Chapter 4, The Song of the Great Wind

I do not know," Xiao Huo shook his head, looking quite honest. "I just suddenly feel a bit weary of my previous way of life and hope to find something interesting in Chang'an.

A golden light arrow suddenly shot down from the city, directly aimed at Tuo Han's forehead.

Xiao Huo did not even raise his head and coldly replied: "Tuo Han, this is not a place for you and me to reminisce!"

However, starting from the twenty-fourth round, Tuo Han's spear technique underwent a sudden transformation, swiftly turning and moving with a soft elegance like a wheel. The spear tip flickered and shimmered, never straying from Xiao Huo's vital points, gradually gaining the upper hand.

"How is it possible? Do you really know this guy?" Gao Fan asked in surprise, for the person above was none other than the heir to the Right Noble King of the Xiongnu!

You are mistaken, Prince Yan Hai. It is you who ultimately decides the fate of Dingxiang City and the life and death of Tuo Han.

I have said before that Xiao Huo is not a coward High Fan's face was filled with pride, eager for everyone to hear it

But my knife will. " Xiao Huo took a deep breath, his hands no longer trembling, and his tone sounded as if he were joking with Tuo Han

Little Huo's hand holding the knife trembled slightly as he mocked, "You said that three years is enough to change many things"

A glimmer suddenly flickered in his dim eyes, as if he were immersed in the glorious past of military exploits, breathing heavily as he said: "I am ashamed; Dingxiang City is about to fall into my hands! Young man, you and Hongru must live well; one day, you must plant the banner of the Great Han at the gates of Longcheng!"

Xiao Huo remained silent, wielding his sword in a bloody battle, his eyes shining with a determination that had long transcended thoughts of victory, defeat, and life or death

Upon hearing the master speak of his past departure from the Beidou Palace, Xiao Huo's expression revealed a faint trace of pain and resentment.

The man in the blue shirt replied blandly, saying: "So, you are tired of the casinos and brothels in the small town and want to change your taste?"

Tens of thousands of people were silent as they held their breath to watch the battle, and the tension in the atmosphere seemed even more intense than the brutal bloodshed that had just occurred

"What a little rascal, truly audacious!" A hint of admiration surfaced on Lu Peng's face as he eagerly suggested, "Xiao Huo, how about I go up and spar for a while first?"

Tuo Han saw the blood-stained machete in Xiao Huo's hand and shook his head, saying, "I cannot take advantage of you"

He nodded slightly, slowly raising the dagger, and no one knew what the young man intended to do next

However, contrary to Tuo Han's expectations, Xiao Huo did not kill him. The dagger was positioned horizontally across his neck.

The sound of drums resounds, conveying the heroic spirit accumulated over thousands of years by the descendants of Yan and Huang, boldly declaring to the densely packed Xiongnu cavalry below the city: The city of Dingxiang may be destroyed, the people of Dingxiang may die in battle, but the indomitable spirit of the Han will never perish

Do not push yourself too hard. The indifferent voice of Xiao Huo echoed in my ears for some reason, and the tears I had just dried up surged forth again: This fool actually saved Dingxiang City, but who can save him

Damn it! Tuo Han watched helplessly as Xiao Huo was snatched away by the man in the green robe, unable to give chase. He was both shocked and angry, yet he vaguely felt that the figure of the newcomer bore an inexplicable familiarity.

Everyone was taken aback by the sudden change, and no one dared to act rashly for fear of causing misunderstandings with one another

He is mine! Little Huo sheathed the axe at his lower back, borrowed the saber from the waist of the lieutenant beside him, and leaped into the air.

With tears streaming down her face, she struck the drumsticks with even greater resonance and strength

Tuo Han was caught off guard and hurriedly leaned back against the spine of the magic sculpture, horizontally blocking with his spear. The golden arrow shot forth, and Tuo Han's long spear exploded with a loud bang, leaving only less than one foot of the spear shaft held in his left and right hands.

"Fool, what are you trying to do?" Li Hongru saw Xiao Huo jump onto the city wall, with a dense mass of enemy soldiers below.

Amidst the exclamations of the crowd, the already prepared Xiao Huo firmly restrained Tuo Han, yet a faint line of blood was still drawn across the latter's neck by the sharp edge of the knife

Master! Little Huo slowly stood up, rarely showing a look of respect, and said: "Because I have nowhere to go"

The Nine Spear Techniques of the Heavenly Wash? A hint of pain lingered at the corners of Xiao Huo's lips. He attempted several times to counterattack and turn the tide using the only six forms of the Slash Dance Sword Technique he knew, but was repeatedly thwarted by the impenetrable spear momentum of Tuo Han.

Ah! Little Huo was the first to strike. The custom-made saber of the Han army, a few inches shorter than the usual hatchet, was also slightly inferior in thickness. Under the infusion of the Nine Yang Dragon Energy, it vibrated with a buzzing sound, reflecting a dazzling cold light as it cleaved towards Tuo Han's brow.

Xiao Huo did not offer a single word of defense. The man in the blue robe changed the subject and asked: "To be honest, if you can survive and return to Dingxiang, what do you plan to do next?"

Is Aunt doing well? Perhaps realizing that continuing to argue over the previous issue would only make the atmosphere between the two increasingly tense, Tuo Han took the initiative to change the subject

I am the Right Noble King. Li Ding has died. Who among you can speak on behalf of Dingxiang City?" A middle-aged man dressed as a Xiongnu king, protected by knights and shamans, stepped out from the formation and stopped in an open area half a mile away from Dingxiang City.

"Refrain from your cheap pity; at this moment and in this place, let us speak with the Sea-Dispersing Magic Spear in your hand."

Little Huo! Gao Fan utilized earth escape to break out of the city, causing the Xiongnu cavalry to be thrown into disarray under the divine decree of Feng Shui.

He raised his arm and threw the Abyssal Spear to a Xuanjia Eagle Rider in the sky. Tuo Han took a relatively ordinary spear from another Xiongnu cavalryman, weighed it in his hand, and smiled, "It is much lighter, but fortunately, the length is still acceptable"

Tuo Han said: "Therefore, I would rather die under your sword than plead with my father to withdraw his troops"

At the city gate, hundreds of Xiongnu cavalry were deeply shocked by this scene. Faced with a force that was hundreds of times smaller than their own, Xiao Huo and the others involuntarily slowed their advance.

Xiao Huo did not evade. No one noticed that deep within his eyes lay a sense of liberation born from extreme weariness. People only saw him quietly gazing at Tuo Han's large hand reaching towards him, a strange smile playing at the corners of his mouth

Three years is enough to change a lot. Tuo Han said: "Xiao Huo, I feel very sorry for you."

Do not call me master! For more than three years, you have been hiding in Jinyun Town, chopping wood, thinking I do not know? You spend your days lingering in casinos and brothels, indulging in self-destruction, thinking I do not know?" The man in the blue robe said coldly, "At such a young age, you have already learned to be cynical and jaded. Do you really think that you can take revenge on me in this way?"

I still don't believe you dare to kill me! Otherwise, your hands wouldn't be shaking so violently

Li Dingbian's eyelids gradually closed, facing the sound of his daughter's war drums, wrapped in a horsehide shroud, towards Chang'an

"Alright, you want me to withdraw the troops, correct?" said King Youxian loudly: "I agree to your request! But you must first release Tuo Han!"

Xiao Huo listened quietly as the Nine Yang Dragon Energy flowed continuously into Li Dingbian's body, supporting him as he uttered his final words: "Tell General Li that Li Dingbian has failed his mission and must depart first!"

What was my past identity? Xiao Huo smiled faintly, the melancholy in his eyes deepening

Your talent is no less than that of any of them, but to bridge this gap and even surpass these two individuals requires more than mere words

The drumbeats ceased, for the siege by the Xiongnu army had quietly paused at the moment when Tuo Han and Xiao Huo met on the blood-soaked path. Tens of thousands of eyes, both above and below the city, were focused on the two individuals, each hoping that their respective youth would emerge victorious

A trace of emotion seemed to flicker across Xiao Huo's stern face, but only he knew the truth in his heart

You have spent three years overcoming your inner demons and have emerged from the predicament you created for yourself, which is not too late. However, those three years have indeed been wasted. The man in the blue robe said: "In the future, you will have the opportunity to encounter the Princess of Longcheng and Tuo Han. They are both stronger than you now; what do you have to compete with these two?"

"Huo Qubing, I did not expect we would meet in such a situation," said the Right Noble King, turning his gaze to young Huo. "It seems that the fate of Dingxiang City rests in your hands."

People often say that circumstances create heroes; in fact, it is these seemingly ordinary heroes who have shaped history

You are mistaken, gravely so. Because at your core, you are inherently stubborn and competitive, much like a proud and arrogant dragon; how could you possibly resign yourself to a lifetime trapped in a quagmire?

Fool! He has given up the magic spear in his hand, and he has abandoned the familiar axe. Li Hong gazed intently down at Xiao Huo in the city below, secretly complaining yet unable to help but admire him in silence

"Is it this machete that I inserted into my lower back?" Xiao Huo instinctively touched the handle of the knife

This child has truly grown up..." In his final moments, Li Dingbian lay in Xiao Huo's arms, gazing contentedly at his daughter's silhouette, murmuring: "Back in the day, I followed General Li Guang to the north to fight the Xiongnu, and due to my military achievements, I was granted the title of General of Dingbian. From then on, I simply changed my name to Li Dingbian..."

Keng! Tuo Han sat on the carved back, horizontally wielding his spear to parry, and thrust the tip of the spear towards Xiao Huo's left temple.

There is no way, I cannot stand the food at Beidou Palace. From the tone of your voice, it seems you have already concluded that I am no match for you

She has been gone for nearly three years! Little Huo's gaze dimmed momentarily

Xiao Huo said with a wry smile: "It sounds like you know yourself better than I do."

"You actually take advantage of the chaos?" Tuo Han's lips curled into a mocking smile, "This is not the Xiao Huo I know"

Do you want to know why? Tuo Han asked, "Because I want to personally kill you, this treacherous scoundrel!"

You are mistaken; in the eyes of the Huns, the glory of a warrior is the only treasure worth cherishing

"No need for you to plead." Little Huo shook his head, "I guess Prince Yan Hai must be reluctant. Shall we make a bet?"

The inspiring sound of drums resounded once again over Dingxiang City after a moment of silence. Li Hong, a petite figure, stood in the position that had belonged to Li Dingbian just a moment ago, vigorously beating the war drums

What do you want to do?" Tuo Han asked, "Do you want to use the books to force my father to withdraw his troops?"

If Tuo Han were to take you back to the Beidou Palace, it would not only be you who loses face, but also I, your master!" The man in the blue robe sneered, "If you do not wish to abandon your training in the Slash Dance Sword Technique halfway, then why do you not escape far away? Why must you embarrass me in Dingxiang City?"

But you are using the Blade Dance Technique learned from the Beidou Palace to slaughter my warriors! The magic eagle of Tuo Han hovers above the heads of the Xiongnu cavalry, wielding a spear to command them to retreat.

I, Old Lu, have arrived! With a thunderous roar from above, the blood-maddened Lu Peng brandished the Soul-Rending Demon Axe, and together with a dozen valiant captains, they leaped down recklessly, gathering around Xiao Huo and Gao Fan, standing shoulder to shoulder to fiercely block the enemy soldiers, who surged like a flood, at the city gate.

Among the second-generation disciples of the Beidou Palace, you are the only genius who can stand shoulder to shoulder with me! Tuo Han said: If it were not for your premature withdrawal, today's achievements would have been far beyond this!

"Do not let him take away this fool!" A thought flashed through Li Hongru's mind as she grasped the Hou Yi bow, intending to nock an arrow and shoot it at Tuo Han. However, a wave of dizziness overcame her, and the bowstring "buzzed" back, her jade-like hand, now torn, fell weakly—she no longer had the strength to unleash the fourth Hou Yi divine arrow of the day.

You thought that by being harmed in the Beidou Palace, you could leave without a word while I was in seclusion, taking nothing from the palace. Indeed, that shows great spirit and courage. If it weren't for the fact that the Zhaolong Fengyu has already merged with your essence and cannot be separated, would you have left that behind as well?" The man in the green shirt seemed to have eyes on his back and scoffed lightly, saying, "To think you could use a broken firewood knife to perform the Slash Dance Sword Technique, it's quite impressive that you even thought of that!"

Although Xiao Huo and Tuo Han wield different weapons and their techniques are clearly distinct, the bold and fierce essence of their sword and spearplay is strikingly similar. Even those who just moments ago doubted how these two youths from such disparate backgrounds could possibly be brothers in the same sect must now have nothing left to say.

Xiao Huo turned his face and calmly said: "If it's not enough, you can take a bite on my right cheek."

What a fool! Her heart felt a sudden warmth, and she instantly forgave him for everything

With a loud thud, the man in the blue shirt threw Xiao Huo heavily onto the stone ground, followed immediately by a resounding slap across his face

To act in this manner is by no means to prove one's courage to others, nor is it for the sake of gaining anyone's approval

Xiao Huo's eyes were blood-red as he slowly handed over the body of General Li Dingbian to a nearby ensign, whose battle robe was stained with blood, and commanded, "Cremate him; we cannot allow General Li's body to be further insulted by the Xiongnu" The ensign accepted it with tears in his eyes

"Sour jujube, you bear!" Lu Peng exclaimed, his large eyes wide like copper bells, "You little rascal, you are actually a senior brother of Tuo Han!"

Fool! On the towering city tower, Li Hong witnessed the figure of Xiao Huo instantly vanish into the tide of the Xiongnu cavalry, tears streaming down her face

"Xiao Huo, let's call it even for the festival!" Lu Peng was also shouting, "I give up on you!"

"Spit it out! Little Huo, spare you this time, yet you remain so arrogant!" Lu Peng, furious, rushed forward and shouted, "If you have the guts, get off that scruffy bird's back and let me teach you a proper lesson!"

They deserve to die! Xiao Huo retorted stiffly to the other's questioning, still not raising his head. However, there was no one left for him to kill in front of him, as all the enemy soldiers retreated five zhang under Tuo Han's orders.

Cast off the shackles of self-imposed bondage and pursue what you truly desire! The man in the blue shirt suddenly turned around, his gaze sharp and profound, piercing directly into Xiao Huo's heart

This is good. Little Huo smiled and said, "A bad life is better than a good death. Although this saying may not be pleasant to hear, it holds a lot of truth."

Little Huo! A particularly robust magical eagle swooped down from the sky, and a young man clad in black armor on its back shouted loudly towards Little Huo, who was several zhang away. "Do you still recognize me?"

"Do you still wish to listen to me today?" The man in the blue shirt suddenly asked again, "I want you to stay here for three days. After three days, the young Huo of the past will be buried in the desolate mountains; the one who walks out of Dingxiang will be another you"

People continue to fall, and those who stand are all battered and exhausted. Yet, not a single person thinks of retreating or fleeing, as if the city of Dingxiang behind them can bestow upon them boundless courage and strength

"Do you think Xiao Huo can win?" Lu Peng panted heavily, asking Gao Fan beside him

The silence on the tower was as dead as a grave, as people awaited a miracle, hoping for Xiao Huo to turn the tide. Li Hong, as if cradling her father's ashes, felt the sweat seeping from her palms, biting her lip as she watched this showdown that held no suspense.

"Do you dare to challenge Tuo Han with just the half-formed Six Styles of Sword Dance? Do you not realize that just now, he had at least four opportunities to easily kill you?" The man in the blue robe had his back to Xiao Huo, making it impossible to discern his expression

I want to go to Chang'an and try my luck. Xiao Huo was somewhat surprised, as he knew that his master never acted without purpose.

You have finally given up on continuing to fall into depravity, was it the provocation from Princess Longcheng and Tuo Han that prompted this?

"Return to Beidou Palace, Xiao Huo!" Tuo Han intended to control the rhythm of the gun, persuading his former friend.

"This is not good, the city gate cannot be held!" Panic-stricken cries erupted from the guards at the city gate below.

Xiao Huo did not respond. It was not because the other party had saved him, but because this man in the blue robe was his teacher.

Puff! The tip of the gun pierced through the defense of Little Hope's knife, gently tapping his calf

Just as Tuo Han's large hand was about to touch his shoulder, a green figure suddenly appeared behind Xiao Huo, swiftly grabbing him by the nape and flying westward, like a fleeting ghostly shadow that was hard to discern.

Tuo Han fired and immediately retracted, deflecting Xiao Huo's counterattack with a sweep of his gun, and with a bitter smile said, "What else do you want me to do?"

A gap of three years is not insignificant! Gao Fan thought to himself, but said aloud: "Of course, Xiao Huo is bound to win. If we are to blame anyone, it should be the name of this Right Virtuous Prince's heir, which is rather unimpressive, both dragging and shabby. How could he possibly win?"

You have won! The anger and disdain in Tuo Han's eyes were unmistakable: "I have changed my mind, Xiao Huo. I want to survive, even if I am humiliated and ridiculed by my kin, I will definitely survive!"

You truly are unwilling to suffer any loss at all. Tuo Han looked at Xiao Huo's dagger, a bold smile appearing on his face

His rugged and valiant face could not help but reveal anger and fear—if only Xiao Huo could take the opportunity to strike down, the gates would swing wide open, and with the destruction of weapons, he would be left with a fate of being at the mercy of others.

"If you were a beautiful woman, I might consider it." Despite the unfavorable situation, Xiao Huo remained full of fighting spirit, like a blazing flame that cannot be extinguished until the fuel runs out

Xiao Huo turned back and gave her a slight smile, then said nothing, urging the Zhaolong to leap down towards the city tower! His feet landed firmly on the protective wall constructed by the Xiongnu cavalry using their raised shields to fend off arrows from above. With a swing of his machete, the shield was instantly split in two, and the Xiongnu cavalryman beneath it was also cleaved in half by the blade.

The man in the blue shirt laughed heartily and said: "You feel deep remorse for the death of your adoptive mother, so you torment yourself with such absurd methods, numbing yourself, thinking that this way you can escape reality"

"There is no need to gamble; I cannot influence my father's decision," Tuo Han said with a slight smile. "But I can determine my own fate!" As soon as he finished speaking, he abruptly raised his body, presenting his throat to the edge of the blade.

In this tumultuous era, there exists a group of individuals who lead seemingly ordinary and unremarkable lives. Yet, when the iron cavalry descends, they do not hesitate to stand firm against adversity, using their flesh and blood to defend the sacred land that resides in their hearts

Tuo Han ignored Lu Peng and glared at Xiao Huo, saying: "Do you think this can wash away the humiliation I have suffered? I will take you back to Beidou Palace. Once you have learned the Qi Zhan Dance Blade Technique, we will settle this once and for all. At that time, it will be either your death or mine!" After saying this, he reached out his arm towards Xiao Huo's shoulder

Everyone's gaze in the city turned towards Li Hongru, yet she answered without hesitation: "It is that fool who held a knife to your son's neck!"

Xiao Huo looked at Wang Youxian in silence. Yan Hai realized his intention, took out his dagger, and cut his wrist, smearing the blood on his palm. He raised it high towards the sky, facing tens of thousands of subordinates, and declared in Xiongnu language: "I, Yan Hai, swear to heaven that within six months, not a single soldier under my command shall step into Dingxiang City even half a step. If I break this vow, may the heavens destroy my soul"

"Aunt has passed away?" Tuo Han was taken aback: "I am very sorry, but you really should not forget your past identity."

Xiao Huo raised an eyebrow: "You fool, is there anything you can do besides killing and committing suicide?"

Father! Without looking back, Li Hong clearly sensed that the only family member she had in this world was no longer present

Clang, clang, clang! The glint of blades and the shadows of guns flashed by like the wind and lightning, shaking the vast sky. Both individuals were fully aware of each other's techniques, engaging in over twenty exchanges that were almost indistinguishable from a sparring session among fellow disciples.

The sound of horns echoed through the Xiongnu army formation, as the cavalry below the city gradually retreated

"Bah!" Tuo Han spat on Xiao Huo's face, "Bastard, how could I ever consider you my best brother!"

Fool! The man in the blue shirt ignored the handprint on Xiao Huo's face and the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, scolding him harshly.

Xiao Huo's expression was cold and filled with a bloody ferocity as he fought alongside Gao Fan, carving a path through the bloodshed, charging towards the city gate. "Clang, clang, clang!" With a single surge of energy, he cleaved through three siege logs with a diameter of over five feet.

I believe your life in the prince's eyes must be a hundred times more precious than that of Dingxiang City

Xiao Huo was well aware that the Xiongnu people were extremely trustworthy and held a deep reverence for the heavens. If the Right Noble King were to go back on his word, not only would his throne be unstable, but even his relatives and friends would face scorn and discrimination from all his kin.

Tuo Han's body became rigid, his expression one of astonishment, lying motionless on the back of the sculpture

This is a desolate mountain foothill located more than 200 miles northwest of Dingxiang City, surrounded by an area devoid of human presence