Chapter 80 (1/2)
Chapter 80
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Yan Xun's furrowed his brow even deeper, and avoided Zhao Chun'er's eyes. He instead turned to the side. The side view of his face looked even colder and firmer.
”Chun'er, come back!” Zhao Song shouted, enraged.
Zhao Chun'er suddenly dropped down, and crawled forward. She reached out to clinch on to Yan Xun's robe, and started wailing again, ”Brother Xun, do not rebel, I am begging you!”
Zhao Song's eyes were filled with pure rage. He exclaimed, ”Chun'er, what are you doing?” Saying that, he whipped his horse and dashed forward. At that instant, the warriors of Da Tong Guild simultaneously stepped forward, and shielded Yan Xun with their blades, giving off an intimidatingly warcry!
”Brother Xun, Chun'er is begging you! Father will kill you! He will send men after you!” Zhao Chun'er wept on the ground. Yet Yan Xun was completely unmoved, and he raised his head to look at the heavens, completely disregarding his robe that had was being clutched by Zhao Chun'er. His eyes were slightly blocked by his hair, but when the chilling night wind blew past, one could see that on his well defined face there was a pair of eyes shining in the dark that spoke of unparalleled resolution and determination.
It was just then, intense sounds of blades clashing came from afar, and an golden burst of flames exploded in the sky above the south side of the city. Yan Xun and Chu Qiao both turned their heads at the fireball with grim looks.
”19th Division has charged in! Yan Xun, if you do not want other innocent people to die with you, quickly surrender yourself!” while brandishing his blade to force the warriors of Da Tong back, Zhao Song loudly proclaimed.
”Yan Xun, we cannot delay any further.”
Yan Xun turned back and slowly nodded, and instantly turned his horse around. Without hesitation, he headed toward the source of the conflict. Zhao Chun'er, still sitting on the ground, lost her balance and fell flat on the ground. Chu Qiao and the black armored warriors followed behind Yan Xun. From afar, Chu Qiao could still see Zhao Chun'er still crawling and wailing with Zhao Song sitting upright on his horse beside her, his hand tightly gripping his blade. The cold wind continued to send his robes fluttering, and even his ruffled jet black hair seemed to exude a sense of loneliness and desolation.
Eight years of friendship, ultimately was just a fleeting dream, and returned to oblivion. From that instant when she followed Yan Xun into Sheng Jin Palace, the result was already destined. Thirteenth Prince, I have ultimately betrayed your friendship and trust.
”Giddyup!” With a short cry, Chu Qiao whipped her horse and sped away. Leaving not just the duo, but also those fleeting eight years behind. Her eyes were fixated on the front, on the black Iron Eagle war flag.
On Nan'An Road, the riotous civilians had already been suppressed. 19th Division Commander Fang Baiyu held his longsword with his body bathed in blood, killing any belligerent along the way with his soldiers. Everywhere he went was left a mess.
The messenger sped through the battlefields, bringing back piece after piece of disadvantageous news. Yan Xun sat on his horse, speechless and expressionless, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Chu Qiao squinted and asked, ”Is it not enough yet?”
Yan Xun replied softly, and calmly shook his head, ”Not enough.”
”There have been great casualties!”
”I know.”
Chu Qiao inhaled deeply and frowned. In a serious tone, she replied, ”Yan Xun, the casualty rate is too great, the Xi Nan Town Emissary's forces cannot hold out any longer. If we continue to wait, they will be crippled.”
Yan Xun retorted, ”The 12th Division and 36th Division are still waiting for an opportunity outside the city. If we retreat now, they will pounce upon our men. Should that happen, our return to Yan Bei will not be smooth sailing, and will be continually harassed by the empire.”
”Even then, if we continue to wait, our casualties will be severe! Treating the wounded and arranging a retreat will create chaos among our own ranks.”
Yan Xun gave a light frown, but immediately followed with a shake of his head. ”Worry not, I have my plans.”
”Yan Xun…”
”AhChu, leave the capital first.”
Chu Qiao was dazed, but immediately replied replied, ”I refuse.”
”AhChu.” Even under in the afterglow of killings and blood, the man put up a gentle expression, and softly said, ”Leave the capital first, and go to Chi Shui to arrange river crossing operations together with AhJing. He is not very good with intricacies, I am worried.”
”No way, I want to be with you!” Chu Qiao stubbornly shook her head, and insisted.
Yan Xun put up a harsh face, and sternly admonished her, ”Chu Qiao, this is a matter of great importance, do not be childish now!”
”There is danger everywhere in this capital, and the 12th Division and 36th Division are staring at us, waiting for an opportunity to strike anytime, how can I leave you here to face this alone!”