The Lord Of Blood Hill

Liu Mang and Benjamin’s armies are battle-hardened and well-rested.

Both commanders possess exceptional strategic skills, and at this point, they don’t even need to micromanage. Their forces swiftly crush the imperial armies flanking the battlefield.

Now, Nangong Ying commands a combined force of two hundred thousand troops—Fang Yuan, Nathan, Liu Mang, and Benjamin leading the charge, pushing forward with fierce momentum.

The imperial forces are stunned, barely able to mount any resistance.

Especially after the imperial-controlled Forbidden Army and Imperial Guards are scattered, the remaining two hundred thousand Family troops and local garrisons simply cannot withstand the combined assault.

With twenty thousand elite troops pressing from the front and Henwell’s over ten thousand cavalry wreaking havoc on the right flank, the only open side—the left—is no longer vacant.

Under the fiery rebirth of the phoenix banner, Lucy, clad in full armor, leads one hundred thousand elite Forbidden Army soldiers returning from the South Regions, pressing down on Nangong He’s left wing.

As for Nangong He, he’s utterly bewildered. His generals realize the situation is hopeless and urge him to retreat across the Fengyue River.

As long as the capital remains in Nangong He’s hands, there’s still a chance for reversal.

Dazed, Nangong He is supported by his subordinates as they begin to withdraw.

But before reaching the riverbank, a terrible piece of news arrives.

Fu Sifang, the Forbidden Army general stationed on the north bank, suddenly launches an attack and seizes control of all river crossing points.

Their retreat is cut off, surrounded on three sides by enemy forces.

Their formations crumble, troops scatter, and morale collapses. They don’t even have the chance for a desperate last stand.

By afternoon, Henwell and his forces form tight lines, trapping the imperial army in the riverbank area.

Pressed by his officials, Nangong Ying climbs a hilltop and loudly calls for surrender.

The roar of over three hundred thousand soldiers demanding surrender finally breaks the imperial troops’ morale.

Nangong Ying declares that only the ringleaders will be punished, and any soldiers or officers who lay down their arms will be spared.

At this point, there is no turning back.

After the entire three hundred thousand-strong imperial army surrenders, Nangong He’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Later, the Forbidden Army stationed on the north bank reports that someone escorted Nangong He in a breakout back to the capital.

Now, all city gates are tightly shut, and the city has begun conscripting soldiers and laborers to defend the walls, clearly preparing for a desperate siege.

Despite Fu Sifang, the Forbidden Army general, failing to stop Nangong He’s escape, Nangong Ying does not blame him. Instead, he rewards Fu Sifang for his efforts.

At present, Nangong Ying focuses on consolidating his forces to besiege the capital.

Simultaneously, he drafts the late emperor’s will and issues a strict decree to all nearby factions, especially the military, most importantly the four standing guard units near the capital.

Nangong Ying’s tone is stern, ordering all forces to rush to the capital and assist in capturing the pretender emperor.

Currently, Nangong Ying commands four hundred thousand elite troops, this is no longer the scattered imperial forces, but a well-organized, regimented army.

In contrast, Nangong He’s side has only forty thousand city defenders and, at best, some additional forces from the Military Affairs Department, totaling no more than one hundred thousand.

But these are all garrison troops, vastly inferior to Nangong Ying’s forty thousand battle-hardened field soldiers.

Over the past two days, through Nangong Ying’s personal persuasion, captured Imperial Guards, Forbidden Army units, and standing troops have all joined his ranks.

This swells Nangong Ying’s army to five hundred thousand strong.

The first to buckle under this pressure are the four standing guard units near the capital.

Nangong Ying’s decree is no joke, those who fail to arrive will be deemed traitors!

Lucy, leading one hundred thousand Forbidden Army soldiers, has already taken a stance to suppress rebellion.

The leaders of the four standing guard units immediately come forward to explain their helpless situation to Nangong Ying.

Nangong Ying pardons past grievances and promises that anyone who distinguishes themselves in the upcoming battles will be rewarded.

Half of the realm’s elite field armies now stand under Nangong Ying’s command.

Even those without military or political knowledge can clearly see that Nangong Ying is on the path to becoming emperor.

As Nangong Ying consolidates his authority, Henwell and the others seek out Fu Sifang.

Though Nangong Ying doesn’t blame him for letting Nangong He escape, that doesn’t mean no one will hold him accountable.

After dismissing those around them, Henwell speaks bluntly, “This isn’t what we agreed on, Marshal Fu. You owe us an explanation.”

Fu Sifang replies, “It was Nangong Yaoyun, leader of the Dragon Guard, who took the pretender away. I’m no match for Nangong Yaoyun.”

William interjects, “We agreed you only needed to stop him!”

Nathan adds sharply, “Marshal Fu, this is breaking your promise. We have to question your credibility now.”

Fu Sifang furrows his brow. “What are you implying? What explanation do you want from me?”

ZhangChe steps forward, “Marshal Fu, it’s not us you owe an explanation to—it’s Lucy.”

Liu Mang accuses, “I’m starting to think you’ve betrayed the Yuwen Family.”

Fu Sifang is the Yuwen Family’s hidden strongest warrior.

With their backing, he rose to become Grand Marshal of the Forbidden Army, holding the highest rank.

Facing their accusations, Fu Sifang responds coldly, “Don’t slander me. I am a loyal member of the Yuwen Family, who have supported me for generations. My achievements are thanks to their unwavering support. I have no intention of betraying them.”

Henwell waves dismissively, “That’s irrelevant. We don’t care if you’re loyal to the Yuwen Family. What we want to know is whether you still swear loyalty to Lucy, your princess and future empress.”

Fu Sifang looks puzzled. “The princess represents the Yuwen Family. If I’m loyal to the family, isn’t that loyalty to the princess?”

Benjamin shakes his head. “No, that’s not the same. We’re asking if you’re loyal to Lucy herself.”

Fang Yuan clarifies, “In other words, if the Yuwen Family and Lucy come into conflict, who will you side with?”

Fu Sifang hesitates for a long moment. “The princess is the direct bloodline of the Yuwen Family. Of course, I’m loyal to her.”

Henwell smiles. “Good. Then prove it to us.”

Fu Sifang asks, “How?”

Henwell points toward the capital. “You’re responsible for letting Nangong He escape. When we storm the imperial city, you must make up for this failure. We don’t ask much, go and fight Nangong Yaoyun. “

”Give it your all. We don’t expect you to kill him, but you must wound him as much as possible. Do this, and we’ll believe in your loyalty to Lucy. Your credibility will be restored.”

Fu Sifang replies coldly, “Why should I listen to you? This is absurd!”

William’s voice turns icy. “Refuse, and you die.”

Behind William, swords and long blades hum softly. Liu Mang toys with two steel spikes.

Nathan straps on a gauntlet. Fang Yuan plants his battle-axe firmly on the ground.

Benjamin tightens his grip on his spear. ZhangChe removes a scroll from his back.

Henwell rests both hands on the hilt of his sword at his waist. “Think carefully. We’re not joking. Say no, and you die today.”