Chapter 309: Sea of Blood
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
At this moment, Ling Tian was a bundle of nerves as he whipped the horse to go at top speed!
In front, the pine forest was already in sight! However, Ling Tian would definitely not go through the forest this time! If he went along the main road, the distance he would take would be a third of going through the forest! While he knew that the Sky Bearing army would definitely place obstructions along the main road, Ling Tian would definitely not take a detour! Ling Tian was more than confident that he could trample a few regular camps without any delay!
A whistle sounded in the front and a squadron of four to five hundred troops emerged from the pine forest. They were clad in the Sky Bearing military attire and the one leading the group shouted out, "Who are you? The Sky Bearing Emperor has ordered for this road to be sealed. You can pick another road to continue your journey! If not, we will kill you without mercy!"
"This daddy is the father of the Sky Bearing Emperor!" Ling Tian said with killing intent as his horse charged forward without slowing down!
"I will have to fire the arrows if you are not going to slow down!" In truth, his words were as good as useless. Before he even gave the command, a wave of arrows had already shot towards Ling Tian and the others!
Ling Tian's cloak suddenly shot out and he spun it in mid-air. The arrows were then sucked into the cloak like it was a whirlpool and gathered into a neat bundle!
As the commander saw that, he couldn't help but be frightened and he unconsciously raised his sword. His face was completely pale with his body trembling slightly. Obviously, he was greatly frightened by Ling Tian's actions! Before he could even say a thing, Ling Tian had already jerked his right hand and the arrows were sent back to the commander!
Before he could even let out a sound, the commander blocking the way had already become a human porcupine! Behind him, over forty to fifty of his men fell off their horses with a groan!
Ling Tian weaved around them swiftly and the other assassins followed behind closely. With a flash of light and in a short blink of an eye, the sound of galloping horses could be heard leaving them! From their first encounter to Ling Tian leaving, there wasn't a single moment of delay! If not for the many casualties on the ground and one human porcupine, none of them would have imagined that death had just brushed past them!
A short while later, the survivors gave a sigh of relief. At that moment, they had all felt that death was just a small step away from them! It was as though it wasn't five people who appeared in front of them but five gods of death! The bloodlust emanating from the five of them was something that they had never felt before!
Only then did they realize that there were more than ten of their brothers still seated on their horses without saying a word! The other soldiers thought that these men were scared silly and wanted to tease them. However, their eyes suddenly widened in fear, without a single word coming out from their mouths!
In front of them, a strange scene had taken place: A small line of red suddenly appeared on the necks of these unmoving soldiers, and their heads flew off from their necks with fountains of blood shooting into the sky! They were actually unknowingly beheaded! Their opponent's swordplay was just too swift, and the heads were actually intact for a long time after being sliced off!
The surviving troops were all pale from fright with a few of them fainting on the spot! Those who were still conscious couldn't help but touch their necks as they looked at the direction Ling Tian had gone. Are the five of them humans or ghosts?! Are they really death gods from hell?!
******
Battlecries could be heard all over the battlefield without stopping for a moment. It was as though a blade could appear from any direction and reap their lives on the spot! Even Ling Nineteen and the rest could feel the pressure growing stronger and stronger. If was as though their enemies had already realized Ling Xiao had broken through from the northwestern direction and had begun to send reinforcements!
Li XiangDong who was leading the charge finally faced powerful resistance! In just a few hundred feet, they would be able to reach a boundless grassland with a few mountains at the very end of it! As long as they could break through this final barrier, their whole army would be able to escape from danger!
However, this short stretch was something which they just couldn't break through despite sacrificing many lives! Li XiangDong was already riddled with injuries all over and an arrow embedded in his shoulder. However, it was as though he didn't notice it at all and he continued to brandish his weapon to kill the enemies! His yelling had already been reduced to meaningless bestial roars, and his eyes were blood-red!
In front of him, a Northern Wei general was also gasping for air with his armor broken in many areas and barely hanging on his body. Blood could be seen flowing out from many different parts but he still endured the many ferocious attacks of Li XiangDong without retreating!
Behind him, reinforcements from Northern Wei flooded in, and the encirclement seemed to be getting denser and denser.
Ling Nineteen's eyes flashed as he ordered, "Protect the marshal! Do not allow the marshal to suffer from any injuries. I will help General Li to break out of this encirclement!" Without waiting for a reply, his body shot off the back of his horse and forty feet into the air! A skinny figure had actually flown past the many soldiers of Northern Wei! Anything can happen on a battlefield and there were already a few who noticed Ling Nineteen's strange actions. A Northern Wei commander then gave an order and a wave of arrows shot towards Ling Nineteen!
Ling Nineteen's blade danced in the air and it formed a perfect guard around him, deflecting all the arrows shot at him! His body weaved past the many swords and spears pointed at him and then he landed, stepping on the heads of two Northern Wei soldiers. With two mournful shrieks, the skulls of both the soldiers were shattered with their heads stuffed into their chests. However, Ling Nineteen seemed indifferent about his actions as he sprung into the air again. A single blade finally managed to find its way to Ling Nineteen's left leg, slashing his muscles as blood splattered all around. However, it was as though Ling Nineteen didn't notice a thing, and he had swiftly made his way to Li XiangDong and the opposing general!
Li XiangDong's bloodshot eyes saw Ling Nineteen and couldn't help but cry out, "D*mmit, why are you here instead of protecting the marshal? Seeking death? The job of the vanguard belongs to this daddy!"
A smile could then be seen on Ling Nineteen's malevolent face, "General Ling, he who kills more enemies is a hero! I am here for a competition with you! You can only boast after killing more enemies than me!"
Li XiangDong was stunned for a moment, and he couldn't help but burst out into laughter. While he was laughing, Ling Nineteen had seemingly turned into a flash of light, charging at the Northern Wei general with unfathomable speed!
"Dang dang dang!" A series of metal clashing sounds could be heard and Ling Nineteen did a somersault in the air. He then slashed down diagonally, and the heads of three Northern Wei soldiers flew into the air! Ling Nineteen then landed in the middle of their enemies and a bright resplendent glow formed by his sword could be seen!
"Ah! Ah!..." A series of shrieks sounded and the dozens of soldiers surrounding Ling Nineteen fell to the ground with their legs severed! As they rolled on the ground in pain, Ling Nineteen had already dashed in another direction with another dozen soldiers lying on the ground!
Right at that moment, the Northern Wei general who was fighting Ling Nineteen suddenly trembled on his horse and fell from it. Before he could even land on the ground, his body had already been dismembered into pieces! It turns out that he had already been killed in the battle with Ling Nineteen, but Ling Nineteen's swordplay was just too swift!
Ling Nineteen's swordplay was from the same source as Ling Jian and the rest. While his swordplay may not be as exquisite as Ling Jian's, it was more baleful and overwhelming!
"Fantastic martial arts! With just what you displayed, I will punish myself with a bowl of wine!" Li XiangDong laughed, "Little brat! This daddy is here to compete with you!" Then, he began to brandish his sword and charge out with an unstoppable momentum!
Ling Nineteen laughed in response with blood flowing out from his wounds. While his swordplay could kill his enemies, it was lacking in defense. But despite the many wounds he had suffered, he still had a smiling face. "Old Li, you are old and weak! You can't win against me!"
Li XiangDong then shouted out, "Bullsh*t! See how this daddy here beats you into resignation!" His blade then began to dance as dozens of Northern Wei soldiers fell under his blade!
With a flash of his shadow, Ling Nineteen had actually charged back to his original spot! After charging to and fro, almost a hundred Northern Wei soldiers had died under his blade!
Ling Nineteen then let out a roar, "Brothers, fight with me!" He then charged forward again! Li XiangDong followed beside him, one on the left and the other right, one on the horse and the other not, charging forward like two mad tigers!
As the weary Sky Bearing soldiers behind them saw the ferocity of these two individuals and how they were able to kill their enemies like dicing vegetables, their morale was greatly increased! They then let out a roar and charged forward as well!
Ling Nineteen's previous onslaught had already scared the Northern Wei soldiers out of their wits as they looked at Ling Nineteen with fear in their eyes! This young man was akin to a death god, with blood and death surrounding him when he walked. Not one of his men were injured because all of his enemies had died in his hands. Even the respected General Sun had been diced up in just a single exchange! How could they block someone like that?
Seeing him charging forward again, they all couldn't help but exclaim in fear and retreat a few steps!
Ling Nineteen then gave a cruel smile as he circulated his inner qi and let out a roar, "KILL!!"
Bang!
The Northern Wei soldiers felt as though they heard thunder erupt by their ears and all of them couldn't help but take a few more steps back. There were a few who couldn't endure the pressure and actually abandoned their weapons and ran!
Chapter 310: Heroic Sacrifice
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
The power of an example is limitless! This saying is extremely true on the battlefield!
Facing extreme danger, as long as someone runs away for fear of losing their lives, there will definitely be many who will follow suit. Indeed, after a few others hesitated for a moment, they also turned tail and ran away. However, the Northern Wei reinforcements were approaching behind them and the two groups of people collided, causing chaos!
"Kill!"
"Charge!"
If he didn't know how to make use of such an opportunity, Li XiangDong would have wasted his many years on the battlefield! With a roar, he led his troops and charged forward. With the intention to hit their enemies while they were down, the Sky Bearing soldiers mustered up every last bit of strength they had and charged forward!
Ling Nineteen and Li XiangDong were still leading the front as they sliced apart the enemy's formation like two sharp blades! At that moment, blood splattered all around and miserable wails sounded everywhere. In just a short while, they had already broken out of the encirclement!
Both of them then felt their body at ease as a gust of fresh air blew past their faces. As they looked forward, they saw the lush grasslands in front of their eyes!
We have broken through! We have finally broken out of the encirclement!
Cheers exploded forth and the opening became larger and larger as more and more Sky Bearing soldiers broke out of the encirclement! After their vanguard had broken through, Ling Xiao's main forces had charged out shortly behind them with the blood-red marshal flag fluttering majestically in the wind! Without a moment of delay, they sprinted towards the depths of the grasslands.
With a small spring, Ling Nineteen jumped up onto Ling Twenty's horse and only had the chance to say, "Catch me!" before he passed out! While the previous battle was short, Ling Nineteen had already killed more than hundred enemy soldiers and had completely exhausted all his strength. At this moment, he felt extremely dizzy and completely fatigued. He felt as though he wanted to have a good rest and never get up!
Ling Twenty quickly grabbed onto Ling Nineteen's belt and pulled Ling Nineteen in his embrace. Then, he quickly caught up to the main force.
At the rear, the Northern Wei soldiers charged forward and the whole grassland trembled from the battle cries of soldiers and galloping horses!
Kong DaYuan's left wing was left at the rear and had already become the one in charge of bringing up the rear! At the same time, his losses were also the greatest! His originally 10,000 strong army was only left with a little over 4,000. Furthermore, every one of them was riddled with injuries with both man and horse exhausted! Kong DaYuan himself was also filled with injuries with blood all over his face and his right ear lost!
Ling Xiao's army was still not very far away and it was extremely likely for the enemy to catch up to them! Seeing that the enemy was about to catch up to his troops, Kong DaYuan steeled his heart and roared, "Brothers! Our horses can run no longer! However, the Marshal has successfully broken through! Our mission is complete and we are victorious! Brothers, since we will be dead no matter what, would all of you be willing to accompany this general to earn some more time for our Marshal?"
"We are willing! For the Marshal! We will fight those Northern Wei b*st*rds to the death!" With an ear-splitting roar, Kong DaYuan turned around and faced the sea of Northern Wei soldiers who were approaching him. Pointing his blade forward, Kong DaYuan gathered all of his strength and roared, "Brothers, even if we have to use our teeth to bite them, we have to drag these b*st*rds down with us! If any one of you dies an unprofitable death and cannot pull one along with you, I, Kong DaYuan, will look down on you even in hell! Our army will be victorious! We are invincible!"
With frustration and anger plastered all over their faces, the soldiers of the Sky Bearing army roared, "Pull a Northern Wei b*st*rd down with us into death! KILL!!"
"Hahaha, this daddy has already killed four of them. If I can pull one more down with me, I would have made a profit of four people!"
"D*mmit! This daddy has only killed one. Even if I pull down one more into hell, I have only made a profit of one person! This daddy had made a loss!"
*****
The Northern Wei soldiers suddenly realized that the Sky Bearing soldiers were no longer escaping but remained on the spot while creating a din. But for some unknown reason, they felt as though a thick wave of overwhelming killing intent was rushing towards them. In that instant, their hearts were nervous with an unknown sense of pressure! Then, the 4,000-odd soldiers suddenly let out a roar and charged towards them crazily under the lead of their bloodied general!
Kong DaYuan led the pack and shouted out, "Brothers! The Marshal will avenge us! Our death will be worth it! This daddy will still be a man eighteen years later! This daddy will still follow the Marshal eighteen years later!"
"We will follow the Marshal eighteen years later!"
"We will follow the Marshal eighteen years later!"
"KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL!!!!"
They then exploded forth like dynamite within the ranks of the Northern Wei soldiers. These 4,000-odd Sky Bearing troops had a ferocious glare in their eyes with a malevolent smile on their faces, using anything they could to fight the enemies. Slashing with their blades, stabbing with their swords, swinging their spears. There were even some who did not have a weapon and pounced on the enemy soldiers. Ignoring their enemies blades and biting the throats of their enemy while feeling the fresh blood flow into their throats. With a crazed maniacal look, they gave a satisfied smile and left the world…
From afar, Ling Xiao let out a mournful roar as he no longer had any tears to cry out and it was replaced with blood! His appearance was haggard as though he was a malicious spirit! There were many times where he wanted to turn around to die with his brothers but was stopped by Ling Twenty-two and the rest!
Ling Xiao continued to roar out, "Let me go! B*st*rds! Scram…" Ling Twenty-two ignored all the pleadings and continued to hold Ling Xiao tightly, letting Ling Xiao hammer his back as he wished. Without saying a word, he continued to urge his horse to escape!
All of a sudden, Ling Xiao no longer struggled and he seemed to have lost all energy as he started to bawl! "Brothers… my good brothers…" To think that the God of War who commanded a million soldiers would be crying like a little child!
The battlefield was completely silent with the Northern Wei soldiers looking at the bodies littered all over the battlefield. Seeing the one body which still stood erect amongst the mountain of corpses with the flag of the Sky Bearing army proudly in his hands, all the troops could not help but give looks of respect! On the tattered enemy flag, there was a large 'Kong' word fluttering in the wind! It was as though the heroic spirit in hell was still struggling to get back up to fight again…
The wind blew past the grasslands with whimpering all around…
Shui QianHuan and Wei ChengPing had rushed over on their horses, only to witness the miserable sight in front of their eyes. Shui QianHuan then let out a long sigh and said softly, "What a valiant warrior! It is such a pity that such an elite wasn't under my banner!" Shui QianHuan could see that there were proud smiles on many of the Sky Bearing soldiers. There were many with gratified expressions and some with extreme satisfaction. There were only a few of them who were filled with unwillingness and indignance…
However, Shui QianHuan was unaware that these soldiers were unwilling and indignant about not being able to drag at least one enemy with them to death. There were even some who were frustrated about not being able to kill more enemies…
The 4,000-odd injured Sky Bearing soldiers were actually able to kill over 7,000 Northern Wei soldiers! The kill rate of their troops was almost double of their enemy!
This was an unbelievable miracle!
Shui QianHuan and Wei ChengPing were speechless for a long time. After that, Shui QianHuan let out a sigh, "Ling Xiao, a true general!" He then waved his hands, "Give chase! Kill Ling Xiao at all costs!" At the same time, he thought to himself, To think that his soldiers were all willing to sacrifice their lives for him without any regrets. It would definitely be an unsettling matter to leave such an enemy alive! He must not be left alive!
The sound of the enemy troops slowly became softer and they could no longer be seen by sight. They had finally escaped. However, this was something that Kong DaYuan had bought with the lives of his 4,000 soldiers!
After almost a day of escaping, their troops had not even taken a drop of water and were already exhausted. Now that they had successfully escaped, they could no longer endure their fatigue! With his aching heart, Ling Xiao commanded his troops to take a temporary halt and adjust their condition! While their enemies were still hot on their tail, the Sky Bearing army would probably be dead before their enemies even caught up if they didn't take a rest.
After giving the command, the soldiers all stopped and looked at each other's injuries. Seeing the blood on all of their faces, they were reminded of the many brothers who had just perished in the war. They could not help but burst out into tears as they vented their frustrations! As Ling Xiao made his rounds, he whimpered silently! Kneeling down, he kowtowed three times at the direction where Kong DaYuan had sacrificed himself. Then, he stood up with killing intent burning in his eyes, "Wei ChengPing! Long Xiang! It's either your deaths or mine! I, Ling Xiao, would not be human if I don't take my revenge!"
The various soldiers then echoed, "We will not be human if we don't take revenge!"
"We will not be human if we don't take revenge!"
Their voice traveled far!
As he counted his remaining troops, Ling Xiao felt his heart bleed!
Of his 100,000 strong army, less than 50,000 were able to make it out alive! After a day and night of battle, more than half were dead and those who were left were all injured! They didn't even have any strength left to battle!
Such a miserable defeat should not have occurred! However, who would have thought that the ruler of a nation would collude with another empire to scheme against his own general?!
If not for the many unimaginable events, with Ling Xiao personally guarding Nine Swallow City, it was easy for him to defend and attack. Even if Wei ChengPing and Shui QianRou had mystical abilities, what would they have been able to do against him?
Presently, the one who Ling Xiao hated the most wasn't Wei ChengPing or the Northern Wei! It was Long Xiao who was in Sky Bearing! The blood feud of his 100,000 soldiers was irreconcilable! This stab to the back shattered the loyalty he had held onto for decades! It stabbed him right to the bones!
"Long Xiang! You beast! You darn b*st*rd!" Ling Xiao smashed his fist on the ground! His burly face was laced with hatred and frustration! The ruler he was loyal to and his sworn brother! Why? Why do you have to kill me even by colluding with Northern Wei?
I, Ling Xiao, had always been loyal and the many territories of Sky Bearing were won over by my father. He had even betrothed his only daughter to be your imperial concubine. I had devoted my life to guard your borders and repelled your enemies! How did my Ling Family let you down? Why? WHY?!
Chapter 311: Death to He Who Blocks Me
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
After resting for a short hour, Li XiangDong walked over with his injuries, "Marshal, the mountainous region is up ahead and is the legendary 'One Line Ridgeline'! The terrain of the One Line Ridgeline is extremely treacherous, and it is said that a single man can defend against ten thousand with the terrain. This is something that our army requires now! As long as we can get there and pass through the One Line Ridgeline, we would be temporarily safe. We just need to send men to take turns to guard the entrance, and we can easily wait for our reinforcements there."
Ling Xiao nodded his head, "It is indeed true. We will not delay the matter any further! Inform our brothers to give one final burst of effort! We will depart immediately and rush to the One Line Ridgeline! When we arrive there, the whole army can rest!"
"Marshal, I think that this matter is fishy!" Ling Twenty walked forward with a frown, "There is no doubt that this is the best place to set up our defenses but it also carries the most risk! Since our enemy had set up such a large encirclement and sent out over 400,000 troops, how would they overlook the One Line Ridgeline? If there were to be an ambush there, we would definitely be stopped by the treacherous terrain at the One Line Ridgeline and our advance would be halted. With the enemies chasing behind us, our situation would definitely be grave! At that time, our doom would be near! May Marshal consider the matter carefully!"
Originally, a low-level personal guard like Ling Twenty would not have the rights to interrupt in such a discussion. However, the four of them had already displayed their ferocity in battle and resolute killing intent. Thus, even the many famed generals present admired their valor. Furthermore, Ling Twenty's words were not without reason, and Ling Xiao had no choice but the reconsider the matter!
"Little brother Ling's words are indeed true. However, there was something that little brother Ling yourself had said. The Northern Wei army had already mobilized 400,000 troops, and the One Line Ridgeline is the shared border of Northern Wei and Western Han. Even if the Northern Wei army has an ambush in the One Line Ridgeline, there wouldn't be many troops stationed there. After all, they would definitely incite the rage of Western Han if they were to mobilize too many troops. I believe that we will definitely be able to conquer the One Line Ridgeline." Li XiangDong only analyzed Ling Twenty's words and did not refute it entirely, "Furthermore, our direction of escape should have been out of our enemy's expectations. Who would have imagined that we wouldn't escape in the direction of Sky Bearing where the number of soldiers was the least but towards the direction where the enemies were the most? This is definitely something that the Northern Wei general would never be able to expect!"
As he said that, a trace of sadness could be seen on Li XiangDong's rough face, "Furthermore, our army is already thoroughly exhausted with their combat prowess at a minimum. Apart from the One Line Ridgeline, there isn't any other place that we would be able to guard. No matter what, the One Line Ridgeline has already become our only and final choice!"
Ling Twenty let out a long sigh and did not say anything else. He had to admit that Li XiangDong's words were extremely reasonable. While the One Line Ridgeline wasn't a safe location, they just didn't have any other choice! They had no choice but to gamble the fact that they could quickly take the One Line Ridgeline!
With his intuition that was honed by many years of leading, Ling Xiao could also feel that something was amiss and had his head lowered in thought.
The ground started to tremble, and a dense sea of enemy troops could be seen charging towards them from afar!
Ling Xiao no longer hesitated as he waved his hands and said, "Mount your horses! Take down the One Line Ridgeline as quickly as possible!"
The soldiers all hopped on their horses and began their escape. Ling Twenty let out a sigh and chased behind them.
Wei ChengPing then smiled, "Brother Shui, they did indeed proceed as you had planned and are really heading towards the One Line Ridgeline. Now, they can have a good meeting with the Western Han troops." While a smile could be seen on his face, the hidden look of pain could be obviously seen. As the Crown Prince who had always led a pampered life, since when did he set out on military expeditions? After the long chase, his inner thighs were already swelling from abrasion.
He originally didn't intend to make a personal appearance but just could not be at ease with giving Shui QianHuan the full authority over his army. Furthermore, Shui QianHuan had a special identity, and it wouldn't be right for Wei ChengPing to not accompany him. Helpless, Wei ChengPing could only set out in battle. Who would have expected that his previous pastime of riding a horse would become such a torturous event! He was already regretting in his heart but just could not grumble about it with Shui QianHuan in front of him, lest he be looked down upon.
In fact, he was no more than a good-for-nothing spoiled brat in Shui QianHuan's eyes!
As Shui QianHuan looked at Wei ChengPing's pained expression, he said calmly, "Ling Xiao has not died and the battle is far from over. Before the battle ends, there is always a possibility for change. You should not be glad so soon! We can only be at ease when Ling Xiao's head is removed from his neck and in front of our eyes!"
Wei ChengPing twitched on the back of his horse and said with a dry laugh, "Even if Ling Xiao is a deity, he would not be able to escape from our 400,000 strong army. Brother Shui can be at ease, Ling Xiao will definitely fall prey to your mystical plans! Hahaha…"
"400,000 strong army?" Shui QianHuan muttered under his breath before saying coldly, "Do you think we still have a 400,000 strong army? To think that I am unable to bring a general like General Ling under my banner, this is indeed a great pity!"
Err! Wei ChengPing nearly choked on his words, Pity?! Am I not more depressed? Just from this battle alone, I have lost almost 50,000 troops already! Such heavy losses were something that even someone as cruel as Wei ChengPing would feel devastated about. When he had previously received a report about his losses, Wei ChengPing could not believe that his army would suffer such a loss despite having almost six times the number of his enemy! Now that he heard what Shui QianHuan had said, he could not help but sigh, "Our losses are huge indeed and General Ling is indeed extraordinary. However, my Northern Wei can endure such losses to eradicate Ling Xiao!"
Shui QianHuan sneered in his heart as he thought, When Ling Xiao's army is completely wiped out, it would be amazing if you can even have 300,000 soldiers left! Unwilling to see Wei ChengPing's gloating face and hear his flattery, Shui QianHuan turned his head around as he thought to himself, Why isn't Rou'er back yet? Why is she taking so long to deal with a mere Ling Tian? Could she be delayed by something else?
Many soldiers charged past Shui QianHuan and a large dust cloud was kicked up in the grassland, covering the bright sun in the sky!
******
The Nine Swallow City was in sight!
Ling Tian and the other four assassins were rushing on their horses! Their horses were already drenched with sweat with mist almost rising up from their heads. It was obvious that their horses were already exhausted!
Drumming then sounded from the front and a squadron of troops dashed out. They were all clad in the attire of the Sky Bearing army with the one in the lead shouting, "Stop there!"
"Stop your head! Since when did Long Xiang's troops become robbers on a common street!" Ling Tian cursed with anxiousness in his heart. On his way here, he had already been stopped many times! While it enraged Ling Tian, it also made him feel a sense of comfort. Since there was someone stopping him, it meant that the battle wasn't over yet and his father was probably still alive. If not, these people would not come forward to block him despite knowing that their efforts were futile. Their objective was obviously to delay him!
However, they never expected that their obstruction was completely useless! It was only akin to giving up their lives for nothing!
Both parties were already nearing each other and the commander waved his hands without hesitation, "Fire! Kill without mercy!" Then, the arrows shot out like rain.
Ling Tian made a signal and the five men darted into the air from their horse's backs. They were like dragons cruising the skies and eagles soaring into the air! They soared up a full 50 feet, easily dodging the incoming arrows, and landed in the midst of the Sky Bearing troops. At the same time, their five horses let out a neigh of agony as the many arrows pierced them and made them look like five large porcupines!
When the five of them landed, the strong wind from their descent had blown dozens of troops off of their horses! The five of them then snatched a horse each and rode off without delay. At the same time, Ling Tian shouted, "Death to he who blocks me!" With a wave of his weapons, the eleven soldiers in front of him were dismembered into two!
On one side, Ling Jian's horse shot out as he held onto a spear which he had just snatched. Throwing it out, a wave of men and horses were flipped into the air! Ling Chi, Ling Feng and Ling Yun also showed no mercy, with miserable moans sounding every time they launched an attack!
The five of them unleashed a massacre and in just a short while, blood could be seen all around with limbs scattered everywhere. The five of them did not stop for the slightest moment as they dashed through the troops, bringing about death everywhere they went! Everywhere they went, they would leave a bloody massacre behind them! At the same time, the soldiers were all shocked to realize that none of the five were injured in the slightest! Anyone who had exchanged blows with them died without exception! Furthermore, their corpses were all in unsightly states! Those who were lucky only had their heads decapitated, but those who weren't so lucky had all their limbs dismembered with their bodies mutilated!
With just a single round of attacks, the troops were scattered and their defensive line broken. Ling Tian did not turn his head around and continued sprinting towards his destination! Ling Jian who was behind let out a sardonic smile and suddenly stood up on his horse. Turning back, he fiddled with the spear he had obtained and suddenly threw it out like a javelin! Then, he sat back on the horse and left with a loud laugh!
The commander leading the troops witnessed the whole event with cold sweat drenching his back. In just a short few breaths, his army had been turned into a pile of corpses! His eyes almost popped out of their sockets as a chill could be felt from the depth of his soul. At the same time, he rejoiced in his heart that the five of them left immediately after breaking their defenses, actually sparing his life! Wiping his sweat, he could not help but mutter, "Thank goodness!"
Right at this moment, the remaining troops suddenly let out a cry of shock. The commander who was on his horse did not know what was going on as he cursed in his heart, The enemy is already gone, what are you guys making a fuss for? Just when he was thinking that he suddenly witnessed a black lightning appearing in front of him! Following that, he realized that his body was lifted into the air.
Chapter 312: Another Oriole
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
He indeed had luck, just that it was extremely bad luck! However, he should also feel honored for having the Pavilion Head of the First Pavilion kill him personally!
The thoughts of the commander ended there! The number one assassin of the First Pavilion, Ling Jian's spear was like a speeding meteor, with the spear already embedded within the commander's chest when the other soldiers could only catch a glimpse of it! The strong propulsion of the attack had lifted the commander into the air and pinned the commander to a tree off to the side.
The commander was no longer breathing as his body hung loosely on the spear, swaying slightly in the wind. Only then did the blood begin to flow out of the wound, dripping on the ground.
Looking at the direction that the five men had sped away in, the Sky Bearing soldiers were filled with fear as their bodies trembled with their legs buckling from the pressure. There were many of them who fell on their butt and some others who began puking…
*****
Ling Xiao felt his whole body turn cold!
The heavens want my death!
The harsh reality was right in front of them, and this brutal reality had destroyed every last bit of hope in this Sky Bearing's God of War!
After such a long journey of escape, the troops were already about to collapse from their fatigue. Now that they were finally at the One Line Ridgeline, they had thought that hope would be right before their very eyes! However, they were devastated to realize that the so-called hope was actually the gates to hell! There were 100,000 elite troops there to receive them!
A full 100,000 strong army of elites were waiting there for them!
As a gust of wind blew past, the neatly arranged army flags fluttered neatly in the wind. Beneath the flags were neatly arranged enemy troops with their blades gleaming in the sunlight! The overbearing killing intent made the Ling army feel breathless!
There were a full 100,000 soldiers blocking their way! Their armor glistened in the sun with a solemn and imposing manner. They were obviously well-trained troops who had been through countless of battles as well!
This was an irresistible form of pressure; with the current state of the Ling army, how could any of them endure such pressure? If it was yesterday, they would definitely be able to endure such pressure and would not even treat it as a problem!
Yesterday, the Ling army was also 100,000 men strong, and they were also the elites of the elites!
But today, they were already in a state of disarray! Thirty thousand soldiers had left with the traitors and only 20,000 were left after breaking through the encirclement. The ones who were left were all riddled with injuries and had traveled a long journey to get here. Both horse and men were fatigued and without much combat prowess left! Even the bows and arrows were almost all used up with most of their equipment damaged. Now, they were in another desperate situation with mountains by their side and elite troops in front of them. Behind them, the sound of galloping horses was slowly approaching with 300,000 enemy troops coming from their back!
How would they fight this battle?
"General Ling, it has been a long time!" A horse's neigh sounded from the enemy's troops and a middle-aged general emerged from the neat formation. With a smiling face, he gave a greeting to Ling Xiao.
"It's you!" Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed, "Han TieXuan, to think that your Western Han had taken part in this scheme as well! What a great plan! Great scheme!" Ling Xiao had already seen the fact that their enemy forces in front of them were flying the Western Han flags. They were his old rivals!
Han TieXuan burst out into laughter with delight all over his face, "Ling Xiao, you never imagined such a day to come right? The most treasured lackey of Long Xiang was betrayed by your master! You must be feeling miserable in your heart right? Hahaha, no need to feel too sad, I really understand your pain! Haha…"
"Hahaha…" In the Sky Bearing army, Li XiangDong suddenly burst out into laughter as he pointed to Han TieXuan, "All of you look, all of you look… this is the great General Han TieXuan who had to kowtow in front of our Marshal to the point his forehead was bleeding. Hahaha, how majestic! All of you probably didn't know about that incident right? While General Han looks extremely majestic now, he was even more majestic back then. He was smashing his own head against the rocks of the ground! That kind of courage...heh… in order to ensure his own survival, he pleaded for the Marshal to let him off. He had even wanted to take this daddy as his godfather. However, this daddy had rejected him with a kick to his face! Such a b*st*rd wouldn't even be worthy to become my grandchild! He was no more than an animal!"
"Li XiangDong! You darn swine! Stop with your bullsh*t! This daddy will curse all of your ancestors! You better pray to the heavens that this daddy here doesn't get my hands on you later. Otherwise, this daddy here will serve you well and ensure your eternal bliss! This daddy here will make sure that you will call me daddy!" Han TieXuan almost puked out a mouthful of blood with his face turning ashen as he cursed out loud. Li XiangDong had rubbed salt in his largest wound. When he was captured by Sky Bearing back then, Western Han had to cede their territory in exchange for him and it was his biggest humiliation. This was something that all the Western Han troops present were aware of. However, Han TieXuan kowtowing and pleading to Li XiangDong was all nonsense made up by Li XiangDong. In fact, Han TieXuan could also be considered to be an iron-blooded man, and his military strategies were no weaker than Ling Xiao's. The only reason why he was captured back then was due to the smaller number of troops he had. For a once captured general to be holding military power in his hand again, his talent was obvious!
However, everyone only knew that he was captured before but were unaware of what exactly happened. As such, they all turned and looked at him with some of them having looks of disdain. Only a hot-blooded individual unafraid of death would be respected in the army. A cowardly man who feared his death was always the one who would receive the disdain of others! Thus, both the armies began to look at him with a weird glare.
"Brothers, do you guys see that? The one in front of us is a coward!" Ling Nineteen had already regained his strength and grasped the opportunity in front of him, "We are the elite soldiers of Marshal Ling Xiao! Are we going to lose to the cowardly troops brought out by this cowardly general? Hahaha, coward! Everyone! Shout along with me!" Ling Nineteen began shouting, "Han TieXuan! Coward! Kowtowing scum! Han TieXuan! Coward! Godson!"
"Han TieXuan! Coward!"
"Han TieXuan! Godson!"
Han TieXuen! Kowtowing scum!"
"Hahaha…"
The Sky Bearing army broke out into a huge commotion as the originally hopeless troops were brimming with morale again. They cheered and shouted under the lead of Ling Nineteen with the atmosphere in the Sky Bearing army rising up to its peak again. All of a sudden, the injuries on their bodies no longer seemed that painful as a sense of pride filled their hearts! We are an iron army! Soldiers of the God of War! So what if we are surrounded by our enemies?
The sound of the enemy troops became louder and louder as the pressure grew greater and greater. However, the Sky Bearing army was completely fearless at this moment.
"Brother Nineteen! Look!" Ling Twenty-two shouted out and pointed to the south. As Ling Nineteen took a look, they saw a dust cloud rising up and Ling Nineteen began shouting out, "They are our men! I wonder how many of our brothers are there?"
"Regardless of how many men there are, reinforcements signal hope! We just need to charge towards that direction!" Ling Nineteen said with resolution. At the same time, he added on in his heart, Even if there is only a single person, it is plenty to lift up the morale of our army!
"Marshal, look! Our reinforcements are here!" Ling Nineteen began shouting, "Let us escape in that direction!" He then pointed towards the south.
Ling Nineteen's words were filled with his inner qi and many present could hear it! More than half of the Sky Bearing army could hear it and even those who couldn't hear it could see the large dust cloud from afar. The dust cloud of hope! Everyone felt their bodies tremble with excitement!
Our silver lining!
Ling Xiao laughed, "Good! My fellow brothers! Our brothers have sacrificed themselves to help secure our escape! Now, it is time for us to collect their blood debt! Charge towards that direction!"
At the same time, Han TieXuan raised his weapon and roared, "Charge! Kill them all without mercy! Tear Ling Xiao and Li XiangDong to shreds!"
Both the armies let out a roar at the same time and launched their attacks almost simultaneously! At the same time, the Northern Wei army had also arrived, and Shui QianHuan did not follow his original plan to spectate the battle. Instead, he gave the order to launch an all-out attack! Wei ChengPing, who wanted to let his troops take a rest, also knew the seriousness of the matter and shut his mouth.
The three forces clashed with each other immediately!
On a mountain near the battle, there were two black figures seated under the tree and witnessing the life and death battle happening below them.
"Second brother, the little brat from the Shui Family is rather proficient in military stratagems!" A purple-robed middle-aged man said with a smile as he nodded his head in praise, "Mmm, that's right, that's right! It seems that the God of War Ling Xiao will be in big trouble today. Ling Xiao will probably die today with his 70,000 strong army perishing with him!"
"Mmm, but it is really such a pity! For an iron-blooded man like him to not die on the battlefield but under the schemes of others!" Another person sighed with regret.
"Pity?! How would it be a pity? Even the Northern Wei will face huge losses in this battle with Sky Bearing and it will definitely be a great affair for us!" The purple-robed man said, "Ling Xiao's death is completely to my liking! Hahaha, the heavens are really helping me!"
"Why does big brother say that?" The other person asked with doubt.
"On the surface, Ling Xiao and his army perished in the hands of the Northern Wei army. However, they actually perished under the plan of the Shui Family in reality!" The purple robed man said, "Such an enmity is irreconcilable! How would Ling Tian ever let go of Water of Heavenly Wind? Even if Zhan Feng and ZhanYun cannot capture that Shui lass, I believe that she won't be able to escape from Ling Tian's palms! Haha, I actually do prefer that Shui lass to land in Ling Tian's hands!"
As he said that, he let out a long breath, "As long as Ling Xiao dies today, a blood feud will definitely be formed between their families and a war between them is inevitable. However, Ling Tian will definitely come to realize that no matter how much his strength has grown over the past few years, he wouldn't be a match for an opponent like Water of Heavenly Wind which has a thousand years of foundation! As long as he suffers some losses, he will realize that he needs a helping hand! At that time, the best choice would be…"
Chapter 313: The Battle is Lost
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
The other person then said with realization, "In the world today, only we will have the might to fight with the Water of Heavenly Wind. Furthermore, we are the only ones who will never reach a compromise with them! Thus, Ling Tian will definitely choose to work with us for his revenge! Big brother, while this plan is a good one, it seems a little devious."
The purple-robed man then snorted, "Devious? What did we do?! In fact, we didn't even send out a single person to influence this matter. We have only watched silently by the side. Everything has been planned and executed by the Water of Heavenly Wind. In what way are we devious?"
The other person then said carefully, "We had long had news about this and could have stopped this matter, but…"
"Stop?" The purple-robed man turned around and said with a chilly look, "Why should we stop it? Second brother, this is the war for hegemony and not skirmishes in the pugilistic world. There is no need to talk about virtue and morals! Your thinking is far too old-fashioned! This is also the reason why I can't be assured to hand over a larger authority to you!"
"Not only will we not stop this matter, we should even encourage it!" He said with a sneer with killing intent filling his eyes, "Ling Xiao must die today! If Northern Wei and the Shui Family cannot stop him, I will kill him personally if it is necessary! As long as Ling Xiao dies today, the Water of Heavenly Wind and Ling Tian will definitely be enemies! Are you unaware that Ling Xiao's death would be tied to the future of the continent?"
"Ah?" The other person exclaimed, "Big brother, this isn't the best right? We have just silently admitted Yan'er and Ling Tian's wedding. Ling Xiao… he is, after all, Yan'er's future father-in-law. We are relatives! Big brother, even if Ling Xiao doesn't die, both our families would still be extremely close to each other. But if we were to kill Ling Tian's father here, how will Yan'er feel? This… isn't this a little immoral?"
The two people who were speaking were the two giants of the Yu Family, Yu ManLou and Yu ManTang.
Hearing what Yu ManTang had said, Yu ManLou flew into an outrage, "B*st*rd! What morality? Ling Xiao is naturally Yan'er's father-in-law! But won't that be true even after his death? As long as Ling Xiao dies here today, we will be able to ensure that Ling Tian will never join hands with the Shui Family! If not, how would a single Yan'er be able to control Ling Tian? After observing Ling Tian for so long, do you really think that a single lady will be able to change his mind? If we aren't careful, the thousand year foundation of our Yu Family will be the one getting destroyed! Do you dare to make such a gamble?"
Yu ManTang lowered his head without saying a single word. While he still disagreed in his heart, he no longer voiced out his objection. He was extremely clear that once his big brother decided something, it was impossible for others to change his mind.
Yu ManLou then sighed and said in a gentle tone, "Second brother, you have an honest and sincere personality. While your kindness is a good thing among family members, you have to understand that our enemies, be they Water of Heavenly Wind, Northern Wei or Ling Tian, will never talk about pugilistic rules with us. In this world, one has to be unscrupulous in order to ensure his survival! At this moment, what is the reason for the Shui Family to infiltrate Heavenly Star? Isn't it all to wipe out our Yu Family? Since they aren't righteous, why do we have to talk about morality with them? Now that they have offended someone who they shouldn't offend, they are only shooting themselves in the foot! Presently, this is the best chance for our Yu Family to rule the continent! If we don't grasp this opportunity, I will never be able to forgive myself! When we die, we wouldn't be able to face our ancestors in the afterlife!"
Yu ManTang then said with a look of worry, "Big brother, the ancestors had instructed us to never fight for hegemony or we will definitely be destroyed! Is big brother going to ignore those teachings completely?"
Yu ManLou gave a mocking smile, "Second brother, who was the one who set the ancestor's teachings? Isn't he just the family head from a thousand years ago? At that time, the Yu Family indeed didn't have the might to rule the world! But now, things are different! With chaos breaking out at any moment, no one will be able to fully insulate themselves from the chaos! Our Yu Family is just going with the flow, and we don't have any other choice. How are we ignoring the ancestor's teachings? Besides, as the family head, don't I have the right to change the teachings slightly? It is no more than a rule that a family head had set. Don't I have the right to change it as the present family head?"
Yu ManTang then said solemnly, "Big brother, you should remember the heaven-shaking character that appeared in our Yu Family three hundred years ago, right?"
As Yu ManTang mentioned that, even Yu ManLou had a look of respect on his face, "I naturally know, he was ancestor Yu FengYun. He was invincible in the continent and the number one character in our Yu Family from the ancient times!"
Yu ManTang let out a bitter laugh, "When ancestor Yu FengYun was about to pass on, there was someone who had asked him about the ancestor's teaching, hoping that he would leave behind a few words. At that time, ancestor Yu FengYun was already 133 years old and in a sickly condition. Upon hearing the words 'ancestor's teachings', his eyes lit up and use his last breath to say a few words: One can fight with men but not with the heavens! Big brother, have you forgotten about that?"
Yu ManLou laughed in response, "Second brother, since when did I want to fight with the heavens? With the present situation of the continent, our Yu Family is only following the will of the heavens. How are we going against the heavens? If the will of the heavens really cannot be defied, I definitely would continue to lay in wait. But now, the opportunity to unite the continent is right in front of us! This is the opportunity given by the heavens! We would be going against the heavens if we don't grasp it!"
Yu ManTang then sighed, "Big brother, let's not talk about this anymore. I will not be able to win against you in an argument and will listen to big brother's instructions. This little brother doesn't have any other opinions."
Yu ManLou let out a satisfied smile and patted him on the shoulders, "That is my good second brother! This is the man of our Yu Family! This brother will only be able to hand you more responsibilities if you can be an unscrupulous individual!"
As he said that, Yu ManLou looked at the battlefield and smiled, "As long as Ling Xiao dies, Ling Tian will definitely take his revenge. This old man here will then announce to the world Ling Tian's and BingYan's engagement! Then, we will aid Ling Tian to take over Sky Bearing as a dowry and destroy all the Shui Family members in our Heavenly Star Continent as a favor! Then, we will aid him in wiping out the other two nations, destroying both Northern Wei and Western Han to take revenge for his father. At that time, the situation in Heavenly Star would probably be more or less settled. With both Ling Tian and our Yu Family working together, I am certain that we can wipe out all others easily! This old man will then make a personal visit to the southeast to propose a marriage to the Xiao Family on behalf of Ling Tian. We can let them restore their marriage arrangement and make that Xiao lass Ling Tian's consort or even empress. We will definitely be able to grasp the Xiao Family's fortune in our hands! I believe that the Xiao Family will have no choice but to agree to the matter with our Yu Family's strength!"
"Then, we can take a break for three years to make preparations. After that, we can proceed to the Heavenly Wind continent to uproot the Shui Family! At that time, we would be invincible in the three continents and could be considered the ruler of the world! As for Ling Tian, I aided his revenge and helped him with the power of my Yu Family. I am sure he wouldn't fight with me over being the ruler of the world! Even if he has the heart to compete with me, the foundations of the Shui Family would definitely wipe out Ling Tian's accumulation of power over the many years! At that time…" Yu ManLou then began laughing with satisfaction.
For the first time in his life, Yu ManTang saw his brother reveal his true ambitions! However, in Yu ManLou's laughter, Yu ManTang felt a chill which froze the depths of his soul…
Yu ManLou's plan could be said to be perfect! Everything would follow on smoothly if Ling Xiao died here today! As long as Ling Xiao died here today, everything would definitely follow according to Yu ManLou's plans from now on!
Now, the most critical part of his plan was about to come to fruition! Ling Xiao had less than 50,000 injured troops and was surrounded by over 400,000 enemy soldiers. There wasn't a chance for his escape! It seems as though it was the heaven's plan!
Ling Xiao's body was covered in blood as he fought valiantly in battle! Ling Nineteen and the other three didn't dare to leave his side at all with more and more people falling around them. There were the Sky Bearing soldiers, Northern Wei soldiers, and even more Western Han soldiers!
From the south, the sounds of galloping horses became nearer and nearer with a squadron of troops meeting the Northern Wei forces in battle! These troops were all filled with valiant soldiers each with magnificent combat prowess. However, they were few in number and only a little over 500. Facing the 400,000 enemy forces, they were no more than a drop of water in the river! After charging less than a thousand feet into the Northern Wei army, they were trapped in an encirclement by their enemies and couldn't advance or retreat!
Ling Xiao's soldiers were becoming fewer by the second with only Ling Nineteen's group, a bunch of Blood Iron Warriors and less than 10,000 ordinary soldiers left! They were already in a desperate scenario! The Sky Bearing army's formation was completely destroyed by the joint efforts of Western Han and Northern Wei and they were engaged in a bitter battle.
The destruction of Ling Xiao's army was imminent! The battle was nearing its end!
A look of excitement could finally be seen on Shui QianHuan's usually calm appearance! However, he didn't know that there was someone else even more excited than him in a tree nearby!
As Shui QianHuan saw the four valiant experts by Ling Xiao's side cutting down enemy troops as though they didn't know fatigue was while they charged towards the south, he frowned and ordered, "The time is near and it is time for you guys to take action."
Chapter 314: A Loud Roar
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
By Shui QianHuan's side, six solemn individuals gave a nod. Then, four of them jumped onto their horses and charged into battle. The original eight blue-robed elders remained on the spot without a single change in their expressions. Their job was to ensure Shui QianHuan's safety.
Wei ChengPing's face began to cramp up as a frustrated look could be seen in his eyes. However, it flashed past briefly, and he didn't say a thing! Currently, they were completely surrounded by friendly forces but Shui QianHuan still prepared such defenses. If that's the case, wasn't what Shui QianHuan was guarding against obvious?
"Shui QianHuan finally sent out their experts! I believe the battle will be ending shortly! Ling Xiao is finished." Yu ManLou's voice could be heard, "It is time for us to leave, there isn't any meaning for us to continue spectating this battle. We need to go back and preparations! Western Han, Northern Wei… ah ah ah…"
Yu ManTang let out a sigh and looked towards the valiant Ling Xiao with regret.
However, a plan will never be able to keep up with the changes in times! Today, these words were confirmed again!
Right at this moment, the sound of rushing winds could be heard from afar!
The rushing winds were barely audible but gradually grew louder and louder! Then, a large dragon seemed to have appeared in the sky! Following which, a loud roar shook the heavens, drowning out the battlecries of the 400,000 soldiers present!
Nothing else could be heard apart from this loud roar!
Yu ManLou who was about to leave turned his head around with shock on his face, Ling Tian! Ling Tian is here! To think that his cultivation progressed so quickly! Did I make a miscalculation? Would Ling Tian have the strength to turn this situation around? Yu ManLou grew worried as he thought about it. Finally, he gave a command, "Men! Inform Han TieXuan to kill Ling Xiao at all costs before Ling Tian arrives!" In the dense vegetation, a black shadow suddenly darted towards the Western Han army!
Han TieXuan! Why would the general of Western Han listen to the orders of the Yu Family Head? Did he belong to the Yu Family?
"Big brother!" Yu ManTang was astounded as he cried out. However, Yu ManLou's expression was chilly with the corner of his lips curling up in a cruel fashion, ignoring Yu ManTang's words completely.
Yu ManTang let out a long sigh and couldn't help but look towards the source of the roar. Ling Tian, can you really save your father, despite the fact that both the largest families in the world want your father dead?
In the past few weeks, every single piece of news the Yu Family received had something to do with Ling Tian. However, regardless of whether it was the wary Yu ManLou or the curious Yu ManTang, they were seeing Ling Tian for the first time!
Yu ManTang was especially agitated at this moment. While he had never met Ling Tian before, his own daughter was deeply in love with Ling Tian and Ling Tian would become his future son-in-law! I wonder what this brat looks like? With just this roar alone, only a few people in this world would be a match for him! Not to mention myself, even my third brother who is at the XianTian realm doesn't have such profound cultivation. Perhaps only big brother would have such a profound cultivation!
While he had not seen Ling Tian in person yet, just this heaven-shaking roar made Yu ManTang feel a sense of satisfaction in his heart.
Ling Nineteen and the other three were originally exhausted of all their strength and were only holding on with their tenacious willpower. In truth, the four of them were already feeling feeble in their arms with their vision starting to grow dark. Be it willpower or inner qi, they were already reaching their limits! If they relaxed by just a little bit, they would definitely collapse on the ground immediately!
However, that resounding roar had immediately filled them with energy! Their blades were suddenly brandished with energy as the enemies surrounding were slaughtered mercilessly. Ling Nineteen felt himself choking up as he said emotionally, "It's young noble's voice! Young noble is here!" Even his tone was filled with incredulity!
All of a sudden, Ling Nineteen let out a roar and began slicing up the Northern Wei soldiers like fruit. Then, he jumped up on his horse and shouted with all his might, "Young noble Ling Tian is here! Young noble Ling Tian is here!" His voice was filled with ecstasy!
As the troops who were here to save Ling Xiao heard that, they were immediately brimming with energy again. A wave of cheers sounded, "Young noble is here! Young noble is here personally!" Everyone was filled with fighting spirit as they forcefully fought their way a hundred feet nearer to Ling Xiao! Their troops were only a mere 50 feet away from each other! However, there were still countless Northern Wei soldiers separating the two troops!
Shui QianHuan was startled! The inner qi of the person who let out this roar had already reached unfathomable depths! Who was he? Who was here to save Ling Xiao? With this person around, the chances of Ling Xiao surviving would be greatly increased. He was stationed far away from Ling Nineteen and couldn't hear the cheers on the battlefield. However, he could feel a sense of danger in his heart!
"Kill Ling Xiao at all costs! Don't hold anything back!" Shui QianHuan shouted out!
The flags that were erected upright were fluttering in the winds.
As dusk approached, the sky was already painted red with the blood-like clouds looming over their heads bringing about a gloomy atmosphere. Even the winds sounded like they were mourning…
Shui QianHuan's voice spread out far and the four Shui Family experts sped up even further. Barely a trace of their figure could be spotted as they weaved through the many soldiers, rapidly approaching Ling Xiao!
At the same time, Han TieXuan from Western Han also gave a cruel order, "Put your lives at stake to kill the enemies! Kill Ling Xiao! Anyone who dares to take a step back will have their families executed!" After this order was given, the Western Han soldiers began to charge maniacally! The Ling army suddenly felt the pressure increase by many folds in an instant! The whole battlefield had broken out into chaos!
"I hope that the four Shui Family fellows will be able to take out Ling Xiao before Ling Tian arrives! If not…" Yu ManLou's face was solemn as he stared at the battle without blinking. From Ling Tian's roar, Yu ManLou could already tell that Ling Tian's inner qi was no weaker than his own! If such an expert were to join the battle, while it was impossible for him to turn the tides of the battle, it wouldn't be difficult for him to protect a single person!
Thinking about this, Yu ManLou couldn't help but let out a sigh, I should have killed Ling Xiao personally just now! The opportunity is already gone. If I were to go down now, I would definitely have to face Ling Tian in battle. This was something that Yu ManLou was not willing to do!
However, Ling Tian's enmity with the Shui Family had already been established. Even if Ling Tian could take a step back, the Shui Family would never allow such a powerful existence to become their enemy! As Yu ManLou thought this, his eyes were as calm as the still lake.
From afar, the crisp sound of galloping horses could be heard and five horses appeared in everyone's sight! Originally, it was only a single black dot. However, they could quickly witness the appearances of the five individuals! Five white-robed young men, with one holding onto a guandao, nearing the battlefield like a death god! Despite facing more than 100,000 troops with only the strength of five individuals, they still dashed over without any consideration or hesitation!
As Ling Tian saw the sea of soldiers, he was worried for his father's safety and began to shout, "Ling Nineteen!" His voice sounded like thunder on a sunny day! The Northern Wei soldiers near him felt their heads go dizzy with some of them fainting on the spot.
"I am here… the Marshal is safe… come quick! Come… quick!!" In the sea of soldiers, an ear-piercing voice could be heard.
Ling Tian was immediately energized as he quickly spotted the origin of Ling Nineteen's voice. Knowing that his father was safe, he felt a sense of relief. However, from the direction where Ling Nineteen's voice sounded, they were at least a mile apart. If the soldiers were to line up in a single row, there would probably be 2000 soldiers in a mile. How would it be an easy affair to penetrate through such defenses?
In the battlefield, anything can happen in an instant, and a single blade can determine life and death! Now, the only option he had would be to charge in at full speed!
With the Seven Star Azure Dragon in his hands, he pointed towards the battlefield as he explained, "The Northern Wei army is like a meat bun! I will take the lead, and you guys will stay on my flanks. Charge and do not pause for a moment! Charge with all you have and sliced this meat bun in two! Slice it to the very end! It will be a simple affair!"
Hearing this, even the usually reckless assassins couldn't help but take in a breath of cold air!
Five men and horses fighting a 400,000 strong army! Such an action was almost crazy! No, it was already considered extremely crazy! However, Ling Tian still dared to say that it would be an easy affair!
However, Ling Tian was not thinking about it much and only treated the soldiers in front of him as a meat bun. As long as he could pierce through the outer bun, he would be able to quickly slice the bun into two. Now that their enemies were celebrating a victory in front of their eyes, this was definitely to his advantage!
As Ling Nineteen answered Ling Tian, he felt as though the skies above him darkened and the four Shui Family experts arrived from the sky! With a strong gale, the men below were blown around and unsteady. The four of their swords were like four venomous vipers with a single target: Ling Xiao!
"Protect the Marshal with all your strength!" Blood almost sprayed out of Ling Nineteen's eyes! He had also dashed forward with his blade in an almost suicidal manner! The young noble is here! He will be here in just a short while! If we were to let Marshal Ling die at this moment, even dying 10,000 times wouldn't be enough to redeem ourselves!
Ling Twenty, Ling Twenty-one, and Ling Twenty-two also had the same idea! They abandoned their opponents and charged towards Ling Xiao! While the four of their martial arts were comparable to these Shui Family experts, the four of them were already fatigued from battle. How could they be compared to these four experts who were in their prime condition?
Their blades met and sparks burst in all direction! Ling Nineteen and the other three took a few steps back together! The four Shui Family experts grinned malevolently and attacked again! Ling Xiao was right in front of their eyes! Their four swords stabbed out without any hesitation!
Chapter 315: Prestige above the Heavens
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
At this juncture, the two Blood Iron warriors beside Ling Xiao suddenly pounced forward without regard for their lives, using their bodies to knock Ling Xiao to the side and using their sturdy bodies to block the four incoming swords! 'Zu zu' sounds were heard as the swords pierced directly through their bodies! The two Blood Iron warriors immediately let out sardonic smiles as they forced their bodies to spin on the spot, using their dying breaths. Three of the swords were drawn out of them, but the last person couldn't withdraw in time, and under the spin, the sword snapped!
That only amounted to a small delay, but in that time Ling Nineteen and the others, each bleeding from the corners of their mouths, had already leaped forward like crazed tigers! Sword rays flashed like raindrops slowly drifting down from the heavens, and they began their battle once again with the four experts of the Shui Family! This time, the four Ling members didn't go head-on against the Shui family experts but rather only targeted their vital points. This was the exquisite swordplay personally taught by Ling Tian, the Dauntless Swordplay where one exchanged a life for a life. At this point, its capabilities were being shown!
The four Shui family experts raved and snarled in anger, but they couldn't do anything to the four youths who were already on their last legs!
"It's too late! Ling Tian is here! Ling Xiao's life has been preserved!" Yu ManLou huffed in anger. He raked his eyes unwillingly across the battlefield, and couldn't help but let out a curse, "The Shui Family really seems to have grown up by eating dung! Using 500,000 troops to encircle 70,000, a force of more than seven times, and furthermore using a day and night, they still fail to kill one Ling Xiao! This is indeed bullsh*t!"
Hearing his normally stern and stately elder brother suddenly curse out like that, Yu ManTang couldn't help but stare at him in shock. He secretly grinned to himself after that, feeling like a burden had been lifted off his back. This was because he already subconsciously considered Ling Tian as son-in-law just for Yu BingYan's happiness, and thus, he would of course sigh in relief knowing that Ling Tian's father was unscathed!
Following Yu ManLou's first outburst in his life, on the other side...
"KILL!!!"
Ling Tian's fierce shout resounded like a thunderstorm on a sunny day. It was as though a dormant volcano had suddenly erupted once again without the slightest warning whatsoever! That boundless imposing manner, with a killing intent that stretched to the skies! In that instant, it was as though in the boundless skies there only existed this killing intent, rumbling forth just like a dragon swimming through the waters! The stifling fear it produced immediately imprinted itself on all the 400,000 troops of the Northern Wei Empire!
This could be classified as a natural disaster, the type where heaven falls and the earth rends! Ling Tian's forceful cry seemed to have awed all the earth, transforming into a supremacy of sorts at that moment! Such a shout was even enough to freeze the courage of all the 400,000 odd troops present!
Following Ling Tian's shout, the horses on the Northern Wei's side all began to be riled up, especially those closer to the origin of the sound. The primal fear ingrained in their bones seemed to have been brought back to life as the horses began to thrash around, attempting to run away from the source of noise! This caused a chaotic scene as many a Northern Wei soldier was thrown off their horses. The whole scene looked like someone set off a bomb inside an army camp, plunging everybody into a huge mess!
The prancing horses then mercilessly trampled on their owners who were thrown off just now, and a series of goosebump-inducing 'ka ka ka' sounds could be heard! God knows who many soldiers had already been trampled to death from the start till now!
The bodyguards standing beside Wei ChengPing had fast reactions, and the moment Ling Tian's scream of fury was heard, they immediately pulled him out of the saddle but unfortunately followed the horses in rolling down the hill.
At the moment the violent shout was heard...
Ling Tian was seated on his horse, taking point and speeding across the land like a meteor. The five of them on horseback seemed to have transformed into a divine sword, bringing along with them boundless killing intent as they rushed towards the troops of Northern Wei!
Horses have some measure of intelligence, and with the previous violent shout from Ling Tian, it naturally served as a form of threat, pressuring their morale and spirits to give in to their fears! However, to their team of five, it actually served as an inspiration to them! Feeling their owner's ferocity, the horses practically jumped up in excitement! They seemed to fly across the land, galloping faster and faster. If one were to look at them from the horizon, it would be like seeing a group of pegasi descending upon Earth!
Under the frightened gazes of the Northern Wei soldiers, Ling Tian rushed into the encirclement as though there was no one present at all. His long guandao was recklessly waved, carrying a humongous force, and when it landed on a human or horse's body, it made a crisp sound as it sliced through, much like a knife landing on a juicy watermelon! That crisp exploding sound immediately gave the impression of a watermelon being sliced apart, revealing its juicy red innards! The whole sky was instantly dyed red by Ling Tian's massacre!
Ling Tian laughed out loud as he rushed into the crowd. The Seven Star Azure Dragon was brandished again and again, as though it was tribulation lightning shooting down from the Ninth Heavens! From left to right, more than twenty heads rolled! Their streams of blood splashed on the blade at once!
Not even pausing for a single breath, Ling Tian urged the horse forward, trampling over the corpses as he rushed forth. From afar, he resembled a tiny speedboat rushing across an expanse of calm water, with broken limbs and severed heads splitting off on both sides of him. This scarily resembled the white froth created by a boat as it breaks the water's surface! In a few moments, Ling Tian's surroundings were filled with the splendor of geysers of blood, making him subconsciously think of the fireworks set off on the Lantern Festival back in his hometown!
Behind him, there were four more youth-like killing gods, filled with excitement all over their faces and a thirst to kill in their eyes! All of them lifted up their sabers in unison and brought them down simultaneously, causing blood to splatter in all directions! Five horsemen, forming a triangle formation as they rushed forth. Once a front had been broken into, they would decimate the rest! It seemed like they were using their treasured sabers to slice apart tofu, so effortlessly did they make their way through the enemy forces!
When enemies of opposite factions fight, the most important thing would be to see their imposing manner. As the saying goes, vigor leads to prosperity, and there wouldn't be anything they couldn't overcome. If the soldiers' vigor was in the gutters, then even with a godly general, there wouldn't be any fighting power to speak of.
The current Sky Bearing troops had already seemed to lose most of their resistance, looking like a herd of sheep waiting to be slaughtered! The Northern Wei troops had long ago engaged in victorious slaughtering, with the high-ranked officers even already considering about how to reward their men after! It was while the Northern Wei troops were fully content with their achievements that suddenly the few 'King Yamas of the Underworld' came on the scene! That sudden violent shout had already caused widespread chaos amongst their ranks, and the screams of their comrades that followed close behind only added to their hysteria! Everyone was in a state of panic but trapped within the army; they were barricaded in all directions by their own allies. There was no way to escape! Many of them had thought up to this point, but before they could come up with any plans, the cold steel blade of their enemy had already reached them, and their own heads rolled on the ground soon after, permanently separated from their bodies!
While the troops numbered more than 400,000 strong, due to them surrounding the Sky Bearing Troops, the actual number of troops that could engage with Ling Tian and company was at most a few hundred men at a time! In addition, within the tightly packed area, those at the front were not aware of the happenings at the back, and the moment they found out, it would be too late as Ling Tian would have caught up and massacred them!
Just like how Ling Tian once described it, this place was like a meat bun, a huge meat bun. If one were to cut straight into it, right into the center, then not only would it be effortless, but it would also render the surrounding forces unable to reinforce their allies! They could only chase from the back, and this effect was of no consequence to them.
This military tactic was named by Ling Tian as 'Chisel Boring'! Relying on an indomitable spirit to continue rushing forward, without any thoughts of retreat! Kill god if he blocks, slaughter Buddha if he obstructs! Ling Tian was actually taking a leaf from Emperor Taizong, 1 as he was exceedingly good at this military tactic! Even the famed rebel leaders had suffered quite a bit under this tactic of his, causing them to be defeated and captured!
The only weakness of this 'Chisel Boring' skill was if the opponent's side had someone with similar strength as you. They merely needed to block your path, and you would be surrounded and routed in no time! However, surveying his premises, Ling Tian came to the conclusion that the person that could obstruct this force made up of the five greatest killers had probably not been born yet!
In just the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Ling Tian had already carved out a bloody path leading to the core of the encirclement.
From the far slope, both Wei ChengPing and Qian ShuiHuan had the same expression. Both were staring agape with eyeballs bulging at the scene unfolding in front of them! Five men had actually sliced their encirclement perfectly in half! While this might seem easy, to actually have men falling under their blades as though they were mud, what kind of person would be able to do that? Both of them couldn't help but feel the sweat on their brows, as they secretly thought, Can these still be considered men? They're more like demons possessing human bodies!
The disbelief was even more apparent for Qian ShuiHuan. This was the silkpants Ling Tian as stated in his intelligence? This… this… this must be the biggest joke in history!
At this point, Ling Nineteen and his comrades were like exhausted oil lamps! Their bodies were already swaying with fatigue, and upon seeing Ling Tian arriving, Ling Nineteen's tense mental state finally was released, and he let go of his blade, falling to the ground. Opposite him, a sword shot towards his heart like a venomous snake, but Ling Nineteen had no more strength left to block, and only closed his eyes as an apathetic smile hung on his lips, proud of dying such an honorable death!
"Nineteen!" Ling Tian hollered, jumping off from the back of his horse. He seemed to have pierced through time and space at that moment, teleporting in an instant!
Ling Nineteen had felt his opponent's sword pierce through his clothes, as well as a short burst of pain as it drew blood from his skin, but suddenly he felt the long sword being quickly withdrawn, with his body landing in a warm embrace! He wearily opened his eyes for a look, only to see Ling Tian swinging his guandao at the Shui Family expert, propelling him into the air. The expert flew up before exploding into pieces, dying without a complete corpse! This was the result of Ling Tian infusing his internal energy into the person and then exploding it!
Chapter 316: Killing Thousands in Rage
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
Ling Jian, Ling Chi, Ling Feng and Ling Yun had already surrounded the other three Shui Family experts and launched their killing moves! The four of them had just experienced a large breakthrough in their martial arts, and they were presently still brimming with energy. As such, Ling Jian's sword easily pierced the throat of a Shui Family expert in just a single move! Following that, the other three assassins also launched their attacks and the Shui Family experts did not have a chance to let out a cry before being dismembered.
"Tian'er! My son!" Ling Xiao was saved from the brink of death and the one who came to save him was actually his own son! At this moment, his heart was filled with a myriad of emotions! He thought about Long Xiang's heartlessness and the sacrifice of 70,000 of his brothers! He could not help but tear up on the spot!
Ling Tian looked at his father emotionally and cried out, "Father, please get on the horse first. This isn't the time for us to be talking! Let us charge out of here first! Our army will be here shortly, and that will be the time for us to take our revenge!"
After arranging for Ling Feng, Ling Yun, and Ling Chi to protect Ling Xiao and the other Ling brothers, Ling Tian raised his weapon and charged towards the enemy with Ling Jian! There were still his brothers fighting in the midst of the enemy's ranks!
Both the death gods charged into the enemy formation side by side, charging forward like a gale of strong wind! Where ever they went, chaos and decapitated heads would be left behind! Ling Jian had also snatched a guandao from the enemy and mimicked Ling Tian's moves, creating a massacre along the way! Around them, not a single soul was left in the surrounding 300 feet!
As Ling Xiao saw his son killing on the battlefield, he was completely startled, Is this… really my son? That son who was always dressed in white with an amiable smile on his face?
In just a few short moments, both Ling Jian and Ling Tian had already gathered most of the Sky Bearing soldiers who were previously trapped in the enemy's formation. With Ling Tian in the lead, the Sky Bearing army was able to join up with Ling Xiao again. After which, Ling Tian brandished his weapon and two powerful qi waves were sent out, sweeping the sea of soldiers off their feet and creating a path of escape! At the same time, the heads of many soldiers rolled on the ground and rained down like hailstones!
In just a short while, the Sky Bearing army had met up with the small 500 reinforcement troops. However, of the original 500 men who came, less than 50 were left! Ling Tian then shouted out, "Ling Thirteen, stop fighting and charge out with me!" The person in the lead was Ling Thirteen, the one who Ling Tian sent out to take over from Ling Kong at the northwest horse ranch.
Ling Jian, Ling Feng, Ling Yun, and Ling Chi broke up into two teams and formed two wings by Ling Tian's left and right. With Ling Tian in the front, they formed a triangular formation and charged straight at the Northern Wei army, killing a blood path of escape!
The pressure from ahead grew! Ling Tian looked up and saw the Northern Wei's Marshal flag on a small hill! Ling Tian was immediately energized and he dashed towards the hill while roaring, "Wei ChengPing! Surrender your life!" His voice sounded like thunder and the hill trembled from the roar!
On the hill, Wei ChengPing was shocked to the point his face turned pale and his body trembling, "Brother… Shui… Ling Tian is coming towards us… let us… retreat…" His teeth were clattering with his words incoherent!
Shui QianHuan felt complicated in his heart! He then roared at Wei ChengPing, "This is your so-called good-for-nothing Ling Tian? The number one silkpants in Sky Bearing? Wei ChengPing! The uselessness of a general has indeed harmed a thousand soldiers!"
If Shui QianHuan knew Ling Tian's true strength, he would never form an enmity with Ling Tian even in death! How could such a character be easily offended? Even if Shui QianHuan wanted to offend such an individual, he would arrange his backup plan first! Now, his Shui Family would definitely form a large enmity with Ling Tian! Just what should he do?
He then suddenly remembered that his younger sister, Shui QianRou, went to Sky Bearing to kill Ling Tian! For Ling Tian to appear here in full health… what happened to Rou'er? Shui QianHuan was immediately filled with anxiousness in his heart! Did… Rou'er… die in Ling Tian's hands? With Ling Tian's martial arts, how was it possible for Rou'er to deal with him?
As he was still in thought, Ling Tian was gradually approaching them!
The battle between the three armies was still going on with the mournful wails of the soldiers so near to him. However, all of these things seemed so far away in Ling Tian's eyes. In his eyes, he only saw the two men on the hill, the two young men who were still giving their calm comments about the previous battle! One was Wei ChengPing, and the other should be Shui QianHuan! The two masterminds of this whole affair! As long as the both of them could be captured, it wouldn't be difficult to break out of this predicament!
I must capture both of them! Even if I can't capture them both, I have to capture at least one of the two!
This hot-blooded young man was completely on fire as Ling Tian's inner qi was fully circulated. From head to toe, he was already covered in blood! However, Ling Tian himself wasn't injured as he was covered in the blood of the enemy. In the eyes of the Northern Wei soldiers, this blood-red figure was like a devil that had come out from hell! Wherever he went, the only thing left behind would be a pile of limbs, the stench of blood, and miserable wails!
As the Northern Wei soldiers saw this blood devil approaching them, their bodies trembled with fear filling their eyes! A human can fight a human, even if the other party was stronger than him. However, one cannot fight the devil! Especially this maniacal monster in front of them! He was just too frightening! Facing Ling Tian's killing intent, the weapons in their hands were shaking and they had lost all their will to fight. The only thing they wanted to do was to turn around and escape! With such morale, how could the Northern Wei army continue to fight?
"Fire the arrows! Quickly fire the arrows! Shoot him to death!! Shoot that monster to death! Quick quick quick!!!" On the hill, Wei ChengPing was already screaming at the top of his lungs! His voice was filled with fear with a few traces of sobbing! In the face of fear, Wei ChengPing had completely revealed his ugly character!
The soldiers beside him in charge of relaying his orders were stuck in a dilemma. With Ling Tian tangled within their Northern Wei army, how would it be easy for them to strike him with an arrow? It was impossible for the Northern Wei archers to be legendary marksmen, and even a marksman would find it impossible to strike his target accurately in such a confusion. If they really wanted to kill Ling Tian with arrows, they only possibility would be for them to indiscriminately fire their arrows. However, the fatalities of the Northern Wei army would definitely be multiple times that of the Sky Bearing army! For Wei ChengPing to issue such an order, it can be imagined that no one in the military would ever support him!
For the soldiers to be willing to sacrifice their lives for the nation, that was something worth praising and their spirit would live on forever! However, it was a completely different thing for them to be killed because their own general issued an order to commit fratricide! Regardless of whether or not it was a decision that couldn't be helped, that was something unacceptable! Thus, the general who issued such an order would definitely receive disdain from every single soldier! Even a genius commander like Shui QianHuan wouldn't dare to issue such an order easily, even if he was as frightened as Wei ChengPing!
Seeing the soldier in charge of relaying his orders standing there in a daze and not willing to issue his orders, Wei ChengPing dashed over like a madman and whipped the soldier in the face. At the same time, he roared, "Are you deaf? This Crown Prince asked you to shoot! Fire the arrows!" With a swoosh, Wei ChengPing drew his sword and pointed it at the soldier. With a wave of his hand, the tip of the sword had already broken the surface of the soldier's skin! Wei ChengPing then shouted out malevolently, "If you are not going to relay my orders, this daddy here will kill you! Then I will wipe out your family! Wave the flag to issue my commands!" Wei ChengPing no longer had his usual elegance and had actually called himself 'this daddy'!
With fear on his face and the sword on his chest, the command-relaying soldier could feel the piercing cold of the sword. Finally, he took out a flag and issued the command to fire the arrows!
As this command was issued, the whole army was dumbfounded! To think that their 400,000 strong army would need to resort to indiscriminate firing to wipe out their enemy that was less than 30,000 in number! Wouldn't that be akin to sacrificing all of their own front-line troops? With this order issued, wouldn't the morale of their troops be lost? However, who would dare to defy the orders of the Crown Prince? No matter how helpless they were, they had no choice but to nock their bows! With the command being given, 10,000 arrows were fired!
By Shui QianHuan's side, the eight blue-robed old men looked at the maniacal Ling Tian with a serious gaze. Seeing how he was able to easily break through the dense army with limbs flying with every swing of his weapons, they couldn't help but be shocked! Even the most valiant of soldiers on the battlefield was unable to stop him for even the slightest moment! They were certain that it was impossible for them to do that! Perhaps even their own family head wouldn't be able to do so!
For someone like Ling Tian, he could no longer be considered a martial arts expert! He was just a death god! A death god who was born to kill!
These eight blue-robed elders had seen far too many martial arts experts, and they could be considered one themselves! However, as long as one was a human, regardless of how high his martial arts were, he would definitely feel some discomfort when killing someone. After all, their enemy was still a live human being! For a life to be destroyed in their own hands, they would definitely feel disturbed in their hearts.
An excessive amount of blood was something that a martial arts expert truly feared. If they were to kill their hated enemies, they would naturally feel good in their heart. But if they were to kill the innocent, it was inevitable for them to feel guilt! This was human nature and no one was an exception! Killing emotionlessly was something that everyone felt only existed in the legends, even if this was a battlefield! While one can be heroic when killing one and pleased with killing ten, one would definitely be numb from killing a hundred. However, once he killed two hundred people, he would definitely feel discomfort in his heart! How could an ordinary person kill a thousand people?!