The Lord Of Blood Hill

Afterwards, Zhang Che leads the two of them along a carefully prepared formation path, avoiding all the checkpoints and soldiers, making their way toward the city gates.

Zhang Che’s formation has many limitations. It relies on the momentum of the Way of Heaven, but when faced with the empire’s fate and the oppressive energy of military arrays, it proves fragile.

Even though the empire is in decline, setting up a formation within the administrative heart of the empire is no easy feat.

Zhang Che uses his position as a civil official and the support of popular sentiment as his anchors.

With the backing of national fortune and public goodwill, he manages to lay down these formations.

But they are all maze-like formations, not powerful killing arrays.

Just moments ago, when Zhang Che used the formation to take out so many soldiers, he was actually borrowing part of Nangong Ying’s national fortune to do so.

When the three arrive at the city gate, it is already under strict lockdown.

Nangong Ying says, “We can’t get out here. We need to lay low for a while.”

At that moment, a nearby shop opens and Nathan steps out.

“I’ll teach you something. No matter how strong the gate, the keys are always held by people. And no matter how many soldiers there are, only a few actually give orders. People have weaknesses. People can be bought. You just need to offer the right price at the right time.”

With that, Nathan bows slightly to Lucy. “Lucy, long time no see. You’re still as beautiful as ever.”

Nangong Ying studies Nathan curiously. There’s something strange about him, a strange familiarity.

He reminds Nangong Ying of Nangong He, but his aura is far more imposing.

Lucy nods respectfully to Nathan. “Thank you for your help.”

Nathan then leads the group straight to the city gate.

The gate is guarded by two battalions, about a thousand armored elite soldiers, which makes Nangong Ying’s heart race.

But Nathan strides up confidently. The general guarding the gate salutes him. “Sir, everything is ready.”

Nathan waves his hand. “Let’s go. We’re escorting His Highness out.”

Even after leaving the capital, Nangong Ying finds it hard to believe what just happened. It feels like a dream.

Not only did they leave the capital smoothly, but they also gathered nearly five thousand soldiers to protect them.

Next, instead of moving far away, they set up camp just outside the city.

Half of this territory belongs to Lucy, while the rest is managed by Fang Yuan and Nathan.

When they arrive, Fang Yuan is already there to receive them.

A large number of craftsmen and commoners begin working to transform the area.

Nangong Ying, with his military background, realizes they’re turning this place into a heavily fortified garrison.

But Nangong Ying doesn’t have time to be curious now, his father-in-law has returned, carried back on a stretcher.

Lucy rushes forward, her face pale as she sees Yu Chengbang covered in blood. She clasps his hand tightly.

“Father, it’s all my fault. I didn’t listen to you. I trusted Nangong He’s words and brought this disaster upon you!”

Yu Chengbang forces a smile. “Lucy, I only ever wanted you to be happy and live well. Nothing else matters to me. From now on, without me to shield you, you have to be careful. Go to the South Regions and stay there. Don’t come back to the capital...”

Lucy quickly stops him. “Father, don’t say any more. Rest well. I’ll send for a doctor right away. You’ll be fine!”

Yu Chengbang coughs up blood. “Silly girl... You’re a martial artist too, but my life force is severed. There’s no turning back. Martial arts demand constant practice, if you don’t advance, you fall behind. I haven’t trained for so long, I’ve even forgotten how to fight. It’s laughable...”

Lucy turns and falls to her knees before Zhang Che and the others. “Please, save my father’s life!”

Zhang Che raises a hand to stop her bow. “Lucy, you know it’s no use. He’s poisoned. His organs are failing.”

Yu Chengbang calls out to Lucy, who is about to speak again. “Come here. Talk with me a little longer.”

As Yu Chengbang gives his final instructions, Henwell arrives in the courtyard, carrying a war spear with a string of severed heads hanging from it.

Nathan scolds him. “Where have you been? You’re the reason Lucy’s father is dying!”

Henwell tosses the heads down. “Nonsense! If I hadn’t held off those Fourth Rank experts behind us, he wouldn’t have escaped so fast!”

Nangong Ying looks closely at the bloodied heads and gasps. “The Left Commander of the Wind-Catching Guard, the Left Captain of the Divine Detective Department, General Xiao Yue of the Dragon Guard...”

All of these are Fourth Rank masters in the capital, legendary figures who command respect and fear.

Now, their heads hang like trophies on Henwell’s spear. How could Nangong Ying not be shaken?

Henwell ignores him and peers into the room. “Yu Chengbang can’t hold on much longer. Do you think Lucy can bear this blow?”

Nathan replies, “If she can’t, then what? Follow her father and end it all together?”

Zhang Che says, “Don’t be so heartless. Lucy’s been through a lot too.”

Henwell rolls his eyes. “And who do you think has it easier than me?”

Fang Yuan laughs. “Alright, alright! You’re the toughest one here. We should give you a ‘Toughest’ trophy later!”

Nangong Ying finally can’t hold back and asks again, “Zhang Che, Henwell, who exactly are you? And the other two with you? Which side are you on? Why are you helping us?”

Nathan leans against a tree. “You want to know if we’re the backup your father left behind, don’t you?”

Henwell, sitting at the stone table, corrects him. “He actually wants to know what our relationship with Lucy is.”

Nangong Ying nods. “Please, be honest with me.”

At that moment, Yu Chengbang calls for Henwell and the others to come inside. He has something to discuss with them.

With Lucy’s earnest gaze upon them, Henwell and the others enter the room.

Henwell, the last to step inside, turns back and says to Nangong Ying, “Don’t eavesdrop now.”

Zhang Che chuckles and unfurls the scroll in his hand, using it like a curtain to block the doorway.

Yu Chengbang looks at them and tries to struggle up.

Zhang Che raises a hand to stop him. “Enough. Lie down and speak. What do you want? As long as it’s not too much, we’ll consider it for Lucy’s sake.”

Yu Chengbang glances at Zhang Che and Henwell. “You two are clearly working together. I want to know where you come from and who you serve. But my time is short. I have a favor to ask. Lucy trusts you, but I need your guarantee. This is a secret. If it leaks, Lucy will have no place left in this world.”

Henwell, leaning against the window, says, “Are you talking about Lucy’s identity as the former dynasty’s princess? Her surname should be Yuwen, and her given name likely Jiao. She’s a direct descendant of the old royal family. Many, including you, are guardians left behind by the previous dynasty. Three hundred years have passed. Do you really think you can restore the kingdom? That seems unlikely.”