One

The battle spear of Xi Yan traverses the battlefield, allowing only for a defensive stance. The drums of the departing army resonate with a force that strikes fear into the heart, as thousands of thunderous cavalry shout in unison, their momentum surging. Ying Wuyi's blade exudes an even more formidable aura, gaining the upper hand.

However strong Ying Wuyi may be, he cannot break through Xi Yan's defenses. The warhorses neighed long and loud, and the dominating blade swept across, yet Xi Yan remained unmoved

Say

In the heat of battle, the two suddenly ceased their actions simultaneously, coldly staring at each other from a distance of two zhang.

Lu Guichen tightly gripped the hilt of the knife at his lower back, and suddenly his palms were drenched in cold sweat. In the past five years, this was the first time he had seen Xi Yan give his all.

Xi Yan raised his spear, drawing an arc that pointed to the sky. Ying Wuyi defended for the first time, parrying with a strike against the mountain, successfully evading Xi Yan's assault. In that moment, Ying Wuyi's heart suddenly felt clear; the memories of the past lingered, and he had witnessed the martial skills of this Eastern Land fox, Xi Yan, in the hands of another person.

"Unmoved like a mountain!" Ying Wuyi shouted loudly

It is indeed the case that I was about to confront the Duke at Shangyang Pass, intending to take a route unknown to others, but I did not expect to encounter you here. Is the Duke in a hurry to return to the capital, having brought only his personal cavalry with him

The momentum of the blade was unbroken, without the slightest hint of stagnation. Xi Yan's entire body trembled as he witnessed that unparalleled arc of the blade actually "crack" as it severed the small branch of the spearhead, continuing its descent. In that moment of life and death, Xi Yan's hands shook violently.

"Ji Ye conveyed my order: the vanguard shall abandon excess baggage and march at full speed! The rear guard will pack up the baggage and follow at a slow pace." Xi Yan commanded, "The cavalry shall feed the horses tonight and ride swiftly tomorrow, ensuring that we approach Shangyang Pass and set up camp before evening! Those who fall behind will face military discipline!"

"Five Li," Xi Yan said in a low voice, "If the cavalry that has arrived is not from the Wind Tiger of the Chun Kingdom, then it can only be..."

The road is long

Xi Yan shook his head: "The Heavenly Driver consists of many people, each with different thoughts. For me, as a Heavenly Driver, what I envision is a new era of peace. Will the country you dream of, my lord, provide this era of peace for all the people?"

How much further is it

"Draw my old bow and shoot at the celestial wolf... The heart of a warrior will not rest even in death. " Xi Yan gently caresses the hilt of his sword at his waist, "When heroes meet in this world, it always catches one off guard."

Under the pale sky, the 20,000 troops of the Tang Dynasty formed eight formations, slowly moving across the grassland. Xi Yan stood on a nearby hill, surveying the terrain in the distance, with Ji Ye holding the flag behind him. Lu Guichen secured the unsettling long sword at his waist, keeping watch nearby. He originally had no official position, merely a noble accompanying the army, but in Xi Yan's eyes, those who accompanied him into battle were his subordinates, which is why Lu Guichen had not removed his armor for a full eleven days. Xi Yuan, on the other hand, held the sword command, bearing greater responsibility; in the ranks below the hill, he took Xi Yan's place at the center of the main formation, suppressing the three armies.

Crossing the great river, I sever the sky and the sea

The two coaches gazed at each other from a distance, as if an invisible pressure had stilled the winds around them, while the flowing dark clouds gathered and rolled in the sky. The white ribbon tied to the spear fluttered before Xi Yan. Amidst the undulating white ribbon, Xi Yan remained motionless, staring at the distant shadow of the red-armored fire steed.

The copper-clad warrior paused in silence, planting the great flag into the ground with one hand, and raising the other to remove his heavy helmet, shaking off the dust of battle from his armor. The moment the helmet was lifted, a cascade of brown hair was swept up by the wind, with strands of silver already woven through it, and the weathered face bore the marks of time's passage. Yet, a glance into his pair of brown eyes, resembling glowing embers, made it clear to anyone what kind of blood flowed within this man.

We have once joined forces with many people, and what we desire is simply an era of peace

"But General, is it customary for the Eastern Land warriors to exchange pleasantries even when encountering mortal enemies before engaging in battle?" Lü Guichen inquired

The Thunder Riders of His Majesty the Mighty King can charge at any moment, regardless of whether they have established their position. They have already seen us, and singing this song "Fearless Song" serves as a warning to our troops not to act recklessly. They might even want to take advantage of our unsteady footing to launch a charge and leave us with nothing. " Xi Yan laughed, though his smile was not easy, "I did not expect to encounter the mighty army of the King here. Has the defense of Shangyang Pass already been breached? However, in the face of this man, we should first exchange pleasantries before engaging in battle, right?"

Looking at your fighting spirit and the extent of your authority, if you clear the way, I will not draw my sword. Ying Wuyi chuckled coldly, but given Baili Jinghong's character, if you do not fight, you will face a dead end, and I believe you do not have the courage for that

The third year of Emperor Yin Cheng, August 17

Ji Ye and Lü Gui Chen flanked Xi Yan on the left and right, forming a triangular formation with the three riders. Lü Gui Chen held the wildly fluttering ink banner in his hand

He suddenly burst into loud laughter, and at the moment his laughter began, Ying Wuyi charged forward a yard with his horse. Utilizing the horse's strength, he swung his long knife down, sending a bright arc of light towards Xi Yan's head. There was no time to think; Xi Yan raised his iron halberd with all his might, the sharp edge forcefully intercepting the arc of the knife, while the small branches at the head of the halberd once again locked onto Ying Wuyi's knife momentum. Xi Yan felt a sharp pain from a bruise at his elbow.

"Are you trying to test your skills against me for this?" Ying Wuyi asked, "You intentionally exposed your identity to me."

"To strike down the world, to crush the withered and pull up the rotten?" Ying Wuyi retorted.

I hope this is not the last battle of my life. After saying this, the last trace of a smile faded from Xi Yan's lips as he tightened his grip on the reins and slowly rode out of the formation

Draw my old bow and shoot the celestial wolf

This piece "Song of Fearlessness" was personally penned by His Highness the Mighty King, with the music composed by the national master Feng Linwan. As a woman, Feng Linwan was inspired by the grandeur embedded in the lyrics and astonishingly composed a song of unparalleled might. Only the cavalry of His Highness the Mighty King would sing this "Song of Fearlessness" when facing the enemy. Amidst the rolling yellow sands and the thunder of heaven and earth, today’s experience has been worthwhile, "Xi Yan exclaimed, "There is no need to harbor any illusions; the opponent must be the esteemed Li Gong himself. " Amidst the rolling yellow sands and the thunder of heaven and earth, today’s experience has been worthwhile, "Xi Yan exclaimed, "There is no need to harbor any illusions; the opponent must be the esteemed Li Gong himself.

Ying Wuyi felt an astonishing vibration suddenly transmitted through the spear shaft pressed against the blade, causing the broadsword in his hand to tremble as if it were stuck by iron thorns, a tremendous tremor slowing the momentum of the blade. The sword only hesitated for a brief moment, but Xi Yan exerted all his strength to push the spear shaft, forcing Ying Wuyi's offensive to one side. The two collided shoulder to shoulder, passing each other as they raced towards opposite sides of the battlefield

In the march of the barbarians, the warriors are accustomed to sleeping with their heads resting on the saddles, relying on the vibrations of the ground to determine whether there are large armies moving nearby. The perceptive ones can even infer the number and distance of the enemy, distinguishing between light cavalry and heavy cavalry. Lü Guichen has not marched in the northern lands, but he has already learned this skill during hunting. The vibrations coming from the flagpole of this large banner do not resemble the sounds that would be made by merely three thousand cavalry from the infantry and the lower Tang army.

"If I could bring peace to all, would there still be a chance for me to join forces with the heavens?" Ying Wuyi asked coldly

The center of gravity is off; such a long knife, with a short handle and a long blade, is likely designed for slashing. To be able to wield such a knife, the strength of this individual is truly astonishing! Ji Ye was also amazed by that rare and domineering weapon.

I have heard the name of the nobleman and I also know that he taught the nobleman a particular sword technique

"Su Yue Mo Yu, both are names capable of stirring the Eastern Land, you need not be modest. My military report states that Duke Tang, Bai Li Jing Hong, has declared war on me. The only ones he can send are you and Tuo Ba Shan Yue, and he has chosen you to confront me, very well. You are supposed to be heading to Shang Yang Pass, yet why do you appear here?"

As they rushed down the hillside and caught up with the vanguard, a faint cloud of dust had already risen on the horizon at the edge of the grassland. The three armies had passed through the valley, and the crossbowmen were spread out in a line at the front, intermixed with the light cavalry of the vanguard. All the light infantry formed a scale formation of fifteen thousand men slightly further back, which is one of the strongest defensive formations. At this moment, everyone could clearly feel the tremors beneath their feet. All the light infantry formed a scale formation of fifteen thousand men slightly further back, which is one of the strongest defensive formations. At this moment, everyone could clearly feel the tremors beneath their feet

"It is!" Ji Ye threw the handsome flag he was holding to Lü Guichen, turned the green steed around, and was about to descend the mountain

Cavalry," Lü Guichen said, "I do not know the number of troops, but it is certain that the galloping cavalry is approaching.

"That knife..." Lü Guichen felt a chill run down his spine and whispered close to Ji Ye's ear

Ying Wuyi was shocked. The military strategy and swordsmanship he excelled in could be summarized by the four characters "Yue Zhi Lei Xing," which means to defend like a mountain and attack like a raging thunder. Whether it was the "Red Tide" of the Thunder Cavalry or the slashing saber techniques, the emphasis was on swift battles and quick resolutions. Among his dual swords, the heavy sword "Zhan Yue" weighed thirty-two pounds, not a weapon meant for prolonged combat. In his mounted duels, he often beheaded his opponents with a single strike, and throughout his life, he had encountered very few who could withstand the might of his blow. Yet, in the blink of an eye, more than thirty strikes had passed, and Xi Yan, behind an ironclad defense, still managed to mount a subtle counterattack.

To engage in battle with you, the road is long

Before the words had faded, a blood-red banner had already risen slowly above the dust, and in the light of that moment, the emblem on the flag was indistinct. Ji Ye felt a shiver run through him, and amidst the thunderous sound of iron hooves, he surprisingly heard the sound of singing

"This route is not on the map," Ji Ye said. Having followed Xi Yan for a long time, he had also learned to read maps.

This is a branch of the Anlan Mountain, surrounded by the vast and lush green mountains encircling the valley in this area. The army of the Tang Dynasty has been advancing in the valley for eleven days, and apart from Xi Yan himself, no one knows the route for tomorrow. At this moment, Xi Yan, with a pipe in his mouth, is silently gazing at the thin clouds at the end of the earth.

"Yes," Ying Wuyi responded calmly, "At noon, I broke through the iron wall encirclement in front of Shangyang Pass, thinking I had achieved complete victory. Unexpectedly, I encountered the general here. I had planned to circumvent the several defensive lines set up by Bai Yi behind, but instead, I met with an even more formidable opponent. It was indeed a miscalculation."

Die! Ying Wuyi roared loudly

Crossing the Great River

Ji Ye looked up and suddenly felt that the sky seemed so low.

I used to be a bandit here. Bandits live off the mountains, so who would get lost?" Xi Yan turned to look at the two students, a smile that was neither here nor there on his face, "I know the terrain within an eight-hundred-li radius better than anyone else.

Ying Wuyi suddenly exerted force, and the locked horse-slaying saber withdrew like lightning, causing Xi Yan's iron spear to lose its support and immediately veer off course. Xi Yan retreated on horseback, while Ying Wuyi's charcoal horse closely followed.

A profound silence

Slowly, Ying Wuyi's face broke into a smile: "Indeed, the sun has set in the west, and all those who wish to hold up this sun will understand that such efforts are utterly futile. The Bai family's dominion is on the verge of collapse, and those mediocre, foolish, and greed-driven individuals who rely on their surname to exist in the court are nothing but a group of walking corpses! Even if Bai Yin were still alive, he would be equally powerless to change the situation! This is my dream, and I must ask you, does Tianqu's dream align with mine?" The Bai family's dominion is on the verge of collapse, and those mediocre, foolish, and greed-driven individuals who rely on their surname to exist in the court are nothing but a group of walking corpses! Even if Bai Yin were still alive, he would be equally powerless to change the situation! This is my dream, and I must ask you, does Tianqu's dream align with mine?

Xi Yan drew the curved bow from his waist, nocked an arrow, and released a sharp whistle that pierced the sky. He had no time to descend the mountain to deliver orders; with the release of the arrow, it signaled the three armies to exert their full strength to pass through the valley and establish a defensive formation on the plains outside. The three men immediately urged their warhorses, racing down the small mountain like a whirlwind, while at that moment, Xi Yuan had already sounded the solemn march horn within the army

Beside Ying Wuyi, a retainer riding a white horse reached out to grasp his arm guard, seemingly attempting to prevent him from entering the battle. However, Ying Wuyi remained expressionless, shaking off the retainer's grip. With a flick of his wrist, the tip of his saber struck the ground. In a brief moment of silence, the charcoal fire steed beneath Ying Wuyi suddenly let out a roar, and he leaped onto his horse, letting out a long howl as he charged out from the formation. Man and horse together seemed to create a sound like mountains calling and seas surging, completely tearing apart the tranquility of the grassland. In a brief moment of silence, the charcoal fire steed beneath Ying Wuyi suddenly let out a roar, and he leaped onto his horse, letting out a long howl as he charged out from the formation. Man and horse together seemed to create a sound like mountains calling and seas surging, completely tearing apart the tranquility of the grassland

"Ji Ye! Shoot the person opposite!" Lu Gui Chen shouted from behind him

The feathered arrow shot ahead towards the knight in black armor. Ji Ye knew that the crossbow was more lethal than the iron bow in his hand, capable of easily piercing through Xi Yan's back armor. In a moment of haste, he had no time to aim; the arrow let out a piercing shriek as it narrowly grazed the neck of the black-armored knight. The knight's crossbow slipped from his grasp, and the iron bolt shot into the grass, causing him to lose his balance and fall from his horse

Ying Wuyi nodded: "I guessed correctly, you are his student, and you have learned his martial arts. I thought he had never taken on any students."

Lü Guichen embraced the ink banner, driving the steel tip of the flagpole into the rock beneath his feet

He was taken aback, his complexion changed: "General!"

Collect my white bones by the edge of the ocean

Ji Ye was taken aback, turning her head to look, and suddenly shifted the direction of the arrow. In Ying Wuyi's army, a knight in black armor under the large banner unexpectedly rode out alone, holding a crossbow, undoubtedly aiming at Xi Yan

A momentum akin to a raging tide surged forward from hundreds of steps away. Ji Ye grasped the tiger tooth hanging from the saddle, only to realize that his hand had already become as hot as fire.

Absolute Heaven Sea

"Good!" Ying Wuyi suddenly laughed, "I have long heard of your name, and you have not disappointed me! Xi Yan, since you have the will to fight, why not urge the troops to advance?"

Crossing over a thousand mountains, the wilderness stretches vast and boundless

Xi Yan could no longer maintain that quiet and cold pressure. The black horse neighed loudly and charged towards Ying Wuying, prompting the soldiers beating the war drums from both armies to finally react. The war drums sounded in unison, shaking the clouds in the sky.

In this world, there will never be an era of peace. There is always one war after another. I greatly admire you for dreaming such dreams, even to the point of being led to the gallows without waking up. However, "Ying Wuying, with eyes like torches, whispers softly, 'There is no reason for the heavens to exist in this world!'"

The vast wilderness stretches across the great river

He no longer addresses Ying Wuyi as King Weiwu, but instead refers to him by his title, which demonstrates his caution

Xi Yan is known in the Eastern Continent as the "Number One Infantry Combatant in Thirty Years," second only to the renowned infantry master Li Lingxin, a general under the command of the Wind Flame Emperor several decades ago. His famous weapon is the ancient sword "Jing Du," which boasts exceptional quality. In mounted combat, the emphasis is on long weapons to kill enemies, and swords are not effective tools for fighting on horseback. Therefore, Xi Yan also possesses a long halberd called "Ku Ji," which he acquired after many years of searching and at great expense. Ying Wu Yi, on the other hand, has spent his life charging into battle on horseback. His weapon of choice is a pair of nine-foot-long horse-slaying sabers, which he personally forged from iron taken from Lei Yan Mountain. The sabers are inscribed with the names "Zhan Yue" and "Jue Yun." In mounted combat, the emphasis is on long weapons to kill enemies, and swords are not effective tools for fighting on horseback. Therefore, Xi Yan also possesses a long halberd called "Ku Ji," which he acquired after many years of searching and at great expense. Ying Wu Yi, on the other hand, has spent his life charging into battle on horseback. His weapon of choice is a pair of nine-foot-long horse-slaying sabers, which he personally forged from iron taken from Lei Yan Mountain. The sabers are inscribed with the names "Zhan Yue" and "Jue Yun."

"Cease the advance, the winged troops spread out, the archers and supply units move forward," Xi Yan urged his horse to charge out, "Without my command, the three armies shall not charge. Prepare to form the battle array!"

The entire cavalry suddenly trembled, and the three armies surged forward like a tide. Countless iron hooves kicked up clouds of dust, and a grayish wave rose on the grassland. The archers on both sides soared like wings of birds, while the lancers occupied the central battlefield, their steeds finally shedding the dust after accelerating. The soldiers of the Tang Dynasty watched in astonishment as the cavalry of the departing army, clad in crimson light armor, charged out of the swirling dust, forming a wave of reddish-brown that undulated with the terrain of the grassland

The "Thunder Cavalry" of the noble Ying family!

There are troops marching nearby ... ... getting closer, no more than thirty miles at most!" Lü Guichen tightly gripped the flagpole in his hand, pressing his ear close to listen intently.

It began with a solitary person singing a long and loud song, and by the time this line ended, it unexpectedly turned into a chorus of three armies responding in unison

The lord is ten years older, yet his strength surpasses that of Xi Yan, leaving the younger generation feeling inferior. Xi Yan can still manage to speak.

The name of the younger generation can finally reach the ears of the esteemed lord, and the thirty years of learning by Xi Yan have not been in vain

I am merely asking a question

The advancement of Xi Yan did not break the "silence" on the battlefield, yet it quietly squeezed the momentum of the departing army, gaining the upper hand. However, with a loud shout, Ying Wuyi decisively charged forward, breaking the situation set by Xi Yan. Seizing the initiative of "movement," this was a psychological contest as well as a tactical maneuver between the two. At this moment, the pressure Ying Wuyi felt was all rebounded by his long howl, turning back to target Xi Yan.

Indeed, the sun has set in the west, " Xi Yan said in a low voice.

Crossing over a thousand mountains

This is the arrogance of the knife in his hand; as long as he wields it, he will break armor when encountering armor and kill when encountering people

General Xi possesses the demeanor of a cultured man, yet Ying Wuyi coldly laughed, "Unfortunately, there is too much unnecessary talk"

Is it the royal visit of the State Duke?" Xi Yan immediately shouted, "The commander of the Tang State Martial Hall requests an audience with Xi Yan.

"General, why not take advantage of their unsteady footing and charge into the ranks immediately?" Lü Guichen asked

Red Tide! It is unknown who in the ranks of the Tang army emitted such a hoarse voice, and his voice was immediately drowned out by the overwhelming sound of iron hooves.

Such an arrogant person..." Lü Guichen sighed softly, unsure whether it was admiration or disdain.

The onslaught of the saber suddenly stood upright towards the sky, remaining motionless.

The battle spear of Xi Yan suddenly became sluggish, and then with a "swish," it shot straight forward, directly aimed at Ying Wuyi's brow: "Absolute Cloud a Thousand Zhang!"

As that great flag was raised, the emblem finally came into Ji Ye's view, a myriad of thunderbolts forming a floral wreath emerged amidst the unfurling of the red flag— the "Thunderous Flower" of the Ying clan of the Li nation.

One day

Does the lord have the intention to engage in battle

It was a funeral song, and it was the first time Ji Ye had ever heard such a tragic and grand voice in his life. Their words were unclear, resembling the speech of those from remote areas who mispronounce their words, yet no one could mock their song, for it contained such lofty aspirations and ambitions. The red-armored cavalry surged across the grasslands like a tempest, singing the ballad of burying their bones on the battlefield. Even upon seeing the enemy's banner, they showed not the slightest sign of retreat. They seemed utterly indifferent to life and death, only thinking of galloping forward, again and again, trampling through thousands of mountains and rivers, charging straight to the edge of the heavens and the earth. The red-armored cavalry surged across the grasslands like a tempest, singing the ballad of burying their bones on the battlefield. Even upon seeing the enemy's banner, they showed not the slightest sign of retreat. They seemed utterly indifferent to life and death, only thinking of galloping forward, again and again, trampling through thousands of mountains and rivers, charging straight to the edge of the heavens and the earth.

"General, how many more days until we reach Shangyang Pass?" Ji Ye asked

At this moment, the commanders of both armies faced each other at the front lines, yet no one could hear what they were saying, as all sounds were suppressed low in their throats. The soldiers of the Li army and the Tang army could only remain fully alert and on guard. Xi Yan took a deep breath: "For ten years, the lord has spared no effort in oppressing the people of the country, strengthening the military, and exerting pressure on the feudal lords. What is the purpose of the lord's actions? Is the lord's dream to conquer the world and destroy everything in his path?"

Ji Ye looked up, the black banner billowed in the wind atop the mountain, like a rolling wave of pure blackness over Xi Yan's head

The nobleman is perceptive. I indeed wish to avoid the nobleman's brilliance, but if I were to let the nobleman go, I fear I would be unable to return home and provide an explanation.

Across the entire grassland, only the sound of the wind blowing the great flag can be heard, as a lone black horse advances. Xi Yan's warhorse strides forward calmly, yet as he emerges onto the battlefield, everyone in front of both armies instinctively holds their breath—an indescribable pressure gradually rises with Xi Yan's appearance.

Xi Yan also smiled: "If one can subdue the enemy, why must there be excessive bloodshed? I have long heard that twenty years ago, before you were conferred the title of marquis, your swordsmanship was already renowned throughout the Li Kingdom. The children's songs in Li Kingdom say, 'The young master is unmatched, invincible with the sword.' I have yearned for this for a long time, and today I am fortunate to meet you. Why not take a moment to offer guidance and encourage the younger generation?"

Xi Yan placed his hand on the flagpole, fell silent for a moment, and nodded: "They arrived quite quickly... I do not know whether they are friend or foe"

This valley is called Plum Valley. Upon exiting this valley, we will have a flat stretch of land ahead, with only 250 miles remaining. If we travel swiftly tomorrow, the cavalry should be able to reach Shangyang Pass first, and I hope we are not too much later than Bai Yi and the others. " Xi Yan casually tapped the smoking rod against the saddle.

Ying Wuyi stared into Xi Yan's eyes, and he chuckled softly: "What I intend to do is indeed to sweep away the old and bring forth the new. By then, the Eastern Land and even the world will only have the Li Kingdom... However, I am different from you all!"

At most, no more than twenty li

Ji Ye was too far away to see more than two riders galloping side by side on the battlefield. Ying Wuyi wielded a broadsword, sending a flurry of blade shadows towards Xi Yan, who defended himself to the left and right. Yet, within the shadows of the blades, Xi Yan felt even more acutely the mountain-like pressure coming from each strike. The sword-wielding Ying Wuyi seemed like a giant deity, with each blow carrying the force to split mountains. The broadsword howled with a piercing wind, devoid of any feints; every strike was delivered with full force, capable of cleaving through wrought iron.

The cavalry dismounted and opened the flag gate. He suddenly waved his hand and said, "Let me pay my respects to His Majesty, the Mighty King!"

General Xi Yan of the Imperial Guard? The sound carried by the wind resembled a low rumble of metal.

It depends on whom one is facing. If it is merely an ant, then stepping on it is of no consequence. However, when confronting Ying Wuyi, even those who wish to kill him would hope to witness his death with their own eyes, wouldn't they? Ying Wuyi is not the kind of man who would die silently in the chaos of battle. Xi Yan merely smiled and said, "Moreover, the Thunder Riders are formidable; encountering them recklessly is tantamount to seeking death, and I do not possess such courage."

It is a signal! The cavalry is to retreat towards the central army's main camp.

The opposing army advanced against the wind, halting their warhorses three hundred feet away from the Tang army. The dust kicked up by the hooves was swept away by the wind, and the archers emerged from the ranks of cavalry, forming a line at the front with their bows drawn. Under the leading red banner stood two solitary horses. The warrior in front wore a fiery cloak, his face obscured beneath a heavy bronze helmet. Just moments ago, it was this knight clad in heavy bronze armor who led the charge, raising the flag of the Thunderous Flower. His speed was such that even the renowned cavalry of the Thunder Riders had to gallop two hundred feet behind him, with only his magnificent white horse keeping pace closely beside him. On the white horse sat a knight fully encased in black armor, with a short crossbow made of ebony hanging from the side of the saddle.

"Good!" Lü Guichen could not help but exclaim in admiration

Ying Wuyi raised his dark brown eyebrows, and a hint of coldness appeared in his slender eyes. The strong wind lifted the red flag beside him, and the banner rolled down in front of him. As the red flag fluttered, Ying Wuyi already held a nine-foot broadsword in his hand. His pair of sinewy hands gripped the three-foot-long hilt of the broadsword tightly, while the six-foot blade emitted a narrow, chilling gleam beside the horse.

Ying Wuyi and Xi Yan's warhorses intertwined, lightning-fast, as their weapons clashed. Both sides rode exceptional steeds, selected from the finest, channeling all their strength into their weapons. With a resounding clash of metal, it seemed as if the two weapons would shatter upon impact, as Ying Wuyi and Xi Yan brushed past each other. Both suppressed the pain in their arms and turned their horses to strike downwards. The horse-slaying saber was locked by the iron branches of the halberd, and both felt a surge of blood rushing to their hearts, with neither side yielding in strength. A resounding clash of metal echoed again, as the two weapons seemed on the verge of breaking from the impact, while Ying Wuyi and Xi Yan continued to maneuver past each other. Both suppressed the pain in their arms once more, turning their horses to deliver another strike. The horse-slaying saber was again ensnared by the iron branches of the halberd, and both felt a surge of blood rushing to their hearts, with neither side yielding in strength.

Ji Ye has already driven his warhorse out! He has practiced in the training ground for many years, and besides his marksmanship, his archery skills are also exceptionally strong. A carved feather arrow has long been hung on his sturdy iron bow. At this moment, as Xi Yan and Ying Wu Yi separated, he found his opportunity. While galloping, Ji Ye fully drew the iron bow, locking onto Ying Wu Yi's back. The range of his sturdy iron bow extends to two hundred and fifty steps, making it not difficult to hit at this distance

In the lower Tang dynasty, a soldier presented a long black iron spear before Xi Yanma.

What?" Xi Yan suddenly turned his head, realizing from Lu Guichen's tone that some troublesome matters were unfolding

One day?" Lü Guichen and Ji Ye exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised. Xiyan's so-called military map was merely for viewing, which is why he had not referred to it again since mounting his horse. The army, following Xiyan's command, had long deviated from the route outlined before their departure. Since entering the Anlan Mountains, they had been winding their way through the mountains day after day. Now, just as they were about to leave the mountainous region, they were already approaching Shangyang Pass. The army, following Xiyan's command, had long deviated from the route outlined before their departure. Since entering the Anlan Mountains, they had been winding their way through the mountains day after day. Now, just as they were about to leave the mountainous region, they were already approaching Shangyang Pass

"Ji Ye!" Lu Gui Chen shouted

Lu Guichen was taken aback. Xi Yan seemed to be joking, but before he entered the service of the Tang Dynasty, which was twelve years ago, no one ever knew where Xi Yan had been, and the same went for Xi Yuan. When Xi Yan casually pointed out the landscape and recounted his life experiences, he described it as if the scenes of that day were right before his eyes. However, when pieced together, his descriptions always left some years shrouded in blankness

"Mighty King?" Ji Ye asked. He remembered that Li Gong was merely granted the title of duke, and the Bai family rarely conferred the title of king to outsiders. Even when Ying Wuyi held power over the world, he did not care for a king's title, thus the Li Kingdom remained a principality.

Xi Yanxiao: "The 'Mighty' seal used by the public office has spread throughout the Eastern Land. Although he is merely a duke, the world has already referred to him as the Mighty King. It is not an exaggeration; among our royal princes and nobles of the Yin dynasty, who does not bow and bend the knee before his might?"

As the signal flag waved, the left and right armies slowed their pace, resembling a giant crane folding its wings. The massive and orderly formation gradually converged into a long line. The mixed troops of light infantry and crossbowmen advanced from the center, occupying the foremost battle line, as the 20,000-strong army of the Lower Tang was about to pass through the valley ahead