Li Sandao's sword was known as "Destroying the World," yet it did not possess the power to literally obliterate the world. After all, it was a reflection of his cultivation level.
Nonetheless, the sword domain emanating from Li Sandao's blade had claimed the lives of nearly 300,000 Zhou soldiers. While their relentless fighting played a part in this tragedy, the sheer horror of his sword was undeniable.
With Hei Yiyi now dead, the Zhou forces lost their strongest warrior capable of carrying the cauldron. The remaining powerful martial saints, facing the overwhelming strength of the Eighteen Cavalry, fell one by one. Only a few managed to escape, desperately fleeing while being pursued by the relentless dragoons. Once identified by the Eighteen Riders, these survivors would find no sanctuary, no matter how far they ran.
The rest of the Zhou soldiers, gripped by fear, lost the will to continue fighting. Despite the generals' frantic attempts to rally them through threats and commands, the scattered troops refused to return to the fray. Their panic turned into chaos, causing more trouble for the Dragoon Army in pursuit.
"Dragoons, obey my command! Form up and charge!" Yuan Zuozong shouted, rallying his cavalry. Although the retreating soldiers posed challenges, he had no intention of halting the pursuit of the Zhou troops.
The entire city of Chang'an was now swarming with Zhou forces. The plan was clear: a cavalry charge would penetrate deep, cutting through the enemy ranks until none remained.
Finally, after relentless assaults, the Dragoon Army had pierced Chang'an repeatedly. The once-thick mass of Zhou soldiers had vanished before them.
"Ha…" Yuan Zuozong exhaled a deep sigh of relief. "It's finally over!"
As he surveyed the battlefield, the sight was grim. Corpses littered the ground, creating mounds that rose significantly high, a testament to the nearly three million lives lost. However, he quickly recognized that the death toll was less than he had anticipated.
His gaze shifted toward the direction of Chang'an City. During the chaotic onslaught, remnants of Zhou troops had sought refuge within the city walls.
"Are they really relying on the defenses of Chang'an City?" Yuan Zuozong mused, his expression turning serious. Chang'an was no ordinary city; its walls were wide enough for several carriages to run side by side. As the capital of the Zhou Dynasty, it was fortified with the collective energy of the entire nation, bringing with it a certain luck. Even he was aware of the difficulty in breaching its defenses.
Moreover, the city was equipped with formidable weaponry capable of inflicting damage on the dragoons. Just then, a stirring sensation surged within him.
He glanced sharply at his shadow. The next moment, Ying Mo emerged, a messenger sent from the depths of his own darkness.
"General Yuan, Yuxiang sent me to inform you that the Xiaoyu Organization has set plans in motion to seize the city gate immediately," Ying Mo stated, his voice steady. "Once it's captured, you can lead the dragon cavalry straight in!"
Yuan Zuozong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed heartily. "That's excellent news! I was just pondering how to attack Chang'an City. Please extend my gratitude to Yuxiang and the Xiaoyu for me!"
The prospect of someone opening the gates made the impending assault far less daunting. After all, an unopposed entrance would spare his forces unnecessary casualties.
Just then, the unmistakable sounds of battle echoed from the city gates. Xiao Yu's operatives, hidden within the city, capitalized on the chaos to launch their attack. Despite being an intelligence organization, they were more than capable in combat and swiftly captured the gate.
With a creak, the heavy gates of Chang'an swung open.
"Charge!" Yuan Zuozong commanded, and the Dragoon Army surged forward into the city.
"Damn it! Who opened the city gates?" Some generals atop the walls shouted, their faces contorted with rage. "Close the gates immediately!"
But it was too late for the Zhou soldiers. Yuan Zuozong and his forces charged into the heart of Chang'an, finally setting foot in the capital.
Once inside, Yuan Zuozong turned to Xu San, one of his trusted officers. "Xu San, take five thousand cavalry and secure the palace! We must control it entirely!"
"Yes, General!" Xu San replied, accepting the order with fervor.
Yuan Zuozong then addressed the deputy general of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, who was at his side. "General Xiahou, with General Cao away, I need you to block all major exits of Chang'an. No one must escape!"
"Understood! Leave it to me, General Yuan!" Xiahou Xian, a formidable martial saint, nodded confidently. With his troops composed of elite warriors, he was certain they could hold the city gates effectively.