569 A Fearless Figure (1/2)
At that moment, the city wall descended into complete silence.
Everyone standing on the city wall was dumbfounded by the scene in front of them. The stared at the warm fresh blood on the ground in shock as they tried processing the events that just happened in their minds.
They were not afraid of people being killed.
However, this was not something that simple.
General Li was dead!
He was killed in a single blow by the Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies!
The city guards exchanged glances as they were at a loss of what to do. Under normal circumstances, they were trained to retaliate the moment their commander was killed.
However, their opponent was Su Qing.
He was the Chief of the Northern Land Five Constabularies. Most importantly, they all heard Su Qing's words. The Northern Barbarians were planning to invade Flame Capital City. Furthermore, they were already right in front of their eyes.
100 thousand strong army!
There were only about a few thousand city guards left spread out amongst the four city gates. How could they ever defend against such a huge force?
”Yes!”
”Light the pinnacle flame!”
”Quick, summon all the troops back to protect Flame Capital City!”
The city guards finally moved after a few moments of hesitation. Naturally, they could not make the decision during such a crucial time. After all, there was always someone who would take responsibility for these actions.
Today, that person would be Su Qing.
What else did they have to worry about?
Even if the Emperor wanted someone to take the blame for the incident, Su Qing would be the first one on the list. He was the one who gave the command while they were merely executing them.
”On command, light the pinnacle flame!”
”Light it!”
Voices rang throughout the east gate as they went into a scurry trying to light up the pinnacle flame. Some of the soldiers were even holding the messaging flag on their hands.
Quickly, the pinnacle flame was lit up.
Thick black smoke wafted towards the sky. It was exceptionally thick and dense, even the strong and chilling gale of the night was unable to dissipate the smoke easily.
At the same time, a blinding light bolted through the horizon. It blended in elegantly with the horizon like a shooting star across the sky.
Su Qing finally smiled in satisfaction upon seeing this sight.
The pinnacle flame was lit and the signal was released!
The troops stationed all around the country would immediately rush back to Flame Capital City. This was undoubtedly the thing that would be given the top priority no matter what mission they were executing.
”Lord Su, the Northern Barbarian army is already nearing the gate. Should we send someone to inform your Majesty about the situation?” A commander walked towards Su Qing as he said respectfully.
”Naturally. However, we should first set up our defenses and be clear about their motives. If we act rashly, we will walk right into their trap!” Su Qing replied.
”Trap?” The commander seemed confused.
”Yes, although I knew about the movements of the Northern Barbarians a long time ago, no one could predict how they are going to attack. If the attack on the city gates was merely a decoy for the attack on the Majesty, wouldn't we be walking right into their trap by sending someone to inform your Majesty?” Su Qing explained.
”Lord Su is right. However, if this is not a decoy, then wouldn't it be bad if we stalled…” The commander hesitated for a moment before saying his opinions with a trembling voice.
”I will check if it is a decoy!” Su Qing said confidently.
”How will Lord Su validate this?”
”As a courtier of the Great Xia Dynasty, I will lead in times of crisis. I will not shirk from this responsibility. Open the city gates. I will personally attend to this matter.”
”This… Lord Su, I cannot allow that. The Northern Barbarians are extremely ferocious and merciless. If Lord Su…” The commander rejected this plan the moment he heard it.
Negotiating with the Northern Barbarian troops alone?
That would be courting death!
”Say no more, I have already decided!” Su Qing waved his hands before he turned and walked down the city wall.
The couple of black figures standing behind him followed behind.
The commander stood at his position, clearly dumbfounded. He stared at Su Qing's back as a terrible premonition rose in his heart. However, he could not pinpoint exactly what was wrong about Su Qing's actions.
Isn't Lord Su usually wise and cautious? Why would he use such a method? The commander clenched his fist as he frowned.
He wanted to inquire more into Su Qing's actions.
However, Su Qing had already made his way down the city walls.
Most importantly, General Li was already dead. Su Qing would naturally assume the role of the commander of the city guards. As soldiers, how could they resist his commands?
”Open the gate!”
”Lord Su is going to negotiate with the Northern Barbarians army. Open the gate!”
Creak!
As the commands were passed down, the bulky city gate was pushed open. The chilling night breeze grazed their faces while it carried the sand on the ground out of the city gate.
Countless black figures were still rushing towards the city gate. They held a spear wrapped in black cloth in their hands while being masked in a similarly dark-colored sash.
Their chilling murderous intent could be felt from miles away.
Su Qing squinted his eyes as he stared at the approaching black figures. He then slowly moved forward and walked past the city gate.
The several black figures behind him all these while did not follow him out. Instead, they stood motionless at the city gate, staring at Su Qing as he left.
Each of the city guards was horrified at Su Qing's brave actions.
”Close the gate!”
”Hold up!” A black figure said in a cold tone. The bladed resolve flickering in his eyes sent chills down the city guard's spine.
No one questioned the black figure when those words were spoken. However, the city guards had an incredulous expression on their faces.
”No one is to close the city gate before Lord Su returns!” The black figure said.
”How… how is this possible? If we do not close the gates, the Northern Barbarian army will invade us!” A city guard immediately objected when he heard those words.
However, just as he finished his sentence.
He saw a glimmer of light in front of him.
Slash!
A blade mercilessly pierced through his throat.
This attack naturally came from the black figures. Blood poured out from the city guard's wound as the rest of the city guards stared at the scene in disbelief.
”Why… why…”
Thump!
Before the city guard could complete his sentence, he collapsed onto the ground.
The city guards who were tasked with guarding the city gate also subconsciously took a step backward. Their eyes were filled with fear and apprehension.
Killing the soldier upon any disagreements.
Such strict management was rare nowadays.
”Are you guys afraid?” The black figure said as he cleaned his blood-stained sword on the fallen city guard's armor. At the same time, he cast his merciless glance across all the city guards.