novelapdf Chapter 173 Just Lie Down
Chapter 173 Just Lie Down
On the alleyway outside the courtyard.
As the sounds of fighting from just a wall away gradually subsided, Xun Xiaomo couldn't help but smile.
"The melodious sound of the zither..."
Xun Xiaomo turned her head to look at Shui Miaozheng, whose face was slightly pale, and spoke with a tone of sarcasm and smugness.
"If I were you, I would rush in right now and carry that kid out."
How about we take a gamble?
I bet that kid's legs are definitely broken into several pieces by now.
He might even be completely dead.
After all, once Sheng'er goes berserk, all she thinks about is killing. If she wants to kill someone, not even the Heavenly King himself can stop her. Shui Miaozheng pursed her pink lips, remaining silent.
Her delicate hands, hidden beneath her sleeves, were clenched into fists and trembling slightly.
Is Xiao Jiang really capable?
Please, please don't let anything happen...
Noticing the worry and panic in Shui Miaozheng's eyes, Xun Xiaomo's mockery deepened.
She turned to one of her bodyguard subordinates and instructed him:
"Go to the shop at the street corner and buy some paper money and incense. Otherwise people will say that I, Xun, am not righteous, that I can't even spare some money for our brave Master Jiang's farewell."
"Yes, sir."
The guard understood immediately.
Before leaving, he gave Shui Miaozheng a haughty sidelong glance, then turned to leave.
Just then, a figure stepped out.
Step by step.
It was exposed to everyone's view.
Xun Xiao's cold smile froze instantly.
The guard who was about to buy paper money was frozen in place, one foot dangling in mid-air, his face full of disbelief.
It was Jiang Mu who stepped out.
He was covered in blood, and his handsome face was stained with blood.
Hello everyone.
He grinned and greeted the stunned crowd outside the door.
"call……"
The moment Shui Miaozheng saw Jiang Mu, her heart, which had been in her throat, finally settled back into her stomach, and she breathed a long sigh of relief.
But seeing the other person's gruesome state, covered in hideous wounds, caused another pang of pain in my heart.
"Little Jiang!"
She rushed forward and caught Jiang Mu's swaying body, her voice filled with anxiety and heartache:
"How are you? Are you badly hurt? Are you alright?"
Jiang Mu grinned weakly and said:
"It's nothing, Aunt Shui. He's just a little kid. A quick beating will take care of him. It won't take much trouble."
Seeing the man's pitiful state yet his attempt to maintain a facade, Shui Miaozheng felt both sorry for him and amused.
She gave him a reproachful glare and said softly:
"Don't be so reckless and reckless again, you hear me? If anything goes wrong, you'll have to ask your auntie..."
Before she could finish speaking, she felt her cheeks burning and quickly stopped talking.
At this moment, Xun Xiaomo finally came to her senses from the shock.
She rushed into the courtyard like a madwoman.
When her gaze fell upon the headless corpse in the courtyard, Xun Xiaomo felt a wave of dizziness and nearly collapsed. She staggered back several steps before being supported by two guards behind her.
"This is impossible...this is absolutely impossible..."
Xun Xiaomo's face was ashen, her lips trembled, and her eyes were filled with incomprehensible absurdity.
A sixth-realm, orthodox Celestial Star Cultivator!
Incredibly… he actually got his head chopped off by a piece of trash at the early stage of the Fifth Realm?!
This is absolutely ridiculous!
"Jiang Mu!!"
Xun Xiaomo's eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, and a murderous aura erupted from his body. He pushed aside the guards and was about to rush towards Jiang Mu.
"Whoosh!"
A light blue screen suddenly lit up.
Shui Miaozheng's face was as cold as frost. She took a step forward, protecting Jiang Mu behind her. The pressure of an eighth-realm expert crashed into Xun Xiao without mercy.
Xun Xiaomo was forced to stop, gritting her teeth, her facial features slightly distorted:
"Shui Miaozheng, do you know what you're doing?!"
"Kill Jiang Sheng'er, kill Commander Yang's adopted daughter! All of you will be buried with her, and Lord Yang will never let you go!" Faced with the threat, Shui Miaozheng merely glanced at her coldly, her tone indifferent:
"Lord Xun, you can't just say things like that."
We received a report that Jiang Sheng'er was colluding with demons outside the city. For the safety of the people of Yan City, Hall Master Jiang personally went in to conduct a routine interrogation of her.
Who would have thought that Jiang Sheng'er's identity as an inside agent would be exposed? Not only did she refuse to confess, but she also resisted stubbornly and attempted to kill the court officials.
Out of self-defense, Master Jiang was forced to kill him on the spot.
Shui Miaozheng's lips curled into a cold smile: "Slaying demons and eliminating traitors. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"You one!"
Xun Xiaomo nearly vomited blood; his finger pointing at Shui Miaozheng was trembling.
This kind of rhetoric, this face of distorting the truth and making baseless accusations, isn't this exactly the kind of tactic that their internal security forces usually use?!
"Come on, Xiao Jiang, ignore these mad dogs. Let's go back and heal our wounds."
Shui Miaozheng didn't even bother to glance at Xun Xiaomo. Supporting Jiang Mu's arm, she turned and walked towards the camp.
Jiang Mu leaned most of his body against Shui Miaozheng.
Feeling the woman's softness, he coughed weakly twice, leaned his head close to her ear, and whispered:
"Aunt Shui... I'm badly injured right now."
I feel that after I go back this time, I might need Aunt Shui's help..."
Shui Miaozheng, who was originally full of worries, froze upon hearing these words.
Her ears turned bright red, and she secretly pinched Jiang Mu's soft waist, her face flushed as she whispered angrily:
"Alright, stop pretending!"
If I want to know what you're thinking, don't even think about it!
I already said last time, that was the last time. Besides, you've suffered such serious injuries this time—…”
She turned her head and looked at the man's deathly pale face, but the words of refusal she had intended to utter suddenly wouldn't come out.
The woman bit her moist pink lips, and finally said helplessly, "This is really the last time, okay?"
Jiang Mu sighed and said:
"Oh well, forget it. Aunt Shui is right. I'm too badly injured right now; I don't even have the strength to move a finger."
Shui Miaozheng turned her head and casually uttered a sentence:
"Go back...you can just lie down."
The news that Jiang Mu killed Jiang Sheng'er and seized her rightful star position did not spread widely.
Even for many demon slayers, the name "Jiang Sheng'er" is completely unfamiliar.
After all, the Inner Guard always operates in secrecy.
This girl is another dagger in Yang Qintian's hands that can't be brought to light.
Only a handful of people, such as Tian Wenjing, who were familiar with Jiang Mu, understood the significance of this.
However, even though Elder Tian and the others had become somewhat immune to Jiang Mu's outrageous actions, they were still shocked when they learned that this kid had actually managed to kill a sixth-realm Heavenly Star Official...
These guys, who were used to seeing all sorts of things, fell into a long silence.
Among them, Xu Fu was the one most deeply affected.
Back when the two first "met naked" in that cramped closet, Jiang Mu was just a trembling playboy. How long has it been?
Xu Fu was still struggling in the quagmire of the Five Realms, not even touching the edge of a proper star position.
This kid has actually surpassed me.
Not only did he catch up with his own cultivation level, but he also joined the prestigious Heavenly Gang orthodox organization, which is the envy of countless cultivators.
"Is there any justice left in this world?! Is there no law left?!"
Xu Fuyang cried out in sorrow.
Even Yuan Qianfan, the garrison commander who had always had great confidence in Jiang Mu, was somewhat shaken.
Believing is one thing.
If the other party actually succeeds, that's another matter entirely.
After expressing his feelings, Yuan Qianfan instructed Jiang Mu to go into seclusion and recuperate to consolidate his newly acquired star position.
He will transfer his eleventh realm Dharma form when the demon army launches its true all-out attack.
During this period.
Xun Xiao left Yancheng that very night with Jiang Sheng'er's body.
They couldn't even spare a thought for their original investigation mission.
As a core member of the inner guard, Xun Xiaomo was all too aware of Jiang Shenger's importance to Yang Qintian.
It could be said that in Yang Qintian's eyes, this girl's value far exceeded that of his domineering son, Yang Tianci.
Now Yang Tianci is dead, and Jiang Shenger is dead too.
Xun Xiaojin could easily guess the fury Yang Qintian would unleash upon learning this news.
Although she didn't know what methods Yang Qintian would use next, one thing she was certain of was...
Jiang Mu's fate is destined to be terrible.
The day after Xun Xiaozhang left.
The demon army, which had been holding back outside the city, finally launched a large-scale attack on the two major defense zones of Huzhou and Fazhou.
This is different from the previous tactic of simply using first and second-tier cannon fodder to wear them down.
This time, mid-to-high-level leaders of the fourth to sixth rank began to appear in the demon army. They mingled with the surging beast horde, putting immense pressure on the Demon Slayer Division's defenses.
Faced with the demon army's relentless, piecemeal tactics, Tian Wenjing and Shui Miaozheng, after an emergency discussion, decisively issued an order for a full retreat. All the Demon Slayer Division troops stationed outside retreated to Yan City.
Jiang Mu was extremely unwilling to leave.
However, considering that although he could save his own life, he could not protect all his brothers, and that Shui Miaozheng did not agree to him staying outside the city alone, he was still worried.
Jiang Mu had no choice but to reluctantly follow the main force into the city.
However, during the retreat, Master Jiang insisted on staying at the very back of the group and forcibly mowed down another wave of grass among the demons.
He chopped off the heads of more than two hundred of the demons that charged ahead as easily as chopping melons and vegetables.
This series of actions infuriated Tiger Vanguard, who was overseeing the battle from afar, to the point that he almost vomited blood on the spot, and his eyes turned red.
If his men hadn't held him back, he would have rushed forward and fought this scoundrel to the death.
"call"
Standing atop the towering walls of Yan City, watching the rich demonic energy once again filling the magic trough, Jiang Mu sighed:
"Sure enough, blasting up the fishpond is still the most satisfying thing to do."
As all the demon slayers retreated into the city, Yan City's defensive formation was fully activated.
A pale golden light curtain firmly inverted the entire city within it.
On the light screen, runes flowed and shone.
The final battle between the demon army and the Demon Slayer Division has finally begun.
From this moment on, the struggle will no longer be a simple battle.
Rather, it's about the thickness of the shields on both sides, the consumption of resources within the city, and even more so, a silent game between the powerful figures behind the scenes on both sides.
The demon slayers on the city wall looked at the demon army surging and crashing into the great formation like a black tide outside the light screen. Although their faces were solemn, there was little despair in their eyes.
Because in their hearts, Yancheng still had one last trump card.
That garrison commander of the eleventh realm.
As long as the garrison commander is still alive, the sky will not fall down!
however.
Only Jiang Mu and Shui Miaozheng knew the truth.
The current Yancheng is a precarious city built on a volcanic crater, hanging precariously on a steel wire that could snap at any moment. If Yuan Qianfan's empty city ruse fails to fool the powerful demons lurking in the shadows...
If the reinforcements promised by the imperial court fail to arrive in time...
Then the tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in the city will truly become food for those beasts outside the city.
Thirty li outside Yancheng.
Inside the core camp of the demon army.
The once arrogant Tiger Vanguard is now sitting obediently in a large chair.
Place your hands neatly on your knees.
They even deliberately kept their breathing extremely low, not daring to even exhale.
On either side of it, Nan Zhi and Wen He, whose face was covered by a black robe, stood respectfully, their expressions solemn.
The Golden Roc Demon and several other usually unruly seventh or eighth-tier demon leaders were now sitting obediently in their respective seats.
The tent was completely silent; no one dared to make the slightest noise.
All the demons turned their reverent gazes toward the head of the table.
There sat a "birdman".
That's right, he's a birdman.
Most of its body has transformed into human form, retaining only some distinctive features of the demon race.
It has a high, straight nose like a beak, and its cheeks are covered with fine, colorful down.
A pair of magnificent wings trailed behind it.
He was the supreme commander of this demon alliance.
Peacock Demon King!
Eleventh-order Great Demon!
Just like the classic setup for every time the demon army attacks a city.
The bottom level consists of cannon fodder being consumed, the middle level consists of fifth and sixth-rank minor leaders leading the charge, and the upper level is coordinated by seventh and eighth-rank major leaders.
The one truly in charge behind the scenes, responsible for countering the human race's guardians—a strategic nuclear weapon—is undoubtedly the eleventh-tier Great Demon King.
For example, the Fog Demon who launched a surprise attack on Huzhou City.
"This attack is several days later than planned."
The Peacock Demon King's voice was young, clear and androgynous, revealing no emotion.
Tiger Vanguard quickly stood up and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. This time, things went wrong on my end. I encountered some... tricky trouble and was unable to advance the defensive line as planned. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"
The Peacock Demon King's dazzling eyes flickered slightly, landing on Tiger Vanguard, and he said calmly:
"General Tiger, there's no need to blame yourself. You are a powerful ally that I specially borrowed from Lord Mist Demon. Your men contributed greatly to this siege, but also suffered heavy losses."
Ultimately, it was my intelligence that failed me, and I underestimated the unpredictability of that human kid, which caused General Tiger to suffer injustice. Tiger Vanguard, who had been feeling uneasy and bracing himself for a scolding, was so moved by these words that his eyes welled up with tears.
The other party was, after all, an eleventh-tier powerhouse on par with Lord Mist Demon, and could easily point at its nose and call it trash.
They might even be subjected to military law.
But the other party not only didn't utter a single word of blame, but instead took the initiative to shoulder the responsibility.
Such magnanimity, such composure.
Take a look!
What is the mindset of a king?
Tiger Vanguard felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head, slapped his chest, and said in a booming voice:
"Your Majesty is too kind. This time, the human race has retreated to the isolated city. In the next battle to break through the formation, I, the Tiger, will still lead the charge!"
"As soon as this broken tortoise shell shatters, I guarantee I'll be the first to lead the charge into the city!"
The Peacock Demon King smiled and nodded, seemingly satisfied with its stance. Then, its gaze turned to Nan Zhi below:
"Miss Nanzhi, when does your Red Umbrella Sect plan to make its move?"
Nan Zhi bowed slightly and replied respectfully:
"Your Majesty, we are waiting. We are waiting to confirm whether Yuan Qianfan in the city is truly dead."
The Peacock Demon King narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a hint of cold light:
"Although the higher-ups of your Red Umbrella Cult are old acquaintances of mine, and I trust your intelligence network."
But deep down, I still felt uneasy.
"A dignified garrison commander of the eleventh realm, just died so silently?"
Seeing that Nan Zhi remained silent, the Peacock Demon King didn't take it to heart, pointed outside the tent, and continued:
"You should know that in order to take Yan City this time, I not only gathered all kinds of demon soldiers, but also spent a lot of money to invite two ninth-level demon lords and two tenth-level demon kings to help me."
Logically speaking, an entity of this caliber should absolutely not have shown itself in the early stages of a siege.
The Peacock Demon King stood up, its multicolored wings opening and closing gently with its movements, radiating a powerful aura.
"When you reach our level, there's a saying among you humans: 'A son of a wealthy family will not sit under a dangerous roof.'"
Everyone here has gone through countless hardships and endured hundreds or thousands of years to reach this point today; their lives are all precious.
Facing a human god who commands the worship of an entire city and is protected by the heavens and the nation's destiny, even if our demon race has a slight advantage in physical strength, when it comes down to a fight to the death, no one can guarantee that they will escape unscathed.
Every death is one less.
Therefore, they cherish their feathers more than anyone else.
The Peacock Demon King's gaze swept over Nan Zhi and Wen He like a knife:
"If they could see that the garrison commander in the city was safe and sound, and that his aura was still as imposing as ever, do you believe me? They would turn around and leave without hesitation, without even saying goodbye."
Without the four demon kings to hold the line, it will be very difficult for your Red Umbrella Sect to break through Yan City with your meager underhanded methods.
Even I, the king, dare not guarantee that I can take on a garrison commander at his peak in a one-on-one fight.
Do you understand what I mean?
A bead of cold sweat appeared on Nan Zhi's forehead, and she quickly lowered her head.
"Nan Zhi understands. But that's precisely why our Red Umbrella Sect was open with you from the beginning. The information about Yuan Qianfan's death is still in the preliminary confirmation stage, and we cannot obtain absolute, irrefutable evidence."
"If Yuan Qianfan hadn't died, we certainly wouldn't have let you, King Peacock, take such a risk. The aid and resources our Red Umbrella Sect promised you will not be lacking in the slightest."
She hesitated for a moment, then braced herself and tentatively asked:
"Your Majesty, given that the siege is progressing much slower than we anticipated, I'm thinking... perhaps we should first ask two tenth-tier demon kings to go to the city gates and probe the situation?"
Once we force them to reveal their true situation and determine whether Yuan Qianfan is alive or dead, we can make our next decision.
The Peacock Demon King looked at Nan Zhi with a half-smile:
"Miss Nanzhi, do you think... they would be willing to take this risk?"
"this……"
Nan Zhi was speechless for a moment, and her face turned somewhat ugly.
Yes, those old monsters who have lived for hundreds of years, which one of them isn't the type to act without seeing the benefits first?
We are all a group of people with shared interests.
We haven't even seen a glimmer of benefit yet, and you're already sending people to risk their lives to test the waters?
Let alone a tenth-tier demon, even the seventh or eighth-tier leaders standing in this tent right now would probably run away faster than anyone else if they sensed something was wrong.
"So, we just have to keep waiting like this?"
Wenhe couldn't help but speak up, his tone tinged with impatience.
"I'll go myself."
Just as the tent fell into a deathly silence, the Peacock Demon King suddenly spoke in a low voice, breaking the silence.
"What?!"
Upon hearing this, the demons inside the tent were horrified.
After all, in this level of competition, the cards that are usually the last to be played are often the ones that are kept at the bottom.
It's like two people fighting; you have to peel off the other's armor and clothes layer by layer to exhaust their strength...
Only at the very end did they reveal their ultimate move.
Revealing your hand too early is like exposing your health bar to the enemy's blade prematurely, leaving you vulnerable to being slaughtered.
Any unnecessary loss of star power, any minor injury, or even a trace of mental fatigue could become a fatal flaw in the final battle.
They didn't understand why the Peacock Demon King would take such a risk.
This is a major taboo.
What kind of commander-in-chief would rush in and confront the enemy's top expert head-on from the very beginning?
The Golden Roc demon hurriedly advised:
"Your Majesty, you mustn't. If you personally intervene, and the garrison commander is still alive, he might seize the opportunity to launch an attack and directly trigger the great formation to fight you. After all, that's his territory, where he has the advantage..."
The Peacock Demon King waved his hand, a smile appearing on his handsome yet otherworldly face:
"It's alright. I'm a good demon in every way, except that I'm a bit impatient."
If we continue with the usual tactics of attrition, who knows if the Daqing court will suddenly send some troublesome reinforcements? In that case, I might as well take the risk myself and test them.
If I bet right, this Yan City will be mine for the taking, and I will have the chance to break through my limitations and enter the supreme realm of the twelfth rank.
If you lose the bet...
The Peacock Demon King chuckled, and his five-colored wings suddenly unfurled behind him:
"If we lose the bet, we can just do what Lord Mist Demon did: tuck our tails between our legs and run back to recover from our injuries, then start all over again." With that, it stepped out of the tent.
In an instant, a cloud of yellow sand suddenly appeared beneath the Peacock Demon King's feet.
Accompanied by thunder, it trod upon rolling yellow sand and clouds, crushing towards Yancheng with an unparalleled and arrogant posture.