Chapter 72 (1/2)
Chapter 72
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The sharp blades flew through the air with a sharp cutting sound. Trying to parry, the leader held up his blade, but apart from a spark that resulted from the two pieces of metal brushing past each other, it was to no avail. The assailant sliced his throat with ease. Without any further sound, the man dropped down, limp.
The ceremonial officials had yet to step down from the carriage they heard the sound of projectiles flying through the air. In a flash, the arrows hit the officials and they fell, their bodies looking like porcupines.
A blood-curdling scream resonated, sending a shiver down any witnesses' spine. The waves of arrows followed, and with nothing but a thin layer of the carriage in between their body and the deadly projectiles, the innocent ceremonial officials were ruthlessly killed.
The guards drew their blades and tried their best to put up a fight. But the ambush was so well coordinated. Before they could put up an effective resistance, the assault had already broken through. Roaring, and with some pained shrieks mixed in between, the two parties fought to their deaths. Without a chance to ask for each other's allegiance, the men could only raise their blades and smash into each other's bodies. But completely outnumbered, the few guards were overwhelmed within a few moments, sinking into the shadows.
Amidst all this, waves of cheers sounded in the distance. As if reminding everyone of the joyous event, fireworks dotted the night sky. But it was precisely these cheers that drowned out the bloodthirsty screams. No one would know, no one would see, and no one would think that with such a beautiful banquet, there would people so daringly fighting out in the open.
The guards roared in anger, not giving up in their last bit of resistance. The enemy poured in like a flood from all corners. Their enemies were faces twisted in anger and their eyes were bloodshot, devouring the last bit of hope within the guards' hearts.
”Hang in there! Reinforcements will soon arrive!” But alas, what they did not know was that these assassins had come straight from their beloved nation. They were the team destined to be sacrificed for the sake of the empire!
Yan Xun's carriage was full of holes. No one would think that he would still be alive. Out of the over two hundred guards, there were no survivors. Whether they had resisted or surrendered, it did not matter. All of them were massacred.
At this very instance, a particularly large firework went off in the capital. The colors were radiant and lit up the city. A thunderous wave of cheering roared in stark contrast to the quiet bloodbath on the battlefield.
Ba Lei paced over and pushed away the subordinate whose face was aghast. A young man wearing a fancy Chinese robe leaned in the carriage, but his body was riddled with arrows. As he looked at Ba Lei, he tried to spit out the blood in his mouth, but fell into a coughing fit.
Ba Lei's face was completely filled with fury. Coldly, he asked, ”Where is Yan Xun?”
The man smiled in jest. Without another word, Ba Lei snapped out his blade and with a swift blow, beheaded the man.
The subordinate's face was completely horrified. Trembling, words came incoherently out of his mouth, ”Gen-general...”
Ba Lei turned around and coldly said, ”With an ambush of eight hundred men with an additional three hundred surrounding the area, all armed with the best weapons and sufficient preparation, you still managed to let him escape? What do I need you for?”
”General, we can go to the outer ring where Wei was lying in wait. Perhaps he was caught already.”
”Fine.” Ba Lei nodded. Holding on to the tiniest bit of hope, he went to mount his horse. But a thunderous wave of horse steps sounded. The entire earth felt like it was shaking. Ba Lei raised his head in fear, only to see a cramped row of torches at the other end of the road, approaching rapidly. With trampling war horses and razor sharp murderous intent, an entire cavalry army had arrived.
”It is the Yan Bei soldiers of Southwest Emissary's Garrison!” Ba Lei finally lost it, as he quickly turned and ran. ”Retreat!” By now, running was already too late. With human legs, it was impossible to outrun the four legs of the horse. It was no longer a battle, but a massacre.
”I am the Ba Lei General of the Batuha family! We have the Emperor's order!” The panicking voice sounded off. As Ba Lei saw how his subordinates fell to the galloping tide, he attempted to use his identity as a last attempt to hold off the enemy. But who would believe him? The warriors who were mobilized by the Yan Bei prince were completely in murderous moods. Since the fall of the Yan family, the Southwest Emissary's Garrison, became one class lower than other armies and were frequently being bullied by other camps such as the Dauntless Cavalry Camp and Green Army. This was such a good opportunity to achieve something, who would stop to think about the words of the assassin? Daring to carry out a large-scale assassination within Zhen Huang City, these people must be out of their minds.
Roaring, the soldiers continued the slaughter. The black tide of soldiers swept through the street, before opening a path for a man completely donned in red. His gaze was like that of an eagle and despite his smile, one could feel his pressing aura.
”Prince! Without disappointment, all enemies have been eradicated, not a single one escaped!” The vice-commander of the Garrison, He Xiao approached on his horse.