As the battle raged on, the martial saints of Dazhou instinctively veered away from Li Sandao, sensing the lethal edge he carried. His mere presence sent chills down their spines, and none dared challenge him, recognizing his overwhelming strength.
No one was foolish enough to court death.
However, as they surveyed Orion's forces, their shock deepened. A single glance revealed that almost every martial saint in his army stood at the pinnacle of their rank. Peak-level martial saints! And there were so many of them.
Despair spread through the Dazhou ranks like wildfire.
"How are we supposed to fight this?" one muttered, disbelief in his voice.
They were junior and intermediate-level saints, facing a force far beyond their strength. It was like sending sheep to slaughter, with no hope of survival. What should have been a battle of equals had turned into a massacre.
When the two armies finally clashed, the result was devastating. Orion's forces obliterated the Great Zhou's army, leaving nothing but chaos in their wake. The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, in particular, were merciless. These warriors, few in number but fearsome in power, carved through their enemies like they weren't even there. Though they were only three thousand strong, each soldier possessed a martial king's cultivation, a level so formidable that even legendary warriors would struggle to compete.
The battle was overwhelmingly one-sided. Orion's army didn't just win—they dominated.
From her vantage point on the city wall, Zhou Linglong's face twisted in fury. Her once-proud army was in tatters. Desperation clawed at her chest as she watched her people fall.
"Hidden Dragon Guard!" she shouted.
With a swift whoosh, a dozen masked men clad in black appeared behind her, their presence both ominous and silent.
The Hidden Dragon Guard—the royal family's secret weapon—had been reduced in number, many having perished at the hands of Xu Chu. But those that remained were loyal to a fault, their purpose clear.
"Uncle Yin, summon all the major families in Chang'an City. Order them to send their strongest warriors to fight. If they refuse..." Her eyes turned cold. "Kill them."
A scarred, sinister-looking man stepped forward, his face expressionless. This was Uncle Yin, a veteran of countless battles, tasked with leading the Hidden Dragon Guard.
"Yes," he replied flatly, turning to carry out her command without question. His loyalty was unwavering, as was the way of the Hidden Dragon Guard.
Zhou Linglong watched him go, her sharp gaze hardening. She knew that the great families of Chang'an would be reluctant to sacrifice their warriors, but it didn't matter now. If they wouldn't fight for the empire, they would die for their defiance.
Victory was slipping away, and if the Zhou royal family fell, nothing else would matter. The aristocratic families, the hidden wealth of the kingdom—none of it would be worth saving if Orion triumphed. Better to break them now, while they still had a chance, than to let them linger and weaken the empire further.
Soon, under the threat of the Hidden Dragon Guard, the reluctant nobles assembled.
Zhou Linglong faced them with a sneer. "The empire is in peril, and now it's your time to serve. Fight alongside me, and you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams. Refuse... and die alongside us."
Her eyes gleamed with ruthless intent. She knew her words were empty promises, but she no longer cared about the consequences. The noblemen shifted uncomfortably, but none dared voice their objections. One brave soul, however, stepped forward, his face pale with fear.
"Your Majesty, I—"
Before he could finish, a Hidden Dragon Guard stepped from the shadows, his blade flashing through the air. The nobleman crumpled to the ground, his life ended in a single stroke.
The message was clear. No one else objected.
Zhou Linglong's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Good. Now lead your clansmen to battle and serve Da Zhou!"
Reluctantly, the nobles gritted their teeth and agreed. They had no other choice. The battlefield awaited, and while they feared for their lives, they knew that remaining behind would guarantee their deaths.
But even with the reinforcements from these noble families, it changed nothing. The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry charged relentlessly, cutting down the newcomers as though they were mere fodder. The elite Dragoon Army continued its assault, obliterating the opposition.
Zhou Linglong's face grew pale as despair took root in her heart. Despite all her efforts, despite every sacrifice, Orion's army was simply too strong. They were losing, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Far from the battlefield, Orion watched the carnage unfold, his expression calm. The fight was going as expected. He sighed softly, a hint of regret crossing his face.
"Let's hope there are no more surprises," he murmured.
Beside him, Yingmo and Yuxiang stood watchful, their eyes scanning for threats. They wouldn't allow anything to harm him, not when victory was so close.
The battle might not be over yet, but Orion had already won in his heart.