Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 413 - 411. The Decisive Battle at Feihong Pass

411. Final Battle at Feihong Pass

The momentous battle unfolding on the city tower should have drawn countless martial arts practitioners to witness it. However, at Feihong Pass, no one had the leisure for such observation. Whether it was the Xiling troops, desperate to breach the pass, or the Mo Family Army soldiers, fighting to the death to repel them, no one had the mind to watch this grand confrontation. In every heart and every eye, there was only one target—the enemy.

The city gate finally splintered under the assault of a heavy battering ram. The soldiers of the Mo Family Army formed a human barricade at the entrance with their very flesh and blood, clashing fiercely with the enemy. On the city tower, in the streets—everywhere, soldiers from both armies could be seen locked in combat. The imminent death of the Southern Garrison Prince and the determination of the soldiers to defend the city alongside Princess Consort Ding had both immensely boosted the morale of their respective armies. No one was willing to yield even half a step, each soldier fighting desperately, bathed in blood.

No one knew how long this bloody battle raged. Everyone, including Ye Li, was blood-soaked and utterly exhausted when, at last, the thundering of hooves echoed from outside the pass. Feng Zhiyao’s spirits suddenly lifted; she leaped to her feet and cried out, "The Black Cloud Cavalry is here! The Prince has returned!" Instantly, a surge of renewed vigor coursed through all the surviving soldiers. Especially as the sound of approaching hooves grew clearer, an irrepressible joy welled up in everyone’s hearts. The Prince was finally back! The reinforcements had finally arrived! They... they had managed to hold Feihong Pass!

With the arrival of the Black Cloud Cavalry, the pressure on the defenders at the city gate lessened considerably. The Xiling army outside the city, caught off guard by this sudden development, saw their formation fall into disarray. The Black Cloud Cavalry seized the opportunity, charging straight through and successfully breaking into the city. At the forefront of the Black Cloud Cavalry, a man in white robes with white hair, his aura imposing and stern, commanded, "Close the front and rear city gates!"

Although Feihong Pass was named a pass, there was a small city within its walls. This city was not large, and most of its inhabitants were garrisoned soldiers, with very few civilians. Due to the impending major battle, the civilians had already retreated further inland. Thus, almost everyone remaining in the city was a soldier of the Mo Family Army. Once the city gates were shut, the Xiling soldiers who had not yet entered would have to renew their assault with much greater effort, while those already inside would be trapped and annihilated.

"Ah-Li..."

"Ah-Li..." Mo Xiuyao galloped down the street, his whip lashing out, sending several Xiling soldiers who attempted a sneak attack flying dozens of feet. He finally spotted that slender figure at a street corner. Her originally white clothes were now stained crimson, and even from a distance, he could see a few bloodstains on her beautiful face. In that instant, Mo Xiuyao felt a sharp pain pierce his heart, as if it had been viciously lashed, the ache unbearable.

"Xiuyao?" Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s voice, Ye Li was momentarily dazed. She had lost count of how many people she had slain that day. Her entire being seemed to reek of blood. Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s voice so suddenly, she felt as if it were a dream, surreal and unreal.

"Be careful!" Han Mingyue shouted, his voice deep. His longsword left his hand, hurling towards a Xiling soldier stealthily preparing to ambush Ye Li from behind. Simultaneously, Mo Xiuyao vaulted from his horse, leaping forward like a graceful swan skimming water, and swept Ye Li into his embrace.

"Xiuyao?" Ye Li stiffened slightly, then she clearly saw the man holding her.

"Ah-Li." Mo Xiuyao hugged her tightly. For the first time in his life, he felt an overwhelming sense of fear, a dread he had never experienced before. He, Mo Xiuyao, was a peerless strategist, capable of manipulating anyone in the world as if they were mere pawns. But this time, he had truly, catastrophically miscalculated. He couldn’t imagine what he would do if anything had truly happened to Ye Li.

One arm securing Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao wielded his whip with the other, lashing out in all directions. Streaks of powerful energy, like venomous darts, shot out. In moments, no Xiling soldier within a hundred-foot radius escaped unscathed. The Xiling soldiers further away, intimidated by Prince Ding’s fearsome reputation, dared not advance.

Han Mingyue retrieved his sword from a fallen Xiling soldier and approached. "You’re finally back," he said. Mo Xiuyao nodded, looking at Han Mingyue with a seriousness he hadn’t shown him in over a decade. "Thank you," he said solemnly. Like Ye Li, Han Mingyue was also bathed in blood; his former image as an elegant young master was nowhere to be seen. Moreover, Han Mingyue bore numerous wounds; clearly, he had been by Ye Li’s side, protecting her all this time.

Han Mingyue offered a faint smile, though his face was still smeared with enemy blood. The smile in his eyes, however, held the warmth of a gentle breeze under a clear moon, and a touch of the elegance of the renowned Young Master Mingyue of old.

Han Mingyue knew that after this battle, the chasm of their estrangement over many years might finally be bridged. He understood Mo Xiuyao’s character well enough; Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t hate him, he would simply ignore him forever, acting as if he had never had Han Mingyue as a friend or brother. Only after emerging from the fog of that past infatuation did Han Mingyue finally realize what he had sacrificed for that hopeless love.

The commotion of Mo Xiuyao’s return was, naturally, significant. Soon, Feng Zhiyao and the others rushed over. Dispensing with pleasantries, Feng Zhiyao hastily asked Mo Xiuyao, "How many men did you bring back?!"

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Thirty thousand."

Feng Zhiyao’s expression instantly turned grim. Hundreds of thousands of Xiling soldiers! What damn use were thirty thousand men against them!

Mo Xiuyao said calmly, "There’s no need to worry. Leng Huai will arrive soon with more men. We just need to delay the Xiling forces as much as possible and hold them within Feihong Pass and this small city."

At this point, there was nothing more to say. Feng Zhiyao turned around decisively. "Understood. But I don’t know how long we can delay them. If anyone breaks through..."

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "The various prefectures and counties have garrisons. Though not numerous, they should be enough to hold back some remnants of their forces."

Ye Li added lightly, "I’ve already ordered the evacuation of all civilians within a hundred-*li* radius of Feihong Pass."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s spirits lifted. Apart from Ye Li, no one else had thought of this solution. Although evacuating all civilians was no easy task, with the prestige of Prince Ding’s Mansion, and a personal command from Princess Consort Ding, at least eighty to ninety percent would comply. With the most pressing concern addressed, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. Feng Zhiyao smiled. "In that case, we’ll give our all to block the Xiling army. We’ll surely hold out until General Leng arrives. My Prince, My Princess Consort, this subordinate takes his leave!" As long as the civilians avoided major casualties, even the destruction of some homes and crops was not an unacceptable loss for the Mo Family Army. Although there had been continuous warfare in recent years, years of planning and development meant the entire Northwest had not suffered fundamental damage.

"This subordinate takes his leave!" the others echoed in unison, then turned and hurried to their respective battlefronts.

"By the way, Lei Zhenting and Pavilion Master Ling are still on the city tower," Ye Li suddenly recalled. However, she herself wasn’t sure how much time had passed during this fierce battle. But Lei Zhenting hadn’t reappeared. If the two were not still locked in their duel, then either Lei Zhenting had been defeated, or they had both perished together.

As for Ling Tiehan, whom he had tricked into coming to help, Mo Xiuyao wasn’t the least bit worried. Ling Tiehan wanted revenge against Lei Zhenting; he was merely providing an opportunity, and incidentally, saving his own subordinates. Although it was by a strange twist of fate that Ling Tiehan had saved Ye Li, he wouldn’t feel any guilt even if Ling Tiehan were to die as a result.

Removing his cloak, Mo Xiuyao draped it over Ye Li. "Ah-Li," he said gently, "go get a fresh change of clothes."

Ye Li shot him an exasperated glance and turned towards the city tower.

The fierce battle on the city tower was still raging. Lei Zhenting’s Heaven-Defying Reversal Technique was indeed astonishing. Given Ling Tiehan’s martial cultivation, the current Lei Zhenting, even uninjured, would have difficulty being his match. However, when Ye Li and the others arrived, it was Ling Tiehan who was covered in wounds. But Ling Tiehan, who had dedicated his life to martial arts and possessed a resilient character, showed no intention of stopping despite being covered in injuries.

Hearing Mo Xiuyao and the others step onto the city tower, Lei Zhenting was the first to leap back, disengaging.

"Mo Xiuyao, it’s you again." Lei Zhenting squinted at Mo Xiuyao. His normally deep, desolate eyes were somewhat bloodshot, perhaps from the prolonged battle, or perhaps because Mo Xiuyao’s early return had thwarted his plans.

Mo Xiuyao nonchalantly raised an eyebrow. Only Ye Li, whose hand he held, could sense that his current mood was far from the calm he displayed. Mo Xiuyao smirked. "Naturally, it is this prince. This prince is actually rather surprised, how is it that you... are still not dead?"

Lei Zhenting snorted. "You’re not dead, so how could this king die?" With that, Lei Zhenting ignored Ling Tiehan to his side and lunged towards Mo Xiuyao. However, his longsword thrust directly towards Ye Li, who was beside Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao’s expression hardened. With a swift palm strike, he sent Ye Li behind Han Mingyue. The Annihilation Sword in his hand flashed from its sheath with a CLANG, mercilessly striking towards Lei Zhenting.

"Lei Zhenting, this prince will ensure you die a miserable death!" Mo Xiuyao sneered. In an instant, the two were engaged in combat. Lei Zhenting, showing no weakness, retorted with a laugh, "Whether it’s you or I who dies miserably is still unknown!"

Truth be told, even individuals like Han Mingyue and Ling Tiehan were deeply wary of the heaven-defying effects of the Heaven-Defying Reversal Technique. After his intense battle with Ling Tiehan, Lei Zhenting seemed not to have expended much energy at all. As he fought Mo Xiuyao, his movements were as swift as lightning, reminding Mo Xiuyao of their first encounter in the worldly society over a decade ago. At that time, his martial arts were still slightly inferior to Lei Zhenting’s. But now, Mo Xiuyao was in his prime, while Lei Zhenting was gradually beginning to age. Mo Xiuyao was absolutely confident that his current martial cultivation was definitely superior to Lei Zhenting’s. Even so, engaging Lei Zhenting now, Mo Xiuyao still felt a trace of pressure.

Seeing this, Ling Tiehan joined the fray without hesitation. In such circumstances, concepts like ganging up on someone weaker were irrelevant. By using the Heaven-Defying Reversal Technique, Lei Zhenting was already doomed to die. There was no need for those present to be buried with him. More importantly, it was impossible for Mo Xiuyao to withdraw now. That being the case, Ling Tiehan didn’t mind making it two against one.

Pressed by two top-tier experts, Lei Zhenting gradually began to lose ground. However, Ling Tiehan and Mo Xiuyao also sustained new injuries. This battle raged from day until night. Ye Li and Han Mingyue, unable to intervene, could only watch the three combatants, not daring to leave their side for even a moment.

At the most critical juncture, Han Mingyue couldn’t help but let out a long cry, followed by hearty laughter. Ye Li stood watching from the side, a faint smile also gracing her lips. Witnessing this duel between three of the world’s top experts, Han Mingyue actually broke through a mental barrier, and his martial arts, which had stagnated for years, advanced to a higher level. Presumably, in a few more years, the name Young Master Mingyue would surely be listed among the Four Great Experts of the world.

Under the night sky, the entirety of Feihong Pass remained brightly lit. Throughout the small city, countless soldiers battled in every street and alley. The stench of blood permeated the air. On the rear city wall’s tower, Veteran General Yuan Pei and his few remaining soldiers stood guard. Below the tower was a city gate, only a third of the width of Feihong Pass’s main gate, but beyond this gate lay the vast, flat plains covering more than half of the Northwest region. All the soldiers were exhausted, but they gripped their weapons tightly, repeatedly cutting down the enemies who charged forward. Behind them were the people and the land they were sworn to protect; they had no room for retreat. Other than killing the enemy within the city gates, they had no other choice.

Another wave of Xiling soldiers surged forward, having broken through the blockades set by the Mo Family Army soldiers in the streets and alleys. Yuan Pei’s expression was grim as he commanded loudly, "Archers, fire!" Arrows rained down like a sudden storm. A group of enemies fell, only for more to quickly charge forward. The soldiers defending the city gate below charged out, engaging in close-quarters combat with the enemies who had braved the arrow storm.

Just when it seemed such a day would stretch on endlessly, the heavy thundering of hooves echoed once more from the distance. Even from afar, one could feel the earth tremble; it was the sound of a massive army galloping at full speed. At this moment, everyone knew who was approaching. The weary faces of the Mo Family Army soldiers lit up once more. "Reinforcements have arrived!"

"The reinforcements have arrived! Brothers, charge! Hold back the Xiling forces!"

"The reinforcements have arrived!" Cheers from the Mo Family Army soldiers erupted throughout the small city, and the battle between the two sides grew even fiercer.

Leng Huai, leading his million-strong army, stormed into Feihong Pass. Xiling’s several hundred thousand soldiers were instantly routed, collapsing for a thousand *li*. Having been held in the city for an entire day by merely a hundred thousand or so Mo Family Army soldiers and suffering grievous losses, their morale was already shattered. Now, with the sudden appearance of a million additional troops, even the most resolute Xiling soldiers couldn’t help but break. Before dawn, the battle within the city had reached its conclusion. Of the Xiling troops in the city, those who weren’t killed, surrendered. When Leng Huai led his men to the rear city gate, they arrived just in time to support the swaying Yuan Pei.

Veteran General Yuan had already passed seventy. This day and night of fighting would have been exhausting even for young men, let alone an elderly man of Yuan Pei’s advanced age. Seeing Leng Huai, Yuan Pei also heaved a sigh of relief. If Leng Huai had arrived any later, they truly wouldn’t have been able to hold on. "Gen... General Leng..."

Leng Huai said apologetically, "Veteran General Yuan... we... we arrived late. You’ve endured much."

"It’s good that you’ve come... good that you’ve come..." Yuan Pei said repeatedly. Then, his vision blackened, and he collapsed. Leng Huai, quick-eyed and swift-handed, caught him. "Veteran General Yuan! Veteran General Yuan! Medic!"

Third Feng happened to be approaching and, hearing Leng Huai’s call, swiftly darted over. He took Yuan Pei’s hand to check his pulse and then sighed in relief. "It’s nothing serious; he’s probably just exhausted. Have someone send Veteran General Yuan back first. Later, we’ll have Mr. Shen examine him more thoroughly."

Learning that Yuan Pei was all right, Leng Huai breathed a sigh of relief. Yuan Pei was arguably the oldest surviving general in the Mo Family Army. If anything had happened to him here, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous loss for the Mo Family Army.

They dispatched men to escort Veteran General Yuan Pei back to the General’s Mansion. Meanwhile, Leng Huai and Feng Zhiyao ordered the newly arrived soldiers to search every street and alley for any Xiling troops who might have escaped. By the time these arrangements were completed, it was already broad daylight. The two of them finally breathed a sigh of relief. Glancing at each other, Feng Zhiyao suddenly exclaimed, "The Prince and Princess Consort are still on the city tower!" If Mo Xiuyao had already dealt with Lei Zhenting, he would surely have appeared with Ye Li to take charge of the situation. The fact that they hadn’t seen either of them yet meant the decisive battle on the city tower was not yet over.

When the two hurriedly reached the city tower of Feihong Pass, Qin Feng and the others were already there. Though all were covered in wounds, leaning or sitting exhaustedly on the city tower, their expressions were incredibly relaxed. Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but smile. She shrugged, walked over to a nearby flight of stairs, and sat down against the city wall, leaning on Qin Feng. After this battle, there would probably be a long period without war. Wasn’t it natural to feel relaxed? For a soldier, never having the chance to go to war in one’s lifetime might be a tragedy. But for a country, if it was perpetually mired in war, it might as well perish sooner rather than later.

Seeing Feng Zhiyao, Leng Huai, and the others appear one after another, Lei Zhenting finally understood that he had once again been defeated by the Mo Family Army. His attacks grew increasingly ferocious. But after a day and night of intense fighting, Lei Zhenting’s exhaustion was far greater than that of Ling Tiehan and Mo Xiuyao. Even a technique as powerful as the Heaven-Defying Reversal Technique could not guarantee Lei Zhenting invincibility within those forty-eight hours. Even so, under the combined assault of Ling Tiehan and Mo Xiuyao—arguably the two greatest experts of the current age—he was still severely injured. As a human, even one who had prematurely consumed all his life force, there were limits. Therefore, after several consecutive violent attacks, Mo Xiuyao and Ling Tiehan both clearly sensed a change in Lei Zhenting.

The two exchanged a glance. Ling Tiehan’s sword streaked like a long rainbow straight towards Lei Zhenting’s chest. Meanwhile, Mo Xiuyao, from behind, leaped into the air, bringing his sword down in a piercing strike towards the crown of Lei Zhenting’s head.

Lei Zhenting sneered, leapt aside to evade Mo Xiuyao’s descending sword, and with one hand, forcibly caught Ling Tiehan’s longsword. Then, using the momentum of Ling Tiehan’s blade, he surged forward, striking a palm towards Ling Tiehan’s chest.

That was precisely the moment Mo Xiuyao had been waiting for. The initial stab towards the head had been a feint. The crown of the head was such a vital point; unless Lei Zhenting was immobilized, how could he easily allow it to be pierced? Mo Xiuyao altered his sword’s trajectory; the Annihilation Sword flashed with a cold glint and instantly plunged into Lei Zhenting’s right shoulder. Lei Zhenting’s palm strike towards Ling Tiehan faltered. Ling Tiehan twisted his sword, wrenching it from Lei Zhenting’s grasp, then ducked low and, in concert with Mo Xiuyao, slashed at Lei Zhenting’s legs from both left and right.

Struck by Mo Xiuyao’s sword, Lei Zhenting cried out in pain and swiftly leaped back. He dodged the two subsequent slashes from Mo Xiuyao and Ling Tiehan, but his left leg was still grazed by Ling Tiehan’s sword, leaving a bloody gash.

Lei Zhenting only managed to steady himself when he retreated to the edge of the city wall. He glanced down at the wound on his right shoulder and frowned. This sword wound wasn’t vital, but his right shoulder had suffered a spear wound from Ye Li only days ago, and it hadn’t fully healed. Mo Xiuyao’s strike now was truly adding insult to injury. Moreover, the Heaven-Defying Reversal Technique couldn’t make him completely impervious to pain. The countless wounds and the agony they inflicted further diminished his strength.

Mo Xiuyao and Ling Tiehan were in no hurry. They gripped their longswords and regarded Lei Zhenting with stoic expressions. At this point, given Lei Zhenting’s character, he would definitely not flee. The only fear was that he might try to drag someone down with him in his dying moments.

Lei Zhenting smiled faintly and said, "To be able to fight Prince Ding and the Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion, this king has no regrets in this life."

Ling Tiehan’s expression was indifferent, and he remained silent, but Mo Xiuyao sneered coldly, "This prince never intended to duel you. This prince wants only one thing: Your death, and my survival."

Lei Zhenting was stunned for a moment, then couldn’t help but throw his head back and laugh loudly. "Haha... Prince Ding indeed! Worthy of being Prince Ding, the good son of Mo Liufang! Mo Xiuyao... if Ling Tiehan weren’t here today, the one to die at this king’s hands would absolutely have been you!" The most unfathomable thing in this world is the human heart, yet Mo Xiuyao could precisely predict its workings. That was why even an expert like Ling Tiehan could be moved at his behest. Perhaps Ye Li had been right. Back then, Prince Ding’s Mansion had nearly been destroyed by treacherous hearts. Mo Xiuyao, having learned from that painful experience, had somehow managed to see through all human desires and schemes. That was why he, Lei Zhenting, had been defeated at his hands.

Mo Xiuyao paid no heed to Lei Zhenting’s taunts. "If Pavilion Master Ling were not here," he said indifferently, "you wouldn’t be dying here either. This prince naturally has other ways to ensure your death."

Lei Zhenting roared with laughter. Those present exchanged bewildered glances, none understanding the reason for his laughter. Perhaps even he himself didn’t know. When he finally stopped laughing, Lei Zhenting stood up once more, pointed his longsword at Mo Xiuyao, and declared, "Fine! Fine... This king would like to see just how Prince Ding intends to make me die!"

A cruel smile touched Mo Xiuyao’s lips. "This prince wants you... to experience a fate... worse... than... death!"

The atmosphere on the city tower grew tense once more. Everyone held their breath, intently staring at the three figures in the standoff. This life-and-death struggle between three of the world’s most accomplished martial artists was about to reach its conclusion. It also signified that the ultimate winner of this contest for supremacy, which had raged for several years, was about to be decided. Even though... many already knew who would ultimately rule the world, they still couldn’t help but feel their hearts race, utterly captivated and unable to look away.