"What? Prince Xin, Feng Jixing, was assassinated? "
In the central tent, Xiang Yu slammed the table and stood up, bellowing fiercely, "Nonsense! How is Prince Xin now?"
"Prince Xin is fine. He's pacifying the commoners in the city and will come over in a while." General of the South Zhao Haishan's countenance was ashen. He knew what this assassination meant.
"Have you found out who did it?" Xiang Yu asked with narrowed eyes.
"We've found out. It's … it's someone instructed by Princess Wei's retainer, Tang Xian. They used a few magic crystal cannons to explode Shangyang City's north gate, killing and injuring over 4,000 innocent commoners."
"Where's Tang Xian?"
"He's already been killed by Prince Xin."
"How muddle-headed …" Xiang Yu clenched his fists, his entire body trembling as he said, "What on earth is Tang Wei thinking? Is she really that reckless? She even dares to assassinate Feng Jixing. Is there anything she doesn't dare to do? "
Zhao Haishan frowned and said, "Duke Yu, this matter definitely won't end peacefully. From what I see … the people Feng Jixing brought with him have all been killed, leaving him alone. If Feng Jixing were to come here to denounce us, we can only hand over Princess Wei. However, Princess Wei is Duke Yu's wife. I think … we might as well beat her at her own game!"
With that, Zhao Haishan made a slashing gesture. His meaning was clear.
"No …" Xiang Yu seemed to have lost all his strength.
He sat down on the chair weakly and said, "Tang Wei wants to force me to fall out with Feng Jixing, forcing me to take revenge for the Tang Clan. But I can't do that. I, Xiang Yu, am a hero who has done my best for the Empire and the people of the world. How can I do such a disloyal thing? If I kill Feng Jixing, Lin Muyu will definitely lead her troops to the south. Who will be able to stop Lin Muyu's 500,000-man army? Even if I kill Feng Jixing and defeat Lin Muyu, how will I face Her Highness Qin Yin when she returns one day? "
Zhao Haishan was stunned. "Do you still think that Her Highness Qin Yin can be resurrected in the Shattered Cauldron Continent?"
"Why not?"
Xiang Yu was unafraid, and he said, "Her Highness Yin possesses the divine personality of an overgod and is protected by the heavens and the earth. She will definitely be able to overcome all the difficulties and come back to life. Lin Muyu and Feng Jixing firmly believe this, and I, Xiang Yu, firmly believe this as well."
"Then … if Feng Jixing comes to denounce us, what should we do?"
"Nothing much. Bring five hundred soldiers to the Southern Duke Residence and invite Princess Wei over."
"This …" Zhao Haishan pondered for a moment, then cupped his fists and said, "Yes, Duke Yu!"
…
The sound of training resounded in the camp. Numerous cavalrymen galloped forward and forth, practicing the tactics to deal with demons. Although the Valiant Dragon Camp had won the battle in Tongtian Province and the Ming Shan Corps of Shangyang City probably wouldn't have a chance to encounter demons again, they still practiced this tactic, hoping to have another chance to fight demons again one day. Although the Valiant Dragon Camp had won the battle in Tongtian Province and the Ming Shan Corps of Shangyang City probably wouldn't have a chance to encounter demons again, they still practiced this tactic, hoping to fight demons again one day.
Below the Yuan Gate, there were messy horse hoofprints. It was muddy after the rain.
"Pa …"
A pair of pure black battle boots stepped into the muddy water. A large part of the golden cloak behind Feng Jixing had been blasted away by the Magic Crystal Cannons, and there were many gray marks on his face. He appeared to be in a very sorry state. When he stepped into the Yuan Gate, a group of Captaincy from the Ming Shan Corps came up to him and went down on one knee. "Greetings, Prince Xin!"
"Rise. Where's the Southern Duke?"
"The Southern Duke is waiting for Your Highness in the camp. He sent us to receive you."
"Is that so?"
Feng Jixing's eyes narrowed, and he said with strong killing intent, "Lead the way."
"Yes!"
The group quickly entered the central tent. They saw Xiang Yu taking off his military uniform and carefully removing the star insignia on his collar. He was only wearing a set of white clothes and appeared calm.
"Southern Duke, what's the meaning of this?" Feng Jixing asked with a frown.
Xiang Yu turned and cupped his fists. "I, Xiang Yu, have not been able to control my wife well, causing the people of Shangyang City to be implicated for no reason. Prince Xin almost died as well. Xiang Yu knows that he has committed a grave sin and is willing to be stripped of his military rank. I only wish to be a lowly soldier and continue to serve the Empire. I hope that Your Highness can grant my wish."
'What a move to advance by retreating!'
Feng Jixing let out a cold laugh in his heart and said, "Southern Duke, you're doing this to protect Tang Wei, right?"
"Yes."
Xiang Yu's gaze was stern as he said, "Tang Wei is Duke Lan's granddaughter. Back then, Duke Lan betrothed Tang Wei to me, and I owe him a great debt of gratitude. When Her Highness Yin was still around, Xiang Yu had a debt of gratitude toward her. Xiang Yu can't let Her Highness Yin down either. Therefore, I can only do this. I hope that Your Highness Prince Xin will agree to my request and strip me of all my titles and military ranks. I only hope that you can spare Tang Wei's life."
A group of generals in the surroundings dropped to their knees and shouted, "Your Highness, the Southern Country Duke is a meritorious minister of the country. Prince Xin, please show mercy and pardon Princess Tang Wei for her rash action this time around."
Feng Jixing felt extremely pressured. This was Xiang Yu's territory, and all the generals here were Xiang Yu's men. There was also an army of 100,000 soldiers outside. Therefore, Feng Jixing did not dare to act too recklessly.
"Your Highness, please pardon Tang Wei's death sentence!" Xiang Yu knelt down on one knee and said.
"…"
Feng Jixing fell silent for a few seconds. Then he suddenly raised his palm gently, and a stream of wind element laws' divine powers supported Xiang Yu's arms. Xiang Yu gritted his teeth and also circulated his divine powers to contend against Feng Jixing's powers. Two waves of domain powers clashed in the air, and in the blink of an eye, Xiang Yu's forehead was already covered in sweat.
On the contrary, Feng Jixing appeared to be more relaxed. His Forged Immortal Character kept on absorbing the spiritual powers in the world to replenish his depleted divine powers. With such domains contending against each other, Feng Jixing was naturally at an advantage.
Xiang Yu felt a chill in his heart. This time around, he was certain that Feng Jixing's cultivation had surpassed his in all aspects. Even if he were to rebel and take action here, he might not be able to kill Feng Jixing. On the contrary, he would end up as a disloyal minister. Once Feng Jixing returned to Sunset City and raised an army of 300,000, it would be his end.
Thinking up to there, Xiang Yu slowly stood up with Feng Jixing's power, and his face was filled with guilt.
Feng Jixing couldn't help but secretly find it funny. He said, "This isn't Duke Nan's crime, so naturally, no one will punish Duke Nan for his crimes. However, Tang Wei's attempt to assassinate this prince is a serious matter, and she must be punished. From today onwards, Tang Wei will be stripped of her title as a princess, and she will be placed under house arrest in the Duke Nan Residence. She will not be allowed to interact with anyone, and she will not be allowed to participate in any political or military affairs for the rest of her life. Violators will be executed immediately! In addition, take out five million Jinyin coins from Shangyang City's treasury to compensate the families of those who died. "
Xiang Yu hurriedly knelt down again. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your pardon!"
At the back, Tang Wei's face was ferocious. She pointed at Feng Jixing and scolded, "Feng Jixing, you are a dog of the Qin Family, and a dog that bites. Just you wait, there will be a day when you will get your retribution. I curse you … curse you to die under the sword!"
"Impudent!"
Feng Jixing raised his palm abruptly, and dimensional powers pierced through space, landing a loud slap on Tang Wei's face. Immediately, five lines of guidance appeared very clearly. Feng Jixing's countenance turned cold as he said, "Tang Wei, you've done disobedient things time and time again. It's one thing that Her Highness Yin tolerated you when she was still alive, but now that you've failed to assassinate me, you're still spouting nonsense. How could Duke Lan have such a foolish descendant? "If you're not a pig, then watch how Princess Xi will be revered by the people of the world. As for you, you'll only be reviled by the people of the world. Don't be impudent anymore, or else you'll have to bear the consequences!"
Xiang Yu was so frightened that he broke out in cold sweat. Feng Jixing had acted too quickly, and he didn't even understand how his attack could land on Tang Wei's face from ten meters away. Right now, Feng Jixing's cultivation was too terrifying!
"Your Highness, please calm down. I'll take care of my wife …" Xiang Yu's countenance turned cold. "Men, send Tang Wei into a room in the manor and lock the door tightly. Without my permission, no one is to let her out."
"Yes!"
Two guards went up and held Tang Wei's arms. When she wanted to continue cursing, they used a piece of cotton cloth to cover her mouth.
Xiang Yu could not help but take in a deep breath. If he had a choice, he would probably never be willing to face this arrogant and foolish woman, Tang Wei, in this lifetime.
Feng Jixing threw a glance at Xiang Yu and said, "Southern Duke, it's really hard on you."
Xiang Yu was at a loss, not knowing what Feng Jixing's words meant.
"Let's go."
Feng Jixing turned, pressed his hand on the hilt of the Crimson Phoenix Saber, and said, "Accompany me for a walk in the military camp. I want to see if the Mingshan Army's battle prowess has improved or not."
"Yes, Your Highness. Men, prepare a horse for Your Highness!"
…
In the Empire's northern border, Yunzhong Province …
Yunzhong Province had a vast territory, and it was the largest province in the entire Great Qin Empire. At the same time, it was also one of the most prosperous provinces. Its commercial prosperity was second only to the Northern Ridge Province, where the imperial capital, Lanyan City, was located. At the same time, its military strength was not inferior to the imperial capital. After the reconstruction of the Iron Blade Army, it had a scale of nearly 200,000 soldiers, under the personal command of Northern Duke Luo Xin.
In Muyu City, the winter snow from a few days ago had not yet melted, but the sky was filled with heavy snowflakes. Just as the warlocks had said, it had been a cold spring for the past few years. Perhaps the entire spring would be spent in heavy snow.
In the Duke's Mansion, Luo Xin walked to the courtyard with an iron spear in his hand, letting the snow fall on him. He raised his face, enjoying the falling snow, closed his eyes, and said, "How's the war in the north?"
Next to him, a general with two stars on his shoulders cupped his fists and said, "Duke of North, the Northern Desert has only sent a small force this time, no more than 3,000 people. They are only here to harass the villages and counties in the Northern Region. I have already sent 10,000 soldiers with heavy shields to defend against the Northern Desert archers with heavy shields and long spears."
"If the Northern Desert is not eliminated, it will always be a big problem for us …" Luo Xin said lightly.
"I understand. But it is snowing now, and it is difficult to transport food. If we send cavalry, I am afraid the fodder for the horses will be a big problem. Besides …"
"Besides what?" Luo Xin looked back at him.
"Besides, the tribes in the Northern Desert are connected to the Eight Wilderness Plain in the northeast. The Southern Nan Family of the Demons is stationed there. They have 100,000 cavalry. Once the Southern Nan Family gets involved, I am afraid we will suffer a great loss."
"Got it."
Luo Xin's eyes lit up, and he said, "Pass down my order. Hold the northern line of defense. Don't take the initiative to attack. As long as we hold the line, the Northern Desert and the Demons can't do anything to us."
"Yes, Duke of the North is wise. I will do it now!"
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