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

Chapter 653 Open the city gates immediately!

Meridian Gate.

The battle here has reached a fever pitch!

Hong Wei's sword strike, which combined the killing intent of the entire army with his life's worth of skill, tore through the air and arrived in an instant with a shrill whistle like the wailing of ghosts and gods!
Before the blade even landed, its sharp edge already caused Liang Jin's skin to sting.

The iron cage behind him creaked under the pressure, and Zhao Yu inside was so terrified that he closed his eyes and awaited his death.

however.

Faced with this terrifying blow that could split mountains and stop rivers, Liang Jin remained calm and composed, not moving an inch!

His icy gaze locked onto the raging blade energy until it was almost upon him—

"Om-!"

The ordinary standard-issue longsword in his hand suddenly emitted a deep hum, and an extremely condensed and domineering power instantly poured into the blade!
Immediately, he swung his arm, and his long sword drew a simple arc, neither dodging nor avoiding, but meeting the attack head-on!

"boom--!!!"

The two forces collided brazenly!

Hong Wei's surging sword energy crashed against the ancient, unchanging reef like a raging wave!
The reef remained unmoved, while the waves were forced to tear and split apart, turning into two out-of-control turbulent currents that rushed violently toward both sides of the city gate!
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The splitting blade energy bombarded the thick city walls and the inner walls of the gate, easily slicing and peeling off the hard bricks and stones like tofu, leaving countless terrifying, bottomless slash marks.

Smoke is everywhere!

Liang Jin established his authority with a single strike, and he and the iron cage behind him were completely unharmed!
"How can it be?!"

Hong Wei's pupils contracted sharply, filled with shock and horror.

He absolutely did not believe that Liang Jin could keep resisting!
He immediately steeled his resolve, becoming one with the blade. Taking advantage of the scattered blade energy, he moved with the blade, charging towards Liang Jin like a cannonball!

He wanted to fight in close combat, using his rich experience and unpredictable martial arts skills to decide whether to live or die!
far away.

The Imperial Guard Commander, First Guardian, had already raised his hand, his inner strength surging, preparing to forcefully intervene and stop it.

But when he saw Liang Jin's seemingly effortless slash, his arm froze in mid-air, and his deep old eyes were filled with disbelief and astonishment.

"My lord! Please act quickly! Any later... any later and my brother will be dead!"

Wu Huan was sweating profusely with anxiety, and his voice was trembling with tears.

The first guard suddenly turned his head, his gaze shooting towards Wu Huan like lightning, his voice low and terrifying:
"Who exactly is Liang Jin?!"

"At such a young age, he's already at the third rank?! How did he manage that?!"

"If you are a third-rank martial artist, why would you willingly lie low for ten years, only to become a mere flag commander?!"

"What exactly is he plotting?! Tell me!"

This series of questions struck Wu Huan like a hammer blow, leaving him speechless and unable to answer.

Is Liang Jin a third-rank official?
This is simply a fantasy!
When Liang Jin joined the Imperial Guard at the age of thirteen, he served under Wu Huan.

He watched Liang Jin rise from a lowly soldier to a high-ranking soldier; where would he have found the time to secretly hone such astonishing martial arts skills?

In that brief moment of hesitation—

Hong Wei has already reached Liang Jin!
The long sword in his hand began to vibrate violently at a high frequency that was difficult to detect with the naked eye, emitting a teeth-grinding "buzzing" sound, and the air around the blade was distorted!
This is his unique skill, relying on extremely rapid vibrations to destroy the opponent's weapons and even their protective aura!
"Break it for me!!!"

Hong Wei's face was contorted with rage as he poured all his power into this single strike, slashing down at Liang Jin's head!

Where the blade passed, the air seemed to be sliced ​​apart!

"Crack!!!"

The crisp sound of the two swords clashing lasted only a moment!
The standard longsword in Liang Jin's hand was simply unable to withstand such high-frequency shocks and Hong Wei's immense internal force, and shattered instantly!

It turned into countless metal fragments, shooting out in all directions like hidden weapons!
Hong Wei's blade, now unimpeded, continued its relentless slash towards Liang Jin's face!
They were about to succeed!

However, instead of showing panic, Liang Jin's face flashed a cold smile of triumph:

"I've been waiting for you to get close!"

In a flash, Liang Jin neither dodged nor evaded; his free right hand shot out with lightning speed.

He actually grabbed straight for the high-frequency vibrating, incomparably sharp blade!
"Seek death!"

Hong Wei roared inwardly, his inner strength surging wildly towards the blade without reservation:
"Cut it off right now!"

He vowed to sever Liang Jin's hand and arm together with one stroke!
"Zheng!!!"

Liang Jin's hand precisely grasped the raging blade!
In an instant, an ear-piercing, violent metallic scraping and cutting sound erupted!
A dazzling spark exploded from Liang Jin's palm!

But the sound and the sparks lasted only a moment!
next moment.

Hong Wei was horrified to discover that the long sword in his hand, made of refined steel and extremely tough, was twisted and softened instantly by Liang Jin's five fingers, just like a heated wax stick!
All the high-frequency vibrations were forcibly suppressed by an even more domineering force!

The sharp blade failed to sever the hand.

Instead... it was deformed by that hand's grip!

These hands are even tougher than steel!

"What...what kind of hand is that?!"

Hong Wei was terrified, his gaze fixed on Liang Jin's hand.

It is covered with a dense array of eerie scale-like patterns with a dark gold base and black outlines, exuding an inhuman, chilling sense of solidity and power!

And in that moment of distraction...

Liang Jin's other hand had already pierced through his defenses like a ghost, bringing with it a fierce wind that tore through the air, and was grabbing straight for his chest!
Hong Wei was so frightened that he lost his mind. He hurriedly abandoned his knife, used both palms to block with all his strength!

"Bang!!!!!!"

The two terrifying internal forces collided solidly, causing a violent explosion far exceeding that before!
A visible ring of air emanated from the two of them and spread fiercely outwards!

The bricks and stones on the inner wall of the doorway have cracked and collapsed on a large scale!
Broken bricks and stones fell like rain!

The massive Meridian Gate was shaken so violently that it emitted a deafening roar, and the copper nails and rivets on the gate flew out like beans with a crackling sound!

Even though Liang Jin blocked most of the impact, Zhao Yu, who was hiding deep inside the iron cage, was still hit hard.

He was violently thrown into the air by the blast wave, crashing heavily against the iron railing before falling to the ground. Blood immediately gushed from his mouth, nose, and ears, indicating that his internal organs had been injured, and he lost consciousness.

Before the aftershocks of the explosion had even subsided, Liang Jin's icy voice rang out clearly:

"caught you!"

His large hand pierced through the core of the explosion without any damage, gripping Hong Wei's wrist tightly as he hurriedly tried to block, like an iron clamp!
Close-quarters combat is Liang Jin's strongest area!

"It's over!"

Liang Jin snorted coldly, and the dragon arm covered with scales suddenly exerted its power!

Hong Wei felt an overwhelming force that he could not resist coming from his wrist!
He struggled desperately, but felt like a child facing a giant; all his resistance was futile!

In a dizzying moment, the world in his eyes churned rapidly, finally settling on—a rapidly magnified, cold, and hard ground!

"boom!!!!!!!"

A terrifying, muffled thud that shook the entire square erupted!

Liang Jin grabbed Hong Wei's wrist and slammed him hard onto the bluestone ground like a sack of potatoes!
The ground instantly caved in, creating a large, human-shaped crater!
Spiderweb-like cracks spread wildly!

Hong Wei's fine armor shattered into pieces under the absolutely violent impact, with fragments flying everywhere!

"Come again!"

Without pausing, Liang Jin exerted force again, lifting Hong Wei, who didn't even have time to scream, and slamming him hard onto the ground on the other side!
"Bang!!!"

"Bang!!!"

"Bang!!!"

one time! Twice! Three times!
Those heavy, savage, and primal impacts not only pounded on the ground, but also struck the hearts of every Imperial Guard soldier present!
Everyone was stunned and felt a chill run down their spines.

They stared blankly at their high-ranking, majestic, and powerful deputy commander, who now resembled a broken doll, being repeatedly humiliated and beaten by that lowly flag commander in the most humiliating and violent way!
This bloody and violent scene is enough to become a nightmare they can never escape for the rest of their lives!
“ENOUGH!!!!!”

Finally, a roar filled with boundless rage and majesty exploded like a thunderclap from a clear sky!

A powerful aura, far deeper and more vast than Hongwei's, descended with overwhelming force, pressing down heavily on the entire Meridian Gate Square and abruptly halting this one-sided massacre!

The sound of the hammer striking the earth abruptly stopped.

The smoke and dust slowly dissipated.

Liang Jin remained standing in the same spot, his figure as upright as a pine tree.

At his feet, Hong Wei lay limp in the pit like a lump of mud, covered in blood, convulsing uncontrollably, blood and fragments of his internal organs spilling from his mouth.

He had countless broken bones throughout his body, with many white bones piercing through his skin and flesh, a gruesome sight that clearly indicated he was completely crippled.

The first Shousei watched this scene with shock and anger that almost materialized in his eyes!
He could tell that Liang Jin's cultivation level was indeed at the third rank, even slightly inferior to Hong Wei's.

But in actual combat, the result was a complete and utter crushing defeat!

Such physical strength and the ability to seize opportunities in battle are simply astonishing!
Such a terrifying figure was hidden within the Imperial Guard!
Fortunately, he always stayed away from the center of power, always standing guard on the periphery, and never had the opportunity to get close to the emperor.

Otherwise, if he harbors malicious intentions, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Thinking of this, Shou Zheng felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

He suppressed his anger and spoke in an icy voice:
"What on earth is going on?!"

"Liang Jin!"

"This commander has received a report that you disobeyed military orders, assaulted a comrade, kidnapped a prince, and broke into the Meridian Gate!"

"Do you recognize these?!"

Hearing this, Wu Huan felt somewhat relieved.

As long as the leader is still willing to reason, there is still room for maneuver.

However, Liang Jin's answer made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave!

Liang Jin's voice was calm, yet clearly carried throughout the entire venue:
Yes, that's true.

"I have disobeyed Hongwei's military orders!"

"I've taken down Xu Xu and his gang!"

"The Prince of Huaiyang is someone I brought with me!"

Wu Huan's vision went black, and he almost fainted.

This is practically suicide!
The first commander was also stunned for a moment, not expecting him to admit it so readily, and couldn't help but laugh in anger:

"Since you've confessed, why haven't you submitted to the law?"

"Instead, they've gone even further, seriously injuring their superior?!" Liang Jin raised his head and declared loudly:

“I admit I did these things, but when did I ever say I pleaded guilty?”

"I am defying the chaotic orders, but obeying the imperial orders!"

"I am punishing treacherous officials and protecting my clan!"

"I brought the prince here for the purpose of protecting the foundation of our Great Qian Kingdom!"

"What I, Liang Jin, have done today is without shame before Heaven, without shame before Earth, and without shame before my sovereign and my country!"

"What crime have you committed?!"

The sound reverberated throughout the surrounding area, its impact resounding!
Wu Huan inwardly groaned, realizing he was completely doomed!
Given the strict discipline and discipline of the First Army, how could such defiance be tolerated?
really.

First Shouzheng's face darkened completely, his eyes burning with rage.

He strode forward, stepped into the front of the army formation, stared at Liang Jin, and said, word by word:

"I'm giving you one last chance!"

"No matter your reasons, no matter how right you think you are!"

"Now, lay down your weapons immediately, release Deputy Commander Hong and the Prince of Huaiyang, and surrender!"

"Whatever you have to say, you can explain it in the courtroom!"

"But the Southern Imperial Guard will never be threatened in any way! They will never compromise with violence!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the terrifying aura of the first second-rank martial artist of the Righteous Guardian class was unleashed without reservation!

Like a real mountain, it pressed down heavily on Liang Jin!

Inspired by him, the surrounding imperial guards roared and raised their weapons, their cold glints once again aimed at Liang Jin, their fighting spirit boiling!
Wu Huan frantically tried to signal to Liang Jin with his eyes and hands, urging him not to resist any longer.

Everyone knows that the First Guardian is a second-rank martial artist!
His martial arts skills are far superior to Hong Wei's!

The First Guardian's ferocious aura did indeed bring intense pressure to Liang Jin.

however.

Although the overwhelming pressure from the First Guardian made Liang Jin feel stressed, it was far from enough to make him submit.

Especially given the uncertainty surrounding his stance on upholding the right path, he was even less likely to entrust his fate to others.

Liang Jin narrowed his eyes slightly, his inner strength secretly gathering, meeting the First Guardian's gaze without flinching:
"Commander, I cannot comply!"

Upon hearing this, the first Shouzheng, instead of being angry, laughed, his laughter filled with murderous intent:
"Good! Good! Good! Liang Jin, you really have guts!"

"Since you remain obstinate, I will personally apprehend you and interrogate you at my leisure!"

After speaking, the First Guardian slowly drew his sword from his waist, the tip of the sword pointing diagonally at the ground, and a sharp sword intent locked onto Liang Jin.

He's actually going to take action himself!
Clearly, he did not intend to rely on the strength of the army to deal with Liang Jin, but rather intended to do it all by himself!
This is his confidence as the commander of the Southern Imperial Guard!
Liang Jin frowned and slowly took a few steps forward, voluntarily leaving the area of ​​the doorway.

After all, the First Guardian of Righteousness was a second-rank martial artist.

The power of a second-rank martial artist is extremely strong, something Liang Jin has personally experienced.

He had to open up the battlefield, otherwise the aftershocks of fighting a second-rank martial artist could kill Zhao Yu in an instant!

Two masters clash, their auras clashing, a great battle is about to break out!
At this critical moment——

"Um?!"

Liang Jin and the First Guardian almost simultaneously raised their heads and looked up at the deep night sky!

They could all clearly sense that two powerful and terrifying auras were colliding, entangled, and fighting fiercely high above the capital!

The sheer power of that aura, even from a great distance, still sent shivers down their spines!
That is the power of a true strongman!

Wang Jin! Shen Wujiu!

The two instantly understood the identities of those two auras!
The eunuch and the constable actually broke off all pretense and engaged in a life-or-death duel!
First Guard's expression shifted rapidly. He abruptly withdrew his gaze, staring intently at Liang Jin, his voice carrying an unprecedented gravity and accusation:

"Liang Jin! What exactly are you plotting?!"

"Is the chaos in the capital tonight related to you?!"

"Speak! What exactly do you want?!"

Liang Jin stared at the First Guardian, trying to discern the truth from the falsehood on his face.

He wasn't sure if the first righteous man was truly ignorant or just pretending.
But whether it's true or not, his goal will not change.

All he needs to do is protect Zhao Yu and ensure the Emperor's safe return to the palace, then great things can be expected.

Other matters will naturally be handled by other people and his clone.

He was about to speak—

"Kill!!!"

"Stop them! Protect the Emperor!"

"Open the city gates! Hurry!"

……

A sudden and intense shout of killing, the clash of weapons, and anxious screams came from the street outside the Meridian Gate!
And it is approaching the Meridian Gate at an extremely fast speed!

There is fighting outside, with their target the palace!
Liang Jin and the First Guardian had hearing far exceeding that of ordinary people, and instantly caught the chaotic sounds.

Immediately afterwards, a sharp, anxious voice pierced through the door panel and came clearly:

"Open the gate! Open the Meridian Gate now!"

"His Majesty returns to the palace!"

"Assassins are pursuing us! Open the city gates immediately to welcome the emperor!!!"

It's Zhao Bao's voice!

The Emperor has arrived!

Liang Jin was immediately overjoyed.

however.

On the city wall, the imperial guard officer in charge of defending the city responded sharply, his voice icy cold:

"The night is so dark that it's hard to tell! We cannot confirm if it is the Emperor's presence!"

"The Emperor is residing in his new residence; why would he suddenly return to the palace in the middle of the night?"

"According to the law, the city gates shall not be opened until dawn!"

Liang Jin's heart sank; the situation he had been fearing had come to pass!
There are indeed people causing trouble at the Meridian Gate.

The guards at the Meridian Gate were indeed suspicious!
Upon hearing this, even the First Guardian frowned and asked in a deep voice:

"What's all this commotion outside the city? Why weren't you informed of it beforehand?!"

Logically speaking, since the First Garrison Commander was present, the soldiers on the city wall should have reported the intelligence to him first, and then the First Garrison Commander would make the decision.

But to everyone's surprise, the soldiers on the city wall took it upon themselves to refuse Zhao Bao's proposal.

This inevitably displeased the first person to uphold justice.

A soldier guarding the city rushed down the city wall and knelt on one knee in front of the first guard:

"Reporting to the Commander!"

"It's pitch black outside the city, the situation is unclear, the identities of the newcomers are uncertain, and there are even martial artists fighting with weapons!"

"Plus……"

At this point, the soldier glanced at Liang Jin standing in front of the doorway:
"The traitor Liang Jin started his rebellion right there in the doorway."

"If we rashly open the door, Liang Jin will likely kidnap Prince Zhao Yu of Huaiyang and escape!"

"I'm even more afraid of his fellow disciples..."

The soldier didn't finish his sentence.

But anyone could understand what he meant.

They were terrified that if the person outside the gate was indeed suspicious, and Liang Jin colluded with the thieves outside the gate to break into the imperial city, then there would surely be serious trouble.

When the time comes, the Imperial Guards will inevitably have to bear the responsibility.

This sounds reasonable.

First Shouzheng nodded slightly:

"Yes, it's right to be cautious."

"Hold the winch. No one is allowed to approach the city gate without my order!"

"Once our commander takes the lead..."

Before he finished speaking——

Liang Jin's voice suddenly rang out:
"If you won't drive, I will!"

Suddenly, his figure blurred, and like a ghost, he instantly broke free from the First Guardian's aura lock, shooting back into the depths of the doorway at a speed too fast for the naked eye to perceive.

They rushed straight for the massive, tightly closed city gate!
The first commander was greatly alarmed:

"Stop him!!!"

But it's too late!
Amidst everyone's horrified gazes, Liang Jin rushed to the city gate, but instead of taking the bolt or searching for the mechanism, he simply stood up straight with his right fist clenched!
The muscles of the dragon arm, covered with dark gold scales, suddenly bulged, and a destructive power instantly condensed at the peak of its fist!
Punch it out!
"BOOM!!!!!!!!!"

A deafening, earth-shattering roar suddenly erupted!

Liang Jin's fist slammed solidly into the massive, iron-clad, copper-inlaid city gate!

The sturdy city gate was blasted open like paper by this punch, leaving a huge hole in it instantly!

The heavy iron cables of the suspension bridge outside the door were also shaken and snapped, causing the suspension bridge to crash down with a loud bang!
Wood chips flew everywhere, and smoke and dust filled the air!
Through the gaping hole and the fallen drawbridge, the view outside was clearly revealed to the First Guard and all the Imperial Guards!

When he saw everything outside the door, the first magistrate, who was about to pounce, froze, his face filled with extreme shock and disbelief!
It was pitch black outside the door, so dark that nothing could be seen.
Instead, the torches flickered, creating a bright scene.

First Guardian's gaze passed through the agents of the Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Southern Imperial Guards holding their weapons, finally landing on a luxurious carriage.

That's... the emperor's imperial carriage!

(End of this chapter)