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"Protect the king!"

Yeon Gaesomun reacted the fastest, pulling Gojang behind him and drawing his sword, giving a stern order. The generals in the hall also drew their weapons, crowding around Gojang and nervously looking towards the hall entrance.

Fu Junzhuo drew her longsword, standing protectively in front of Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, her pretty face tense. A knowing glint flashed in Song Shidao's eyes, his expression relaxing, as if he had guessed who the newcomers were.

The shouts, screams, and the sounds of weapons breaking outside the palace gates grew closer, then quickly subsided, as if the resistance had been easily wiped away like bubbles. A suffocating silence took its place, but the pervasive atmosphere of terror grew even stronger.

"Tap...tap...tap..."

The crisp, rhythmic footsteps echoed from the long corridor outside the palace, unhurried yet seemingly stepping on the gaps in one's heartbeat, bringing an eerie sense of oppression.

The light dimmed slightly at the palace entrance.

A figure, exquisitely beautiful yet exuding boundless majesty and a dangerous aura, slowly entered the hall.

She wore a long, dark palace-style dress, its hem trailing on the ground. Her hair was piled high, held up by a single black jade hairpin, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, seemingly untouched by time. Yet, her captivating eyes, once so alluring, were now like a deep, cold pool, devoid of any emotion. An invisible force field seemed to surround her, distorting the light around her and making the air feel thicker.

Empress Yin, Zhu Yuyan!

Behind her, the three elders of the Yin Kui Sect, Wen Caiting, Dan Mei, and Bai Qing'er, followed like shadows, their auras equally sharp. Further back, one could vaguely see many corpses dressed in the uniforms of the Goguryeo imperial guards lying on the long corridor outside the hall, their blood staining the polished floor.

Zhu Yuyan's gaze slowly swept over everyone in the hall. It swept over Gao Zang, Yeon Gaesomun, and the others as if they were ants. It lingered briefly on Fu Junzhuo, a hint of mockery in her eyes. Finally, it settled on Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, and Song Shidao behind them.

"I have come on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor to escort Chief Steward Song back to camp."

Zhu Yuyan's voice rang out, soft and melodious, yet carrying a hint of coldness and intense killing intent: "By the way, clean up some of those...blind bugs."

"Witch! How dare you trespass into my palace and kill my soldiers!"

Unable to contain his rage, a fierce Goguryeo general, seeing that his opponent was merely a woman and eager to gain merit, roared and swung his spear, which, with a piercing sound, aimed straight at Zhu Yuyan's chest! This spear strike was powerful and heavy, clearly the work of a valiant general.

Zhu Yuyan didn't even glance at him.

She simply raised her left hand slightly, her slender fingers like white scallions, and flicked them in mid-air at the tip of the spear that was thrusting towards her.

"Ding!"

A crisp, metallic clang rang out!
The spearhead, forged from fine iron, bent and shattered abruptly as if it had struck an invisible wall of bronze and iron when it was still a foot away from Zhu Yuyan's fingertips! The shattered spearhead shot back at several times the speed it had come from!
"Puff puff!"

The shattered iron fragments instantly pierced the throats and faces of the fierce general and several of his personal guards behind him! Before they could even scream, their eyes widened, they clutched their bleeding wounds, and collapsed to the ground with a thud!

A flick of the finger kills! A nonchalant gesture!

A deathly silence fell over the hall, broken only by heavy breathing and the sound of teeth chattering. Gojang was so terrified he nearly collapsed onto his throne, while Yeon Gaesomun's hand gripping his sword bulged with veins, cold sweat beading on his forehead. They finally realized just how terrifying this woman, so beautiful she seemed otherworldly, truly was!

Zhu Yuyan's gaze swept across the crowd again, and no one dared to meet her eyes.

She then turned her gaze to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, a faint smile curving her lips: "You two little brats, are you Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling? You've got guts, and your skills... are just so-so."

Kou Zhong's innate competitive spirit was ignited. Despite his internal alarm bells ringing, he still stood tall and grinned, saying, "Empress Zhu Yuyan? I've long admired your name! But if you want to take Chief Steward Song away, you'll have to ask if we brothers agree!"

Xu Ziling sighed inwardly, knowing that conflict was inevitable. The Yin-type True Qi of the Longevity Technique quietly flowed to its peak, subtly echoing Kou Zhong's Yang-type aura. He said in a deep voice, "Senior Yin Hou, Steward Song was brought by us, and the matter is of great importance. If you insist on forcibly taking it, we will have no choice but to offend you."

A purple glint flashed in Zhu Yuyan's eyes, and she smiled faintly: "Oh? Offend me? I'd like to see just how much this kid Fu Cailin has taught is worth."

Before she could finish speaking, she vanished in an instant!

As if blending into light and shadow, it appeared directly three feet in front of Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling in a way that transcended visual perception!
The Heavenly Demon Illusion is formless and shapeless!
Two crystal-clear, jade-like hands, the left index finger pointing towards Kou Zhong's brow, the right thumb pressing towards Xu Ziling's Tanzhong acupoint on his chest! Before the finger strikes even arrive, a terrifying aura, powerful enough to freeze the soul yet possessing an alluring, soul-stirring charm, has already enveloped the two! The "Heavenly Demon Force Field" of the eighteenth level of the Heavenly Demon Great Art is fully activated, distorting perception, suppressing true energy, and stirring up inner demons!
Kou Zhong roared and advanced instead of retreating. He pushed the Yang chapter of the "Longevity Manual" to its limit, his body burning with crimson true energy. He threw a punch, the force of which was fierce and explosive, carrying an indomitable and tragic momentum. It was the essence of his self-created "Ten Forms of Blood Battle"—Breaking Army—which he had fused with battlefield killing techniques! He attempted to break through the shackles of the Heavenly Demon Force Field with absolute power and will!
Xu Ziling's body moved like flowing water, his hands drawing circles, layer upon layer of dense and endless yin palm shadows protecting his body. This was the Cloud and Water Thousand Layers transformed from the Yin Chapter of the Longevity Manual combined with the Bird Crossing Technique! He guarded the center while dispersing, attempting to guide and disperse Zhu Yuyan's finger force.

Fu Junzhuo also let out a delicate shout, unleashing her swordplay technique. The sword light was as white as snow, and she aimed at Zhu Yuyan's ribs, attempting to relieve the siege by attacking the enemy's stronghold.

Wen Caiting, Danmei, and Bai Qing'er moved with lightning speed, rushing towards the Goguryeo officials and generals, as well as the Goguryeo warriors who tried to approach Song Shidao, instantly unleashing a bloody storm! Dealing with these ordinary generals and warriors was like tigers among sheep!
"Little tricks."

Zhu Yuyan snorted softly, her left index finger pointing at Kou Zhong remained in the same position, but the Heavenly Demon True Qi that had been condensed to the extreme at the tip of her finger suddenly erupted, turning into a thin, hair-like but extremely condensed purple-black finger beam, which instantly pierced through the core of Kou Zhong's fierce fist force!

"laugh!"

Kou Zhong felt a piercing pain and icy coldness from his fist. His invincible "Breaking Army" fist intent was actually broken by this finger beam! Furthermore, a strange and cold demonic energy that penetrated his meridians and bone marrow surged up his arm, making half of his body numb! He retreated in horror, desperately using the Yang energy of the Longevity Technique to dispel the attack.

At the same time, Zhu Yuyan pointed at Xu Ziling's right thumb. Upon touching the layers of soft, yin-like palm shadows, her finger technique abruptly changed, shifting from pressing to flicking! Her five fingers bloomed like orchids, gentle and graceful, yet carrying a mysterious and indescribable trajectory, as if brushing across zither strings, or stirring a still lake. Xu Ziling's dense and endless "Cloud and Water Thousand Layers" palm force, under this gentle flick, was like water rippled by a stone thrown in. The ripples (palm shadows) remained, but the core flow of energy was instantly disrupted! It was as if his fully activated technique had been lightly and skillfully "flicked," causing a slight stagnation in his qi and blood, creating an unexpected opening in his defense!
In the blink of an eye, Zhu Yuyan's thumb darted in and gently pressed against Xu Ziling's Tanzhong acupoint, just an inch away! Although it didn't directly hit a vital spot, a gentle yet domineering Heavenly Demon True Qi had already penetrated his body!

Xu Ziling groaned, his face paling. He staggered back seven or eight steps, his Yin energy from the Longevity Technique rapidly circulating to barely suppress the strange energy surging within his body. He was utterly shocked. His opponent's perception and control over true energy and techniques were simply unbelievable!

As for Fu Junzhuo's sword aimed at her ribs, Zhu Yuyan didn't even glance at it. The invisible demonic force field around her shifted slightly, and Fu Junzhuo felt as if the sword tip had pierced into incredibly sticky glue. Her sword strike instantly froze and shifted, and a counterforce struck, numbing her wrist and nearly causing her to drop the sword! The difference in skill was too great!
After only one exchange, Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, and Fu Junzhuo, working together, were effortlessly forced back by Zhu Yuyan! Kou Zhong's arm was injured, Xu Ziling's internal energy was disordered, and Fu Junzhuo's sword technique was broken!
Zhu Yuyan did not pursue them. Instead, she flashed again, appearing like a ghost behind the two Goguryeo court experts who were trying to approach Song Shidao amidst the chaos. The two were also famous figures in Goguryeo, one wielding twin swords and the other an iron whip. Sensing something amiss behind them, they roared and turned to attack.

Zhu Yuyan had already obtained the Heavenly Demon Twin Slashes in her hands without anyone noticing, and only two stunningly beautiful arcs of black light flashed by!
"Crack! Crack!"

Two heads, their faces filled with disbelief and astonishment, shot skyward! Blood splattered several feet away!

Without even glancing at the fallen corpse, she sheathed the Heavenly Demon Twin Slashes, and with a flick of her jade hand, an incredibly supple Heavenly Demon Silk ribbon shot out like a serpent, instantly wrapping around Song Shidao who was not far away and pulling him to her side. With a few taps of her fingertips, she had already released some of the acupoints that had been sealed on him.

"Steward Song, you've been frightened."

Zhu Yuyan nodded slightly to Song Shidao, her tone softening.

Song Shidao flexed his wrists and said with a wry smile, "I am ashamed that Empress Yin has come in person."

All of this happened too fast. From Zhu Yuyan entering the palace to defeating Shuanglong Fu Junzhuo, killing the Goguryeo expert, and rescuing Song Shidao, only a dozen or so breaths had passed! The palace was already littered with corpses, and the stench of blood was overwhelming. The Goguryeo king and his ministers were pale and trembling. Yeon Gaesomun's eyes were bloodshot, but he dared not make a move. He knew he was no match for this female demon.

Kou Zhong clutched his stinging arm, Xu Ziling regulated his breathing, and Fu Junzhuo's sword-wielding hand trembled slightly. The three huddled together, their eyes filled with horror and resentment. They had finally witnessed what a true demonic sect leader, a top-tier fighter of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, was like! And their opponent hadn't even used their full strength!
Zhu Yuyan turned around and faced the Goguryeo king and his ministers, as well as Kou Zhong and his two companions, once again. Her gaze was icy.

"Today, I will only bring men, not destroy the country."

"The might of the Chinese dynasty is not to be trifled with! If you dare to use such underhanded tricks to obstruct the imperial army again, we will make you pay with the blood of the entire city of Pyongyang!"

He paused, his tone as chilling as the winds of the deepest hell:
"The one who comes next time will not be me. At that time, Goguryeo... will be utterly annihilated."

Having said that, Zhu Yuyan turned and walked out of the palace without looking at anyone else. Wen Caiting, Danmei, and Bai Qing'er quickly followed. Any Goguryeo soldiers who tried to stop them or launch a sneak attack were easily killed by them, as if they were ants being crushed.

Kou Zhong clenched his fists, trying to stop them, but Xu Ziling held him back tightly, slowly shaking his head. Fu Junzhuo also dejectedly lowered her longsword. They knew that they had already shown mercy by surviving today.

Zhu Yuyan and her entourage, as if returning from a spring outing, calmly passed through the blood-soaked palace amidst countless terrified gazes, and drifted away, disappearing into the streets and alleys of Pyongyang.

The palace was left in deathly silence, and the Goguryeo king and his ministers were filled with endless fear and humiliation.

After a long silence, Yeon Gaesomun roared in a hoarse voice, "Order... close the city gates tightly... strengthen defenses... report to Master Yi Jian on horseback!"

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling exchanged a glance, both seeing the heaviness in each other's eyes.

"Young Master Ling, this woman... is too fierce."

Kou Zhong licked his dry lips.

Xu Ziling sighed, "The power of the Hua Dynasty far exceeds our imagination. Master... I'm afraid even he can't turn the tide alone. We shouldn't stay here any longer; let's go see Master first."

Zhu Yuyan's absolute dominance and bloody warning severely shocked the entire Goguryeo kingdom, etching the inviolable majesty of the Huachao dynasty onto the floor of Pyongyang's royal city with blood.

The news reached the Liaodong front, greatly boosting the morale of the Chinese army. Shan Meixian immediately reorganized her troops, preparing to launch a new offensive.

...............

In early May, at the foot of Liaodong City, the Hua Army camp.

The atmosphere inside the central command tent was solemn and heavy.

The news of Commander-in-Chief Song Shidao's safe return instantly dispelled the gloom that had hung over the 100,000-strong Chinese army for more than a month.

The tent was packed with people, including Song Shidao's trusted generals, the acting naval commander Shan Meixian, and the commanders of several elite troops who had been ordered to join forces. Everyone was clad in gleaming armor, their eyes sharp, awaiting their commander's orders.

Song Shidao didn't exchange many pleasantries. His gaze swept over the generals in the tent, finally settling on the huge sand table of Liaodong City. His voice was steady and clear:
"I am unharmed, but I have caused you all worry and delayed military affairs; this is my fault. However, the villains of Goguryeo dared to carry out this vile kidnapping, disregarding the might of our Chinese dynasty, and even more so, they stubbornly resisted, slaughtering my soldiers and civilians. How can this hatred and grudge not be avenged?!"

"Empress Yin has already, on behalf of His Majesty and this commander, severely punished their royal court. However, Liaodong City remains in enemy hands, and Pyongyang's ambitions have not been quelled. His Majesty's decree is clear: Goguryeo should be a bulwark for the Central Plains and the Northeast, not a threat from within. Liaodong City must be taken! And it must be taken decisively and thoroughly, as a warning to others!"

His finger slammed heavily on the location of Liaodong City on the sand table: "The previous siege was to trap, exhaust, and wear down the enemy. Today, with my return, the entire army is united in hatred against the enemy. It is time to strike hard and wipe them out! I hereby issue this order: From this day forward, the entire army shall enter a state of general offensive! All units shall act accordingly. Within five days, I will raise the Xuanlong Banner of my Hua Dynasty atop Liaodong City!" (End of Chapter)