“I will stay…” Yue Youqun, seeing Bie Li remain, also stepped forward, standing by Ye Jingyu’s side, though his eyes held no light, his thoughts utterly opaque…
“I will stay…” Seeing someone step up, soldiers immediately followed suit…
One, two, three…
Their eyes brimmed with sincerity, their gazes alight with fervor, and their spirits alight with the absolute resolve of those facing certain death…
Soon, the ranks behind Ye Jingyu swelled. They were all martial artists, men bound by deep loyalty and righteousness. Having heard Ye Jingyu lay bare the perilous situation they faced with such candor, their hearts were profoundly moved. By all rights, he could have commanded a contingent to stay while he led the rest in a full-speed escape, yet he did not. Instead, he intended to remain behind to buy time for them. If he could make such a profound sacrifice for their sake, why could they not do the same?
What was death? A man born into this world was destined to die sooner or later. Better to die gloriously now than live a lifetime steeped in regret and suffering…
Watching the growing crowd gather behind Ye Jingyu, the remaining soldiers flushed with shame, and a significant number stepped forward…
As more and more men emerged, their expressions fixed with unwavering conviction, a faint smile touched Ye Jingyu’s lips…
He saw them for what they were: a host of passionate men, a cadre of true heroes…
Observing the ever-increasing number behind Ye Jingyu, Chen Qi’s eyes widened with a mixture of astonishment and admiration. He had somehow found himself at Ye Jingyu’s side, his own gaze now filled with unshakable resolve…
To have served alongside such a general was the greatest fortune of his life…
Having witnessed the darkness of the official world, he knew that most generals, facing such a crisis, would prioritize their own survival, often blaming others. Someone as profoundly foolish—or noble—as Ye Jingyu was unheard of…
Willing to sacrifice his own life to save his subordinates. Perhaps he wasn’t a perfect general, but he was undeniably a true comrade…
“Brothers, you are all magnificent; you are genuine heroes. It is my greatest honor to fight alongside you, Ye Jingyu. However, I only require two thousand of you to remain with me. Chen Qi, you must immediately lead the rest of our brethren to retreat westward. Ying Xiaoxiao will guide your path. Once you enter the Tiangang Mountain Range, they will be powerless against us…” Seeing nearly two thousand men had gathered behind him, and still more soldiers approached, Ye Jingyu spoke again…
Hearing Ye Jingyu’s words, those who had hesitated lowered their heads, their faces burning with shame and indignation…
“General…” Chen Qi started to speak, but Ye Jingyu cut him off…
“This is an order…” Ye Jingyu’s tone was solemn, a powerful aura of dominance radiating from him…
“As you command, General…” Seeing Ye Jingyu’s stern expression, Chen Qi dared not argue further. He executed a salute that conveyed his highest reverence for Ye Jingyu…
It must be said, Chen Qi was adept at leading troops. In less than the time it takes to steep tea, he had organized the remaining several thousand men, including the wounded. The thousands bowed in unison toward Ye Jingyu and his contingent, a gesture filled with gratitude and respect…
Whatever their initial thoughts, in this moment, their hearts overflowed with the purest gratitude. They understood that if they lived, their lives would have been bought by this young man, Ye Jingyu, and the band of fearless brothers standing with him…
Given the urgency, no further words were exchanged. They turned silently westward and soon vanished beyond the rolling hills. All that remained were the nearly two thousand men behind Ye Jingyu, and the thousand-plus Mastiff Lions sprawled on the ground, cowed and unmoving—for in the previous clash, hardly anyone had dared provoke these beasts…
Only when the figures of five or six thousand disappeared behind the rise did Ye Jingyu turn back, his heart heaving a heavy sigh as he gazed into those fearless eyes…
No one desired death, not even he. His great vengeance remained unmet; in Yun Jing, Luo Ling’er awaited him. He was only eighteen, with a boundless life ahead. How could he willingly embrace oblivion?
Yet, there were things in this world that simply had to be done, even if the ultimate cost was one’s life…
There were things far more vital than love, more important than vengeance…
One such thing was called conscience…
Though he had spent little time with these soldiers, he had personally led them. He had already betrayed them by concealing the true purpose of Luo Xiaofeng. How could he now stand by and watch them all perish after finally defeating the formidable Mastiff Lion Legion?
Life and death—a question seemingly so simple, yet fraught with immense complexity…
Ye Jingyu turned to face the remaining two thousand men, a faint smile gracing his features—a smile of deep contentment…
This world lacked neither brave men nor heroes. They were, every single one, heroes who stood firm against the heavens…
“Brothers…” Ye Jingyu called out heavily, his voice tinged with roughness. Looking at those sincere eyes, he momentarily struggled for words…
“General, you need not say more; the brothers understand everything…” At this moment, Bie Li spoke up…
“Good. Then let us face this formidable enemy together. Though we may not live together, we can surely die together… Heed my command: everyone mount the Mastiff Lions… let us meet the battle as one…” Ye Jingyu looked at Bie Li, his own eyes swimming with tears…
Tears of profound emotion…
Tears of surging excitement…
The nearly two thousand men moved without another word, surging toward the Mastiff Lions lying prone. To die mounted upon these beasts that once struck fear into the four great legions of the Shu Yun Kingdom—death, even then, felt worthwhile…
With Xiao Tao Tao present, these Mastiff Lions dared not move an inch. They were more obedient now than when their own warriors were present, showing no resistance to the touch of these strangers…
When every man was mounted, Xiao Tao Tao let out a low, resonant cry, seemingly conveying a message. The Mastiff Lions that had been crouching slowly rose to their feet, throwing back their heads to roar toward the sky. Their massive bellows echoed across the firmament, as if shaking off all traces of recent fear. A savage glint now shone in their eyes…
And at that moment, a vast shadow descended upon their sight…