The November air in the North was already thick with swirling snow and howling gales, yet for Yun Jing, situated far south, it was merely the beginning of a slight chill…

Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan’s army had besieged the city for three days. On the very day of the encirclement, Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan had decisively given Luo Xiao Feng three days to consider his options and surrender voluntarily. Now, those three days had passed, yet there was still no word of surrender from within the city walls.

Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan was clad in a black brocade robe, embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon—a privilege reserved solely for the Nine-Five Sovereign. Should any mere prince dare to wear such a robe, the charge of sedition and usurpation would be immediate. But Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan was different; this very privilege had been personally bestowed upon him by the late Emperor, implying a status equal to that of the reigning monarch. The former Emperor of the Tian Yuan Empire had addressed Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan as Imperial Uncle, while the current young Emperor was the late Emperor's grandson; however, being his great-grandson, Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan’s standing in the Tian Yuan Empire already eclipsed that of the Emperor. If he so desired, he could easily proclaim himself Emperor.

Yet, Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan had devoted his entire life, energy, and time to relentless campaigns and the pursuit of Martial Dao, holding no ambition whatsoever for the throne.

At this moment, his face was utterly devoid of expression as he stood silently at the heart of his massive army, his tiger-like eyes fixed upon Yun Jing City, that towering fortress.

Since Luo Xiao Feng ascended the throne, he had not only expanded Yun Jing City but also significantly raised and reinforced its defenses. Today, although Yun Jing City could not compare to the greatest city in the realm, Storm City, it was nevertheless immensely grand. The city walls towered dozens of zhang high, equivalent to more than ten stories of a building. Even a Xiantian Martial Master would find it incredibly difficult to scale them without the aid of siege ladders and battering rams. Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan commanded an army of three hundred thousand, yet strangely, not a single siege engine or ladder could be seen in the entire camp. One wondered what Luo Xiao Feng would think if he knew of this situation.

“It is almost noon. Will that brat Luo Xiao Feng not come out to surrender?” Gazing at Yun Jing City, which resembled a colossal beast squatting menacingly, Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan suddenly spoke, his tone frigid.

“Yes, Father-King. We have received no word of surrender thus far. However, several dukes and ministers have quietly submitted letters of allegiance, offering their cooperation in taking the city!” Standing beside Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan was a burly man exceeding nine chi in height—his second son, Xuan Yuan Lin. It was he who had previously shattered Flame City, creating a crisis for Luo Mu Yan and leading to the rout of his forces…

“Every nation harbors cowards who cling to life. Name them,” Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan’s lips curved into a sneer. Being direct by nature, with a battle spirit that burned brightly, he naturally disdained such life-fearing opportunists. Instead, Luo Xiao Feng’s refusal to yield stirred a flicker of excitement within him…

“Duke Yun, Luo Xiao Yun; Prince Tian, Luo Xiao Tian; Marquis Yun Tian, Yun Xue Feng; Minister of Rites, Dai Peng Xiang… and Marquis Bai Yun, Qin Yan!” Xuan Yuan Lin respectfully listed the names. There were fully over thirty individuals, including seventeen or eighteen serving ministers. Duke Yun and Prince Tian were Luo Xiao Feng’s full brothers. These individuals constituted nearly half the power structure of the Southern Cloud Empire’s court.

This fact alone demonstrated Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan’s overwhelming prestige; even before a single blow was struck, he had subdued the majority. If these figures were not held back by the fear of Luo Xiao Feng, a Martial Saint, they would have likely opened the gates already.

Was the legendary God of War, Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan, merely a title earned by empty fame?

Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan was not surprised by this outcome. Facing an army of three hundred thousand pressing upon them, the Southern Cloud Empire, already beaten into submission, had no strength left to resist.

The fall of the city was only a matter of time, and these people were naturally preparing their fallback plans. However, the last name mentioned sparked a curiosity in Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan.

“Qin Yan? I heard he was the Third Elder of White Cloud Manor back then. It was precisely his betrayal of White Cloud Manor that earned him the title of Marquis Bai Yun. Now, his son, Qin Yun Xiao, has also been ennobled, I believe? Two Marquises in one family—that is immense honor. That he would express his allegiance so early shows he is quite the turncoat!” Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan’s mouth twitched sharply, clearly expressing his contempt for men like Qin Yan.

“Father-King, these are merely Qin Yan’s surface efforts. We have never been able to fully ascertain what hidden forces back this man. He is arguably the most enigmatic figure among the upper echelon of the current Southern Cloud Empire!” Xuan Yuan Lin cautioned.

“I am well aware. This man’s machinations are deep; he cannot be spared. However, to appease the minds of those who surrender, we will spare him for now and deal with him later,” Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan stated calmly, conveying an air of absolute control.

“Understood, Father-King. But the appointed time has passed, and we have received no letters of surrender. The soldiers are ready. Shall we—” Xuan Yuan Lin began to ask if he should order the assault, but he abruptly stopped, noticing a figure ascending rapidly from within Yun Jing City…

“Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan! I am Liang Xiao Ke, the elder brother of Ye Jing Yu, the Grand General defending the Southern Cloud Empire. I have long heard tales of your invincibility. Do you dare meet me in single combat!” A resonant voice boomed down from the sky, causing the vast majority of the assembled troops to gasp sharply.

To stand suspended in mid-air—that was a realm achievable only by a Martial Saint! Did the Southern Cloud Empire possess only one Martial Saint in Luo Xiao Feng? How was it that another one emerged so casually today?

“Father-King…” Seeing the handsome man hovering high above, Xuan Yuan Lin started to speak again but was stopped by a gesture from Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan.

“Little brat Xuan Yuan, do you still dare not fight me? Are you not hailed as the God of War? Why refuse a battle? Oh, right, I forgot to tell you one thing: I killed your son, Xuan Yuan Xue. If you seek vengeance, then come out!” Liang Xiao Ke hung motionless in the air, shouting without needing the true essence power to broadcast his voice; his words permeated the entire battlefield.

Instantly, a massive uproar erupted. The death of Xuan Yuan Xue was known only to the three thousand Blood Cavalry and the five hundred Blood Guards; the ordinary soldiers believed he was merely ill and recovering behind the lines. To hear this news unexpectedly caused shock among tens of thousands who were Xuan Yuan Xue’s direct subordinates. Had it not been for Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan’s presence, the camp would have descended into chaos.

“Father-King, he killed Ninth Brother! Let this son dispatch him to avenge Ninth Brother!” Xuan Yuan Lin, hearing the news, was overcome with fury.

“No, you are no match for him. You lead the army to attack the city,” Xuan Yuan Xiao Zhan said placidly, as his own figure slowly began to ascend…

(End of Chapter Three)