Liu Xiang suddenly appeared on the highest floor of the Xiaode Tower in Dongyue Town, accompanied by Jin Yulan, who was still dressed in white and looked refined.
However, they remained silent, their eyes fixed on the soldiers moving back and forth on the street.
Leading them was a general who appeared very stern and dignified, Ye Youzi, one of the three famous generals of Dongyue Town.
Presumably, Thirteen Niang and Xue Ruyi had already delivered the request for battle to the Town Master of Dongyue Town. Because of the incident in Nanhai City, they had to take it seriously, hence the increased manpower and strict guarding.
Liu Xiang suddenly spoke.
"I've heard that this Ye Youzi is a master swordsman. It's said that no less than eight thousand people have lost their lives by his hand. He sounds like a demon slayer."
Jin Yulan smiled faintly and told Liu Xiang the story of this great general.
"It is said that he was once a wandering knight who traveled far and wide. In his early years, he met Wan Laihai, a great general of Dongyue Town, during a battle with the Ghost Clan.
Later, he was recommended to the Town Master of Dongyue Town by Wan Laihai. The Town Master greatly appreciated him and allowed him to remain by Wan Laihai's side as a junior officer.
Later, he accompanied Wan Laihai on an eastern campaign to Mingyue Mountain, where he was ambushed and killed by the enemy on Moon Bright Mountain.
Afterward, to commend his contributions, the Town Master of Dongyue Town promoted him to Wan Laihai's position, continuing his unfinished mission."
Liu Xiang smiled slightly and said.
"Another man of loyalty and righteousness. It seems Dongyue Town can be saved, but I wonder if they can hold on."
Jin Yulan shook his head and boldly guessed.
"I guess they can't hold on. They're probably finished."
"You are absolutely right. Without the support of the other two cities, Dongyue Town will not gain any advantage facing the Ghost Clan and the Mermaid Clan alone. It is only a matter of time before it falls."
"Then should we save them?"
"We cannot. It is the will of heaven, and it cannot be changed."
Jin Yulan sighed slightly. In truth, he did not wish to see widespread conflict and war.
Liu Xiang suddenly remembered Li Xingye and realized he hadn't seen him for several days. "Where has Xingye gone? Why has he been disappearing mysteriously lately?"
Jin Yulan replied truthfully, "He's probably with his confidante."
"Another woman? Kill her and make Xingye settle down."
Jin Yulan's heart tightened, and he immediately pleaded for Li Xingye.
"Li Xingye is a peculiar person. To keep him in check, that woman is needed. My lord, please spare her life for now; she might be useful in the future."
Liu Xiang pondered for a moment and felt his reasoning was sound, so he nodded in agreement with his idea.
Jin Yulan silently breathed a sigh of relief.
As the two were talking, they suddenly saw, at the corner of the west street in Dongyue Town, a person dressed plainly, holding a folded paper crane. He blew on it and released it into the air, and it flew westward, faintly visible.
Jin Yulan recognized the person at a glance, even though he had disguised himself as someone else.
"It is rumored that in the northwest desert, there is a capable person named Xue Ruyi who can change his form at will. I didn't expect him to have joined Black Mountain so long ago."
Liu Xiang smiled slightly, offering rare praise for the person he disliked.
"Liu Muye is more formidable than we imagined. Perhaps she can truly ascend to the position of the world's co-ruler."
Jin Yulan looked thoughtfully at the departing paper crane and asked Liu Xiang.
"My lord, do I need to intercept that letter?"
Liu Xiang shook his head, turned around, and simply said, "Let's go."
Then they vanished into the wind. Jin Yulan, though willing, was powerless and could only sigh before following Liu Xiang.
The paper crane flew westward all the way to Nanhai City, soared over the city walls, and landed in the Nanhai Royal Palace, falling into Lin'er's hands.
Lin'er had expected it and calmly opened it. After reading the contents of the letter, he smiled slightly and took the letter to Muye's residence.
Led by a servant, he entered the sleeping quarters and approached Muye.
"Demon King, there's something you need to see."
"What is it?" Seeing his mysterious demeanor, I guessed it must be something good.
He took out the letter hidden in his sleeve and handed it to me. I took it and saw the words written on it:
We have not failed our mission. We have infiltrated Dongyue Town and await everyone's arrival.
Ruyi.
I nodded in satisfaction, a happy smile appearing on my lips. I hadn't expected them to act so quickly and complete Lin'er's assigned task so soon.
"Presumably, the Town Master of Dongyue Town, upon receiving the request for battle, is already mobilizing the entire army to reinforce the city walls and increase manpower in preparation for battle."
I nodded, agreeing with his statement, but felt no anxiety. Instead, I said.
"There's no need to worry. Let's let them stew for two or three days, making them anxious and fearful, and then we'll strike them by surprise."
"Then I'll go down and prepare as well."
"I've decided. We will set out on the night of the Refugee Festival in Dongyue Town."
"Yes."
After Lin'er retreated, Qiuyu cautiously emerged from behind the screen and asked softly, "Demon King, are you going too?"
I turned to look at her and explained.
"As a ruler, one should not merely indulge in pleasure but should share the joys and hardships with the people, leading by example. Therefore, I must go."
She seemed to understand a little, seeing the light in my eyes, as if seeing my determination. She had never seen anyone so dazzling, let alone a king.
News of the impending attack quickly spread throughout the royal palace. Everyone was battle-hardened and unfazed.
Meanwhile, in the garden, Yue Jicong, Liu Mei, and the Four Great Evils were strolling and naturally fell into conversation.
Ye Changfeng asked him, "Are you going to attack Dongyue Town this time?"
Yue Jicong hesitated for a moment, then suddenly shook his head. "I won't go."
Zhu Yan asked in confusion, "As a subordinate of the Demon King, you don't have to join the battle?"
Yue Jicong smiled faintly and replied, "I am not her subordinate; I am merely a guest."
At these words, everyone was surprised. They had been here for so long and interacted with many people, but this was the first time they had heard of a guest. Ye Changfeng, however, seemed to have anticipated this, which was why he had asked the question.
"You don't seem to have joined Black Mountain either, so why are you going to war?" Yue Jicong retorted.
Ye Changfeng laughed heartily and replied.
"We are naturally warlike people. It doesn't matter who we follow. Moreover, Black Mountain is different from other places; it gives us a sense of belonging. So, even if she didn't say anything, we would follow her."
Ye Changfeng's words resonated with Yue Jicong. He recalled his days in Black Mountain and the time spent with everyone, which was so warm, like his own home.
Liu Mei turned her head and saw that his face was filled with thoughts, as if she had guessed something.
Just then, a sharp sword suddenly flew from a distance, aiming directly at Ye Changfeng. Ye Changfeng drew his sword in response, and a sword flew out, clashing with the incoming blade in mid-air with a "clang." The swords then flew back, and two figures simultaneously leaped out, sheathing their weapons.
When the person landed, it was revealed to be Liu Shinian.
Liu Shinian praised, "Very good, you are still as quick-witted as ever."
Ye Changfeng replied, "You're not bad either, but next time you should be a bit faster."
With that, he drew his sword and lunged at him. Liu Shinian turned and drew his sword to meet him.
Xue Gucheng and Yan Wushuang, who arrived shortly after, watched this "contest" with great interest.
Liu Shinian made several moves first, his swordsmanship fluid and graceful. Ye Changfeng's sword strikes were powerful, and he countered fiercely. After dozens of exchanges, Ye Changfeng gained the upper hand and won the match.
Instantly, applause erupted around them. Before they could speak, someone spoke up, "As expected of sword masters, with their own victories and defeats, and their own strengths."
They both turned to look and saw Muye standing in the crowd, commenting on their performance.
"Muye!" "Demon King!"
"Good, good, very good. You didn't even say you were going to spar, and I almost missed such brilliant swordsmanship."
Liu Shinian laughed heartily and said, "This match was just for fun, and it attracted everyone."
Ye Changfeng also said, "It was spontaneous, but Shinian's swordsmanship is both soft and integrated. If he practiced for a few more hundred years, he would surely be able to defeat me."
Liu Shinian smiled faintly, recalling his past glory.
Fifty years ago, he was also a feared swordsman. It was only because his uncle's whereabouts were unknown and his search had yielded no results for years that he had fallen into despair and neglected his swordsmanship.
I walked forward and patted both of them on the shoulder, announcing in front of everyone.
"We will be marching on Dongyue Town in a few days. Everyone go back and prepare. Wait for my command, and then we depart."
"Okay."
After everyone dispersed, I grabbed Liu Shinian's sleeve and encouraged him, "Well done, keep up the good work."
He smiled foolishly and nodded at me before leaving.
The three-day period passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was the day of the Refugee Festival.
In the desolate Dongyue Town, scarlet lanterns were hung everywhere, and the dazzling candlelight was like the eyes of the moon, peeking into everyone's hearts.
In the center of the street was a large circular platform, on which five or six beautifully dressed women in colorful, flower-like skirts swayed and danced. The common people below the platform also danced in pairs.
The large drums and musical instruments moved to the side of the street, playing merrily on this festive occasion. As night fell, the long-awaited fireworks were lit.
Instantly, they shot up into the sky like a brilliant pearl, exploding and scattering brilliant pearls. In an instant, the entire sky turned scarlet and bright, like daylight.
Amidst the cheers, the festive atmosphere reached its climax. Perhaps they guessed that this might be the last time they could celebrate so happily.
At the same time, in the Nanhai Royal Palace, I stood on the steps, gazing at the rising crescent moon. Beside me stood a crowd of people. Looking at the moon, I knew it was time to depart.
"Elders, the Left Gate and Kudinghai will stay to guard the city. Liu Shinian, Xue Gucheng, Yan Wushuang, the Four Great Evils, Dao Lang, and Fei Xiong will accompany me."
"Yes."
The group bustled towards the main gate of the royal palace. Pushing open the gate, the street outside the palace was already filled with soldiers waiting to depart. Standing at the forefront were the four protectors of the Mermaid Clan.
Tianlong was the first to salute and said, "Demon King, everything is ready. We await your command."
I nodded at him and then let out a cry to the crowd, "Depart!"
Upon receiving the order, all the soldiers immediately turned and ran toward the back, from back to front, one after another. The South Gate opened wide.
Fast ships had been waiting for a long time. Rows of armored soldiers, like dark ink, moved from the city gate to the ships, one by one.
Until we boarded the ships, Tianlong whistled, and the Merfolk below the ships rushed forward like arrows. To avoid attracting the enemy's attention.
The large ships docked halfway, and smaller boats were used to transport some people forward, while some disembarked to travel through the woods on land, and others proceeded through the waterways and the official roads below.
A small contingent led by me, the four protectors, and the Four Great Evils. The left flank was led by Liu Shinian, Fei Xiong, and Dao Lang. The right flank was led by Xue Gucheng, Yan Wushuang, and Hei Feng.
As we gradually approached Dongyue Town, we could see the scarlet sky and the distant fireworks exploding like tiny raindrops.
Moving forward along the waterway towards the port of Dongyue Town, we saw large patrols of soldiers walking back and forth on the dock. Even the river was filled with patrol boats. There was no choice but to steer the ships into the nearby reeds.
All the Black Mountain soldiers were slowly approaching Dongyue Town, waiting for dawn to launch their assault.
Time ticked by, and the festive celebrations turned from lively to quiet. Soon, only groups of people could be seen moving along the city walls and the docks.
After waiting all night, under the moonlight and stars, as dawn approached, I watched the first rays of light appear on the horizon. The people on the shore were also nearing the shift change.
I nodded slightly; the time had come. Tianlong fired a signal with his left hand, and along with many Merfolk floating on the water, they submerged and swam to the bottom of the various ships, using their immense strength and towing ropes to move them.
At this point, the people on the shore became uneasy. In their eyes, they only saw ship after ship sailing in one direction without stopping.
One soldier rubbed his eyes and asked in confusion, "Where are they going?"
Someone next to him replied, "They've disappeared."
"What's going on?"
As they stood there stunned, flying ropes suddenly shot out from under the water, dragging them down. After a while, a group of drenched, fake patrol soldiers emerged from the water and walked onto the shore, just as the shift change was occurring.
The leader, Qingyu, looked at their wet clothes and asked, "Why are you all wet?"
Qingyu replied, "Oh, we accidentally fell into the water just now. Hurry up and change shifts."
"Okay."
After Qingyu and the others left, they discovered that all the large ships on the waterway had vanished.
"Where did all these ships go?"
"Guess."
He turned his head in confusion and saw a young man in white, holding a white Lycoris radiata with a smile on his face, standing before him.
Before he could react, the young man suddenly disappeared, and large swathes of Lycoris radiata began to fall from the sky, enveloping them. As the Lycoris radiata dissipated, they were bound by ropes and then pulled into the water one by one.
At this moment, the guards on the city wall who had witnessed everything immediately blew the horn on the top of the small building.
"Wooo~" The sound, like the bellow of a wild ox, reverberated throughout Dongyue Town. Suddenly, a chop to the neck and he fainted to the ground.
Behind him was Thirteen Niang. Thirteen Niang took out a black flag with the words "Black Mountain" written on it and waved it on the city tower.
Then, the city gates opened wide.
The residents of Dongyue Town, who had heard the alarm, woke from their sleep. Suddenly, someone shouted in the street, "The Ghost Clan has broken in! Run! Run!"
Instantly, the once quiet city became chaotic, with everyone scrambling to escape.