placed too high expectations on her, so he naturally found her words harsh.
Wei Lou was silent for a while, then suddenly uttered a seemingly random remark: "...I may not live to see another hundred years."
Why did the First Ruler's single call to arms attract heroes from all directions to pledge their loyalty? It wasn't just that the First Ruler possessed lofty ambitions and boundless courage, but also that his followers shared a passionate heart. The more fervent their passion was at the height of their power, the more devastating their fall from grace.
The spirit of a hero has been exhausted; this is not just a saying.
It was only with great difficulty that Kangguo took up the mantle. If Kangguo also messes things up, there will never be a day when the world is unified again.
Even if Wei Lou waits another hundred years, he will not see another opportunity.
He made a grave mistake back then, and now he only wants to make amends.
Shen Tang: "...So?"
"Even if you're not a saint, you have to act like one. You've got to keep up the act, even if you're just wearing a saint's mask!" Wei Lou sneered. Back then, a misunderstanding led him to abandon even his former master; what chance would he have against Shen Youli? If she's not up to par, he'll be the first to face the consequences!
Gu Chi's voice echoed softly in Shen Tang's mind.
[The business of using meal replacements by climbing over walls is truly terrifying and toxic.]
Shen Tang chuckled and said, "Of course."
Ordinary toxic fans might just back down a little, but Wei Lou is really deadly.
In the short time it took for everyone to exchange a few words, Lady Yuan on the battlefield also made her decision. Her pupils were filled with crimson, and she forcefully suppressed the sweet, metallic taste rising in her throat, her gaze towards Ji Moqiu filled with a deadly venom. With a few swallows, she exhaled a breath of bloody, foul air and said hoarsely, "Since you've volunteered to die—"
Her unique bloodline could mitigate the side effects of the Time Arrow, but not completely protect her. That arrow had cost her a significant portion of her lifespan; the price she paid was considerable. A seemingly certain strike had been effortlessly neutralized by her opponent. How could she swallow this insult?
Unfortunately, the other party continued to provoke and humiliate her, causing her to lose all her rationality and composure.
"I will grant your wish!"
The great bow in his hand gleamed with silver light.
The broken bowstring was restored to normal in an instant, gleaming coldly.
She raised her blood-soaked right arm, her fingers gripping the bowstring. Her martial energy was pushed to its limit, frantically flowing through her meridians and into the bow. As the silver lightning converged, the previously normal bow branched out in all directions, appearing as if a rift had been torn open in the space where Lady Yuan was. The already gloomy sky grew even darker, and the thick fog turned from grayish-white to pure black.
An ominous aura permeated the air.
A look of anticipation lit up Ji Moqiu's eyes, while Luo San sensed an impending storm. He wanted nothing more than to kick Ji Moqiu's backside and yell, "What kind of time is this? Still playing around?"
Ji Moqiu said, "I'd like to see the second move."
Luo San almost choked on his words: "Are you out of your mind to watch a show?"
Back in his day, there weren't so many lunatics.
Ji Moqiu didn't answer, only tilting his head slightly to gaze at Yuan Nujun. Blood and sweat beaded on the latter's forehead, and drops of blood dripped from beneath her armored arms. She seemed oblivious to the pain, easily drawing the bowstring to its full extent. Silver lightning gathered behind her, tearing the sky apart, and something surged from the depths of the crack, coalescing into a series of brimming, silver-black arrows…
As the bow was fully drawn, Yuan Nujun's skin withered like autumn leaves, wrinkles deepening with each breath, her hair turning a dull, silvery-white, and her straight spine visibly bent, making her look like a hunched old woman.
Luo San's expression was grave: "This doesn't seem like the Arrow of Time..."
Even from this distance, one could sense that Lady Yuan's life force was being frantically absorbed by the arrows in her hand, and she showed no sign of stopping.
This is really a desperate effort.
The Allied forces in the central region showed no intention of calling a halt, coldly observing the scene. The old monk clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist prayer, his fingers constantly twirling the prayer beads, a hint of reluctance appearing in his eyes. For military generals, life and death were commonplace; whether risking their lives for the sake of their backers or sacrificing themselves for a sense of pride, it was ultimately their own choice, and they had to pay the price.
Respect others' choices and their destinies.
but--
"If it weren't for such a humiliating disgrace, who would be so resolute as to burn their courage to perish together with someone?" A bystander's sigh reached the mage's ears, his words filled with apprehension towards Ji Moqiu. "If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't be able to bear such humiliation either."
The monk: "..."
I really can't stand even a little bit.
Gongyang Yongye had just recovered from meditation when he seemed to sense something, looked up, and then took to the air to investigate: "What's that in the sky?"
One glance was enough to force him back.
A hint of fear was written on his face.
He looked in disbelief toward Ji Moqiu.
"Ha, it's certainly not the Arrow of Time." Yuan Nujun's voice was hoarse and aged, trembling and cracking due to her emotional outburst, every word dripping with venom, "This is the death knell that will send you on your way!"
Thousands of arrows gathered beneath the low-pressure clouds.
It stretched endlessly, so densely packed that it made one's scalp tingle.
Each arrow wasn't particularly powerful, but their sheer number and wide coverage made them formidable. Most importantly, no one could guarantee these arrows didn't possess special abilities. Giving no time to react, Yuan Nujun, even with her fingers bleeding from the bowstring and bone beneath, didn't let go, but instead, in one swift motion, snapped the great bow in two.
With a sharp crack, the bow shattered into pieces the instant the arrow left the string. Thunder rumbled across the sky, and a barrage of arrows rained down like a torrential downpour. Ji Moqiu neither dodged nor evaded, but instead charged forward to meet the arrows.
Luo San: "..."
Is this young man really not mentally ill?
His repeated outrageous actions had pushed the enemy to this point, yet he still dared to try a third time? This time, Luo San didn't even bother to step forward to block the arrows, let alone speak.
They even harbored secret expectations.
Hopefully, this arrow from Lady Yuan will teach Ji Moqiu a lesson.
Good news, they've learned their lesson.
The bad news is, it's others who have learned their lesson.
The old monk had never seen anything like this in his life. His lips twitched as he watched Ji Moqiu take the arrow with his body. He turned to the astonished others and said, "Are you sure you want to fight this madman?"
Sixty years ago, no one could do anything to him; sixty years later, no one could do anything to him. Even the Annihilation and Soul-Splitting Techniques couldn't kill him. He's still a human being.
He shook his head: "The arrow of time will be cut off in this generation."
The arrow piercing his body didn't stop Ji Moqiu; in the blink of an eye, he was not far from Lady Yuan. To her astonishment, his aura surged to the rank of a 20th-grade Marquis before stopping, and he grew taller, his appearance becoming more mature, approaching 27 or 28. He gazed earnestly at Lady Yuan, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Lady, you are truly a benevolent person of our time."
He risked his life to fulfill his request.
"Sixty years later, I am still alive." His Highness is still soft-hearted; even after sixty years, he cannot let go of the people and creatures of this land.
Yuan Nujun spat out a mouthful of foul blood: "You—"
She forced the rest of her words back down, her hair trembling with anger: "What's the point of you being alive? They'll be buried with you!"
Ji Moqiu's gaze darkened calmly: "Is that so?"
This question made Yuan Nujun's heart skip a beat.
Her gaze passed over Ji Moqiu and landed on the direction of the Kang Kingdom's army—countless waist-thick vines grew wildly from both flanks, intertwining to form a massive "arch" above the army. Any vines that managed to slip through were blocked by the army's formation, failing to achieve the desired effect. Ji Moqiu looked down at her and explained, "I didn't hide my conversation with Luo Hou from you just now. You should know that any attempt to attack the soul is ineffective against me."
Despite being extremely angry, Lady Yuan calmed down.
"And what do you intend to do then?"
Ji Moqiu lightly tapped the air with her left hand, a faint smile spreading across her face as she said, "I hope Your Majesty will see this through to the end, and help us all the way to the end."
In the latter's bewildered gaze, the shattered silver bow was pieced together bit by bit and landed in his palm. Then, with a soft "plop," his right hand pierced through her forehead, his fingertips probing into her spiritual sea of consciousness.
His voice was devoid of joy or sorrow: "It would be even more regrettable if the tradition were to be broken."
Luo San: "..."
Gu Chi let out a loud shriek: "You call this a good person?!"
()
Ji Moqiu's thought process is as follows: The opponent is about to die, and the opponent's legacy is unique. It would be a pity if the legacy were to be broken, and the opponent would die with regrets. In order to make the opponent's departure less regretful, he takes the initiative to help the opponent find a successor and, incidentally, open a green channel for reincarnation.
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