Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 602 Sending a Clock to the Prince
On the southern slope of Yanshan Mountain, the night was as dark as ink.

The terrain here is so treacherous that it inspires awe.

There was only one narrow path, like a crack cleaved into the rugged mountain wall by a giant axe, winding its way downwards and eventually merging into the distant official road below.

At the end of this path, where it meets the official road, there is a relatively gentle slope, which the locals call "Soul-Breaking Slope".

The name carries a bloody warning—a warning to stop.

If you go any further up, the path suddenly rises, becoming as rugged as a ladder to heaven.

On one side is a bottomless abyss shrouded in mist, where a cold wind howls up from the valley floor, sounding like a ghostly wail.

On the other side is a sheer cliff, as steep as if cut by a knife, barren of any vegetation.

The road was narrow, allowing only two or three people to walk side by side. It was covered with gravel, and if one was not careful, one would fall into the air and be smashed to pieces, leaving no trace of one's body.

Because of its extreme ruggedness and the difficulty of transporting supplies, Yanshan Village used it as a secret retreat route in the final moments.

And this moment.

On the summit of this precipice shrouded in the shadow of death, under the cover of an impenetrable night, a group of men from Yanshan Village, like busy worker ants, were quietly carrying out a deadly plan.

"Hey! Hold on! Here's another one!"

His rough voice was kept extremely low, almost inaudible in the howling mountain wind.

Huge rocks, each requiring several people to encircle, are firmly secured to the edge of a cliff nearly a hundred feet above the top of the path by thick ropes and tough vines.

With a single severing of those taut ropes, these boulders, imbued with the power to destroy everything, roar and tumble down the steep mountainside, crushing everything below into dust.

Rows of powerful crossbows, gleaming with a cold, eerie light, were set up like the fangs of venomous snakes at natural high points along the route.

The crossbow was taut, and the poisoned arrowheads gleamed with a deathly light in the dim daylight, gripping the only mountain path below.

Any life attempting to pass through will be instantly torn to shreds by this deadly rain of arrows.

The heavy, dark barbed wire was hung securely in sturdy nets.

When the time is right, they will swarm down like venomous bees, covering the entire mountain road, making it impossible for invaders to move an inch, and causing cries of agony to fill the air.

Furthermore, the stag antlers of the barricades, the logs covered with sharp spikes... all sorts of deadly weapons were continuously brought up, silently constructing the skeleton of this meat grinder.

The men of Yanshan Village were drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, yet none of them slackened; only their eyes burned with a resolute and vigilant spirit.

On a platform with the widest view at the edge of the cliff, Liang Jin stood with his hands behind his back.

His figure was as upright as a pine tree, his deep gaze piercing through the dark night, looking down at the Broken Soul Slope in the distance.

The night wind whistled, ruffling the hair on his forehead. His face showed no tension of an impending battle, only a calm composure that indicated he was in complete control.

Lei Zhen stood beside him, his burly body like an iron tower, but his face showed undisguised doubt.

He glanced around at the busy figures, and finally couldn't help but lower his voice to ask:

"Brother, are you so sure that the government troops will definitely attack the mountain via this route?"

This question was clearly on the minds of many of the leaders present.

As soon as the new plaque for Juyi Hall was hung up, Liang Jin did not hesitate to mobilize all the remaining forces and rush to the southern cliff to set up defenses.

Judging from his confident demeanor, it was as if he had already foreseen the enemy's marching route.

Liang Jin's gaze remained fixed on the foot of the mountain, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable power:
"If the chieftain and his men are indeed ambushed by the main force of the Wind-Capturing Army on the plains below the mountain, our hasty descent down the mountain to rescue them would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock, walking into a trap, and completely abandoning the mountain stronghold's advantageous terrain."

"A wise person would not abandon their strengths for their weaknesses."

He slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over the several leaders behind him who also had questioning expressions, including the beautiful but determined Xingniang.

The firelight danced in his deep eyes:
"Therefore, the best strategy is to attack the enemy's stronghold to relieve their own defenses, and to strike at their point of need! The best approach is to relentlessly engage the other army force, keeping them preoccupied with their own problems, thereby relieving the pressure on the chieftain's side!"

He pointed again to the blurry area where the path and the official road met at the foot of the mountain—Broken Soul Slope—his tone resolute:
"Tonight, the soldiers will definitely climb the mountain from here!"

"And they've already arrived!"

Upon hearing this, everyone craned their necks and strained to look down the mountain.

However, the distance was too far, the night was too dark, and the view was mostly blocked by the undulating mountains.

Even if a martial artist has eyesight far exceeding that of an ordinary person, he can only see a blurry, dark outline; there is no sign of any officers or soldiers.

Xingniang frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask:

“Brother Song, could it be… that you have already sent scouts down the mountain to investigate? But the mountain is high and the road is treacherous, and it is the dead of night…”

Liang Jin raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a mysterious smile.

He did not answer Xingniang, but slowly raised his arm, his slender fingers pointing straight to the deep blue sky above.

Everyone instinctively looked up in the direction he was pointing.

In the inky black night sky, a massive, chilling shadow glided silently past!

Its wings spread as if they could block out the starlight, and its enormous silhouette was faintly visible through the thin clouds, like a silent ghost, silently surveying this mountain range that was about to become a battlefield.

It's that divine eagle!
Everyone suddenly realized the truth, and a strong sense of shock and confidence welled up in their hearts!
With a divine eagle surveying from high above, the entire area of ​​Yanshan, spanning dozens of miles, is clearly visible.
No matter what the slightest movement, it cannot escape its sharp, lightning-fast eagle eyes!
No wonder my brother was so confident!

Lei Zhen's doubts vanished instantly, and a surge of pride welled up within him, causing his voice to boom:

"Great! It turns out that Big Brother had divine assistance all along! Everything is under control!"

He turned around:
"Brothers, get your spirits up! Hurry up and get this fortification set up before the officers and soldiers arrive!"

"Don't delay, or you'll ruin your brother's plan!"

The leaders were deeply moved by the awe-inspiring sight of the divine eagle and clasped their hands in obeisance to accept the order.

Without a trace of hesitation on their faces, they quickly dispersed and threw themselves into an even more intense defensive deployment.

Soon, only Liang Jin and Lei Zhen remained on the platform.

The night wind howled through the valley, bringing a biting chill.

The boldness on Lei Zhen's face faded, replaced by solemnity and hesitation.

He leaned closer to Liang Jin, his voice lowered, carrying an indescribable worry:

"Brother... there's one more thing."

"Liu Zi... has been a bit... absent-minded all day."

"Logically speaking, with such a large operation tonight, he should have stayed by his elder brother's side at all times... but during roll call just now, he actually volunteered to stay behind and guard the mountain stronghold."

"This is a little...uncomfortable for me, after all, he's not usually like this."

Lei Zhen's words were hesitant, and his brows furrowed into a knot.

His fist clenched and unclenched, looking very conflicted.

Lei Zhen's words were very vague.

He sensed something was wrong, and the thought of his brothers turning against each other was burning within him.

But how can one speak lightly without clear evidence?

After all, Xiao Liu was their sworn brother.

Liang Jin's gaze remained fixed on the boundless darkness below the mountain, as if he could pierce through space and see the team writhing in the darkness.

After listening to Lei Zhen's words, he showed no surprise on his face, only giving a faint "hmm," as if he already knew everything.

"I see."

His voice was calm and steady.

Immediately, Liang Jin changed the subject, his tone becoming serious:

"Second brother, you've come at the right time. There's an important matter that requires your and Zhongli Han's cooperation to complete."

"Once the war begins, you two will join forces to cut off the enemy's retreat. Leave the tough officers and soldiers of the third rank and above to me. As for the rabble below the third rank, I'll leave it to you and Zhongli Han to take care of."

He paused, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes:
"The guards from Broken Soul Slope this time are the personal guards of the Prince of Pingcheng. There may be a few 'big fish' hidden among them."

Liang Jin turned his head to look at Lei Zhen, his tone carrying an unquestionable command:
"At that time, you and Zhongli Han must be careful. If you find any nobles such as princes, crown princes, or other high-ranking officials, remember to keep them alive! I want them alive."

Lei Zhen felt a chill run down his spine, instantly realizing that these high-ranking "hostages" would be their best bargaining chips for future negotiations and even for saving their lives!
He immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute and said in a deep voice:

"Don't worry, brother, Lei Zhen understands!"

Having said that, he turned to leave, intending to find Zhongli Han to relay the order.

However, after taking only two steps, he suddenly stopped, as if he had made up his mind. He turned around abruptly and looked at Liang Jin's tall and aloof figure in the night with a complicated gaze.

Brotherly loyalty and concern for the safety of the stronghold clashed fiercely in his chest, ultimately transforming into a low growl filled with pleading:
"Brother! Liu Zi... after all... is a brother we swore an oath to!"

"What if...what if..."

The rest of the words stuck in my throat, and I couldn't say them anymore.

He stomped his foot angrily and was about to leave.

Liang Jin had already turned around, and a broad, thick hand was firmly placed on his shoulder with a solid force.

Under the moonlight, a rare, warm smile appeared on Liang Jin's face, a smile that seemed to dispel some of the chill of the night:
"I know, of course I know."

His voice was deep and clear:
"Liu Zi, you and I are sworn brothers who swore an oath of blood. I, Liang Jin, will never forget that oath for even a day—to be brothers with one heart and never betray each other."

Lei Zhen's tense heartstrings suddenly relaxed, a warm current surged into his heart, and his eyes even felt a little hot.

He nodded vigorously, all his worries and words contained in this silent promise.

Without further hesitation, he turned and strode away, his steps much firmer than when he arrived.

He made a silent vow that no matter what Xiao Liu was doing at the moment, he would find him after tonight and have a heart-to-heart talk with him!
He couldn't let his third brother go further down the wrong path!
Watching Lei Zhen's imposing figure disappear into the busy crowd, Liang Jin's gaze returned to the deep East.

He used the "Thousand-Mile Tracking" feature to check the locations of Yin Leiling and Qin Feng.

"It seems they're about to run into each other..."

Liang Jin withdrew his gaze from the distance and returned it to the direction of Broken Soul Slope. In his deep eyes, a murderous intent, like the deep waters of a cold pool, slowly rippled outwards.

"Then, Your Highness... it's time for your scene to begin."

………………

Down the mountain.

Broken Soul Slope.

The deathly silence of darkness was broken by a chilling atmosphere.

An army with impeccable discipline and excellent equipment, like a lurking beast, quietly settled here.

The soldiers' armor gleamed with a cold metallic sheen, and their swords, spears, and halberds flashed with a chilling light. Their exquisite design and superior materials even surpassed those of the regular border troops of the Great Qian Dynasty.

They are none other than the Royal Guards, the trump card that Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng has built at great expense!
According to the laws of the Great Qian Dynasty, a prince may be accompanied by nine thousand guards.

At this moment, four thousand men appeared at the foot of Broken Soul Slope, almost half of the private army of the Prince of Pingcheng.

This complete annihilation is not due to Zhao Yan's loyalty to the king.

Rather, it was out of respect for Yan Zi'an, the fourth-ranking officer of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, and the promise of Qin Feng, a famous constable of the Six Doors, that they reluctantly sent troops to "help out."

However, this elite force, which should have been a fierce and powerful army, was now filled with an atmosphere of laxity and complacency.

The soldiers either dozed off leaning against their weapons or grumbled in small groups, and the patrolling guards also seemed listless.

Their purpose in coming here was not to be the main force in the attack, but merely to "assist".

They were responsible for guarding this small path leading to the official road to prevent the bandits of Yanshan from escaping from here.

"Suppressing bandits? That's the job of the imperial army! Why should our brothers in the Prince's Mansion risk their lives for a little military merit?"

An old soldier spat out the grass root in his mouth and muttered under his breath:

"His Highness already said, just watch and don't get involved! The compensation for the death of one guard from the Prince's residence is enough to buy ten government soldiers!"

Another guard chimed in, his tone relaxed:
"That's right! I heard that Lord Qinfeng and Chief Yan's side are the main force. After they deal with Yin Leiling's main force, they can join forces to attack the mountain. We can just wait here and catch a few fish that slipped through the net. It's easy and safe!"

Everyone shared the same thought.

This battle is a sure thing; they only need to "watch the show" to get a share of the credit.

My tense nerves have long since relaxed, and I'm just looking forward to ending this boring errand as soon as possible.

Just as this languid atmosphere was about to freeze—

"what--!!!!"

A shrill, frenzied roar, filled with endless grief and boundless hatred, like the howl of a wounded and dying beast, suddenly erupted from the most magnificent central command tent in the center of the camp!

The roar of the sound instantly shattered the tranquility of the night!

All the guards were startled as if they had been doused with ice water, and all sleepiness vanished!

They knew that voice all too well!
That's Prince Zhao Yan's voice!
Since the tragic death of Princess Zhao Chuxia, they had never heard the prince utter such a heart-wrenching, destructive roar!

An ominous premonition, like a cold, venomous snake, instantly coiled around the hearts of each guard. The easy days… were over!

really.

The urgent and piercing sound of the royal command horn shattered the night sky!
"All troops assemble! Don your armor! Prepare for battle! Target—Yanshan Stronghold!"

"Advance immediately! Those who delay—beheaded!"

The order was ruthless and carried a mad, all-consuming intent.

The guards hurriedly donned their heavy armor, grabbed their cold weapons, and quickly formed ranks under the stern reprimands of their officers.

The entire camp was instantly jolted awake from its slumber, filled with the clanging of metal and suppressed gasps.

The core of the team.

Four strong and muscular martial artists were struggling to carry a specially made, thick and heavy sandalwood throne.

On the throne sat Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng, who was as large as a mountain of flesh.

The narrow and rugged mountain road was impassable for carriages, and ordinary warhorses could not bear his weight of over 300 pounds.

He sat on his throne, like a moving throne, every inch of fat on his face trembling with rage.

Those eyes, sunken deep within the fat, were now filled with terrifying blood vessels, radiating a ferocious light that seemed ready to devour anyone who might harm them!
Throughout the journey, his hysterical roars echoed like a death knell over the group.

"Hurry! Faster! I want to raze Yanshan Stronghold to the ground immediately! Anyone who delays will have their entire family executed!"

"After the stronghold is breached! All the bandits in the stronghold, regardless of age, gender, or even the elderly, will be slaughtered! Their blood will be used to commemorate my early summer!!"

"That scoundrel named Song Jiang! Capture him alive! I want to personally tear him to pieces! I want to hear his screams! I want to see him wail! I want him to wish he were dead!!!"

The venom and madness in that voice sent chills down the spines of the four warriors carrying the throne, making their steps grow heavier.

No one dared to offer any advice.

The chief retainer of the Prince's mansion who accompanied him, Li Daosheng, a third-rank peak expert with white hair and beard, holding a whisk and exuding an otherworldly air, only frowned and moved his lips a few times before finally letting out a barely audible sigh.

The two princes traveling with them were even more terrified, hiding among the guards, their faces pale.

The Prince of Pingcheng had a total of nineteen sons in his life, but only one daughter, Zhao Chuxia.

The only daughter of the Prince of Pingcheng was his Achilles' heel, the apple of his eye to whom he showered all his love!

Her tragic death had already turned this prince into a madman completely consumed by hatred and pain!

Zhao Yan vomited blood and fainted on the spot in front of the ruins where Zhao Chuxia's head was found.

Subsequently, he devoted all his wealth to building a mausoleum for his beloved daughter that far exceeded the standards of a princess and was comparable to that of a king.

He even forcibly seized ten households on his own fiefdom, and hundreds of innocent people were forced to die for him!
His actions were so cruel that even the imperial court had to reluctantly acquiesce, citing "excessive grief over the loss of his daughter."

Besides the funeral arrangements, the servants who served the Prince of Pingcheng also suffered.

Whenever the Prince of Pingcheng missed his beloved daughter, any servant who dared to disturb him would be beaten to death.

Even when undisturbed, the Prince of Pingcheng would sometimes torture and kill a servant to vent his bitterness and anger.

Since Zhao Chuxia's death, a total of nine servants of the Prince's mansion, eight fiefdom holders, and five commoners have died at the hands of the Prince of Pingcheng.

Therefore, these days, whenever the servants approached Prince Pingcheng, they were inevitably terrified, fearing that they would become the next short-lived ghost.

The present moment.

Even though everyone knew that the prince's trip was somewhat rash and reckless, no one dared to dissuade him.

At this moment, who would dare to touch the whiskers of this enraged, mad tiger?

The guards were apprehensive, but mostly they felt lucky.

The main force and top experts of the stronghold have been dealt with by the famous constable Qin Feng. Now, those remaining in the Yanshan stronghold are probably just the old, weak, sick and disabled.

Only Song Jiang could fight.

With so many skilled fighters present, dealing with Song Jiang shouldn't be a problem.

Moreover, even if something were to happen, it would be a piece of cake for skilled fighters to escort the prince and the two princes to safety.

As long as the prince and the prince are safe, the loss of the rest of the guards is a minor issue.

Caught in this hope, everyone followed the path up the mountain.

The mountain road was steep and narrow, and the group was stretched out and scattered.

The soldiers had to use both their hands and feet to climb the jagged rocks and steep slopes with great difficulty.

Heavy footsteps, the clatter of armor, and labored breathing echoed through the deep valley.

The mountain wind rose from the abyss, making people sway precariously.

The warriors guarding the area looked around warily.

Their sharp eyes scanned the towering cliffs on both sides, trying to pierce the thick darkness and catch a glimpse of danger.

However, nothing could be seen except for the howling wind and the cold rocks.

In the middle of the procession, four warriors carrying the throne were drenched in sweat, each step incredibly heavy, the sandalwood pole groaning under the weight.

On the throne, Zhao Yan's obese body heaved with anger, fine beads of sweat glistening on his well-maintained, fair skin, and his meticulously trimmed mustache trembled with his rapid breathing.

Those eyes, sunken deep within the fat, were fixed on the faint lights of the mountain stronghold visible in the darkness above.

"Too slow! Too slow!!!"

Zhao Yan pounded on the armrest of the throne in a fit of rage, spitting as he spoke:
"If you keep dawdling like this, by the time you climb up, that scoundrel Song Jiang will have vanished without a trace! What use are you to me?!"

He suddenly pointed forward, his voice sharp as a knife:

"Issue the order! All troops, speed up! I must be inside Yanshan Stronghold within half an hour! If you fail... everyone! Including you few!"

His bloodshot eyes swept over the martial artists carrying the throne:
"Bring me your heads, all of you!"

The messenger was terrified and was about to accept the order.

Li Daosheng, the courtier who had been silently following beside the throne, finally couldn't help but step forward. He slightly waved his whisk, and his voice was deep yet carried an undeniable solemnity:
"Your Highness! Absolutely not! The mountain path is treacherous and cannot be traversed quickly by human force! Forcing it could lead to disaster! Moreover..."

Li Daosheng's snow-white beard and hair moved without wind, and his cloudy old eyes flashed with sharp light as he stared intently at the cliffs on both sides, which resembled the fangs of giant beasts.

His voice carried a hint of sternness:
"The aura here at the old Taoist temple... is soaring with malevolent energy! The killing intent is condensed and lingers! I'm afraid..."

"Song Jiang has already laid a trap here! He's just waiting for us... to walk right into it!"

As if to confirm Li Daosheng's earth-shattering warning—

"Boom——!!!"

A loud, solemn, and terrifying bell tolling, as if it came from the heartbeat of a prehistoric beast, suddenly rang out without warning!
The sound waves were like a giant hammer, slamming hard into everyone's eardrums and hearts!

The entire valley trembled!

On the cliff face, loose rocks tumbled down, making a continuous splashing sound!
"what sound?!"

"Where should we ring the bell?!"

"At the mountaintop! At the top of the cliff!"

……

All the guards were horrified and looked around in terror, searching for the source of the deadly bell.

Just as they were still reeling from the shock!
Whoops!

A bright flame, like the eye of a demon opening in the darkness, suddenly burst into flames at the top of one side of the cliff!

The leaping flames instantly tore through the thick night!

Under the firelight, two figures were clearly visible atop the cliff, hundreds of feet high.

Like a god looking down on ants!

The first man, with a figure as straight as a javelin, stood on the edge of the cliff, the night wind fluttering his clothes.

The firelight clearly outlined his angular face, his dark skin, and his phoenix eyes, which shone like cold stars in the firelight. His deep gaze pierced through the space, coldly locking onto Zhao Yan on the throne below!

It’s Liang Jin!

Half a step behind him stood a shirtless giant!
His bulging muscles were like cast bronze and iron, gleaming with a metallic luster in the firelight and the cold moonlight, and his wrists were adorned with heavy steel bracers.

On his shoulder was a giant bell, several times larger than the bells of an ordinary temple!

That giant bell was the source of that earth-shattering chime just now!
It was none other than Zhongli Han, the "King of the Bell"!

The mountain path was deathly silent.

All the guards were stunned by the sudden appearance of the two people who were looking down at them.

On the throne, Zhao Yan's obese body trembled violently, as if bitten by a venomous snake!
He struggled to stand up, but his obese body dragged him down, and he could only lean forward in vain.

He pointed one finger at the figure on the cliff, trembling violently with extreme hatred and rage. A strange, hissing sound came from his throat, his eyes were bloodshot, and he roared in a shrill voice that seemed to tear his own vocal cords apart.

"It's him! It's him!!! Song Jiang! Song Jiang!!!"

Even if he's burned to ashes! Even if his bones are scattered to the winds! I will still recognize him! I will still recognize his face!

"It was him! He killed my Chu Xia! Cut him to pieces! Cut him to pieces!!!"

Although they had never met, Zhao Yan had already etched Liang Jin's portrait into his very bones in order to seek revenge!

Now that he had met his enemy, the deep-seated hatred instantly overwhelmed all his reason!

At the top of the cliff.

Liang Jin looked down at the enormous figure below, twisted with rage, his eyes showing no fear, only indifference.

His voice, imbued with immense inner strength, was like rolling thunder, clearly overwhelming the howling wind in the valley and reaching the ears of everyone below, echoing repeatedly among the mountains:

"If a daughter is not properly taught, it is the father's fault!"

"Zhao Chuxia, as a princess of noble birth, does not think of benefiting the common people, but instead abuses her power and acts arrogantly, committing heinous crimes!"

"Colluding with corrupt officials to embezzle disaster relief funds and plunging the people of Changzhou into misery, this is the first crime!"

"Wantonly committing violence, ordering the shooting of civilians, and disregarding human life—this is the second crime!"

"To frame loyal and virtuous officials, to pin the blame on righteous outlaws, and to attempt to cover up their evil deeds—this is the third crime!"

"Such a wicked and depraved person, if she doesn't die, it would be an injustice to heaven!"

Liang Jin's voice suddenly rose, like a thunderclap from the heavens, carrying both awe-inspiring righteousness and overwhelming killing intent:
"Since you, Zhao Yan, can't teach him properly, then I, Song Jiang, will discipline him for you."

"I have personally taken this woman's head, avenging the people and upholding justice on behalf of Heaven!!!"

Liang Jin's words were like heavy hammer blows, each one striking Zhao Yan's heart hard.

Especially the last few words, "take his head," precisely struck at his deepest pain and humiliation!
Zhao Yan felt his vision go black, a metallic sweetness rushed to his throat, and his obese body swayed precariously.

His finger, pointing at Liang Jin, trembled violently, and a wild, guttural growl escaped his throat; he was so angry that he could no longer utter a complete sentence.

He had never been so publicly and blatantly humiliated.
Especially since the other party was the person who killed his daughter!
This is more painful than killing him!

Liang Jin ignored Zhao Yan's vomiting of blood, and instead, a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

He raised his hand and pointed to the giant bell on Zhong Lihan's shoulder beside him:
"Your Highness, your esteemed presence at my Yanshan stronghold today is an honor for me, Song Jiang!"

"This bell is the 'generous gift' that I, Song, have prepared for Your Highness!"

"We humbly request Your Highness to personally ascend the cliff and accept this gift!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhongli Han abruptly removed the incomparably heavy bronze bell from his shoulder and slammed it heavily onto the hard rocky ground!
"Boom——!!!"

Another earth-shaking bell rang out!

The roar was even more violent than before!
It was as if the death knell had been tolled for Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng!

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Liang Jin burst into loud laughter, his laughter filled with endless mockery and chilling killing intent, which sounded particularly jarring amidst the lingering echoes of the bell.

He stopped looking at the chaotic soldiers below, and with Zhongli Han in tow, he turned and disappeared into the darkness at the top of the cliff.

Only the enormous bronze bell remained, standing like a silent and menacing tombstone in the firelight, coldly mocking the Prince of Pingcheng and his army, which was plunged into chaos and fear below.

"puff--!"

Zhao Yan could no longer suppress it, and a mouthful of scalding blood gushed out, staining the python robe on his chest red!
He saw stars before his eyes, his ears were ringing, and his obese body slumped back onto the throne.

What a shame!
An unprecedented and utterly humiliating disgrace!
A lowly bandit not only publicly declared that he had killed his most beloved daughter and listed her crimes, but he also dared to be so arrogant and provocative!
Sending a clock?!
This is a blatant curse! It's trampling his dignity as a prince underfoot!
Boundless rage completely destroyed Zhao Yan's last shred of reason!
He struggled, using all his strength, letting out a dying roar like a wild beast, his voice distorted by extreme hatred:
"You're about to die! How dare you be so arrogant?!"

"Kill! Charge forward! Slaughter them all!!!"

"Who! Whoever can capture Song Jiang alive will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand acres of fertile land, and a hundred servants!"

"I swear by the name of my ancestors! I owe them an immense favor! Whatever they may ask for in the future, as long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost to fulfill it!!!"

(End of this chapter)