Upon arriving at the city gate, Zhou Xiang stopped his horse. The city gate before him was like a heavy barrier, blocking his path to freedom.
Raising his hand, Zhou Xiang gave the order to the soldiers guarding the city: "Open the city gates!"
The soldiers guarding the city looked at each other, their eyes revealing hesitation and unease.
"Open the city gates! Remember this: after I die, the soldiers inside the city may surrender at will; there is no need for further fighting!"
Upon hearing this, the soldiers guarding the city hurriedly opened the city gates, and many of them wore relieved smiles, finally seeing this day come.
Outside the city, Song Yunyang wore a silver helmet and armor, holding a plain silver sword. The blade gleamed coldly in the dim light, as if foreshadowing the impending decisive battle.
She had planned to launch the attack after dark, but to her surprise, the city gates opened on their own just as the sun set.
The heavy city gate slowly opened, creaking softly. Song Yunyang frowned slightly, her eyes warily watching the movements inside the gate.
She was surprised to see Zhou Xiang riding out slowly with his guards, without any infantry following behind.
At this moment, Wang Lei rushed over, a confident smile on his lips: "General, let me go, I will definitely cut Zhou Xiang down!"
Wang Lei's voice was filled with impulsiveness, and he seemed to be quite impatient.
But Song Yunyang shook her head, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
She had faced Zhou Xiang many times and knew his strength well; Wang Lei was definitely no match for him.
After thinking for a moment, Song Yunyang said in a deep voice, "I'll do it myself and let this defeated opponent fight him one last time."
After saying that, she gently nudged the horse's belly with her legs, and the horse let out a low neigh, as if sensing its master's determination, and quickly galloped towards the city gate.
Upon seeing this, Wang Lei's heart tightened, and he hurriedly led his guards to follow behind Song Yunyang.
Zhou Xiang's figure appeared exceptionally lonely before the city gate, his eyes revealing a resolute determination and a warrior's dignity.
As Song Yunyang slowly approached, an indescribable emotion welled up in his heart. Perhaps it was regret that the commander-in-chief had not met Song Yunyang sooner.
Song Yunyang's plain silver sword gleamed coldly in the setting sun as she looked at Zhou Xiang with unwavering eyes.
"Is voluntarily leaving the city a preparation for a decisive battle?" Song Yunyang asked.
Zhou Xiang nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Song Yunyang's back, searching for that familiar figure, but to no avail.
A hint of curiosity flashed in Zhou Xiang's eyes, and he asked in confusion, "Where is the commander? I heard from the soldiers in the city that he has returned. Why hasn't he come?"
Song Yunyang slowly drew her plain silver sword, its tip gleaming coldly in the moonlight, and slowly aimed it at Zhou Xiang.
"Chen Zhennan won't show up tonight, leaving me to lead the attack. I understand what you're thinking; you just want to die. Chen Zhennan says he doesn't want to see Wu Yunyin, but actually he doesn't want to kill you with his own hands."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiang felt a pang of shame. He lowered his head slightly, his heart filled with regret, but now, nothing he said could undo the damage.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhou Xiang said in a low voice, "Song Yunyang, you are no match for me. Although my martial arts skills were not personally taught by the Marshal, the techniques were all taught by him. I do not want to fight you."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunyang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile.
She was not angry because of Zhou Xiang's words. She admitted that she was not as good as Zhou Xiang in martial arts, but she did not want to back down.
"If you're not afraid of death, why should I be? Just consider it a chance for revenge, how about it?"
Zhou Xiang took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded.
"Since that's the case, I'll do you a favor and let you make the first move."
His tone carried a hint of helplessness and relief, as if he were accepting the arrangement of fate.
Song Yunyang gripped the sword hilt tightly, her heart pounding in her chest, but she remained calm on the surface.
She didn't understand why Zhou Xiang seemed so relieved, but the sword was already drawn, and she didn't have time to think about it.
Song Yunyang squeezed the horse's flanks with her legs, and the warhorse neighed and charged towards Zhou Xiang.
In the setting sun, her silver armor gleamed with a cold light, like a silver lightning bolt, and her plain silver sword pointed directly at Zhou Xiang.
Zhou Xiang slowly drew his long sword from his waist, his eyes unusually calm. Only when Song Yunyang rushed in front of him did he sidestep the attack and then jump off his horse.
Zhou Xiang was originally a fierce general who led troops into battle. For him, dismounting was undoubtedly giving up his absolute advantage.
Song Yunyang pulled on the reins, jumped off the horse, and turned to fight Zhou Xiang.
The sound of the two swords clashing was crisp and intense, like hail hitting iron. Each impact made the surrounding soldiers hold their breath and stare intently.
Song Yunyang was extremely fast, launching attacks like a storm, while Zhou Xiang remained on the defensive.
Song Yunyang's sword shadows were like dancing silver snakes, constantly attacking Zhou Xiang.
But she could tell that Zhou Xiang was letting her win, which strengthened her resolve to make him take things seriously.
She launched an even more ferocious attack, her sword flashing like a shower of flowers, dazzling the eye.
However, just as Song Yunyang thrust his sword into Zhou Xiang's chest, a seemingly simple strike, Zhou Xiang did not choose to defend.
The next second, the silver sword pierced through Zhou Xiang's body and went straight through his back.
Song Yunyang stared at Zhou Xiang in disbelief, her face filled with shock, and asked in astonishment, "You? Why didn't you avoid me?"
A bitter smile appeared on Zhou Xiang's face, and a hint of relief, regret, and deep sorrow flashed in his eyes.
Zhou Xiang's lips moved slightly, his voice weak and hoarse: "Song Yunyang, I owe the Marshal and the people, and I will repay them today."
Song Yunyang frowned and said in a deep voice, "Foolish! I came to duel with you because I wanted to give you a chance to leave the capital. Chen Zhennan doesn't want you to die, and I don't want you to die by my hand either."
Zhou Xiang slowly shook his head and gently released the longsword.
"Marshal Song, the lessons of the past are still fresh in our minds. I hope you will not let down the commander's good intentions and do not follow... cough cough! Follow Wu Yunyin, a femme fatale."
Song Yunyang gave a soft "hmm" and drew her plain silver sword.
"Don't worry, Chen Zhennan knows me very well. I trust him and he won't make the same mistake again."
As soon as he finished speaking, blood spilled from the corner of Zhou Xiang's mouth, and his body slowly slid down to the ground.
The plain silver sword was stained with blood, and Song Yunyang's hand trembled slightly as a complex emotion welled up in her heart.
She looked at Zhou Xiang, the once spirited King of Lingnan, who had now fallen under her sword.
Song Yunyang wiped the blood off his silver sword, sheathed it, turned to look at the gates of the capital, and shouted loudly, "May all people be united, and may the world be at peace!"
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