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墨書 Inktalez
The previous events mentioned that Princess Jinyang was framed by Niu Jinda and acted as a messenger for peace talks, entering Songzhou alone. Her intention was to drive away the Tuguhun forces, forcing them to flee Songzhou to avoid suppression by the Tang Heavenly Army. However, she was offended by the Tubo Army. Fueled by passion, Princess Jinyang wielded her sword to intimidate the crowd, managing to escape amidst the chaos of battle.
Using Tang Ju's classic example of not failing in his mission, she secretly challenged Murong Hanzhu, forcing him to respond and hinting that Qizong Nongsan should let Princess Jinyang leave. This trip to Songzhou was indeed fraught with danger but ultimately satisfying.
Niu Jinda, under Changsun Wuji's instructions, continuously sought opportunities to put Princess Jinyang in peril. Hearing of the brutality of the Tubo people, he sent her as an envoy, intending to endanger her life. As the sun began to set and no sign of Xu Zhen appeared on the return journey, he felt a sense of joy thinking that his plans had succeeded.
Li Wushuang and Zhang Suling, having received Princess Jinyang's instructions, accompanied Zhou Cang and others, feeling secure. However, upon hearing that Princess Jinyang was being dispatched, they couldn't help but worry. They gazed westward, seeing the setting sun like blood but no sign of any troops, which filled them with an ominous premonition.
Li Wushuang felt a deep sorrow; if Princess Jinyang were to die here, how would she cope? As a royal family member, many princesses had been married off to distant lands. Though they suffered hardships, they avoided the deaths of countless innocent soldiers in battles. It was indeed a noble act.
Though she missed her parents, every night she questioned herself and realized it wasn't just about missing them; it was about not wanting her fate to be dictated by others.
Having trained in martial arts since childhood, she longed more than any other woman to control her own happiness. This desire drove her to diligently practice her skills.
It was also this longing that made her express reluctance towards her parents. She would often act cute in front of her mother to persuade her father to present a petition at court; otherwise, the Sage would marry her off. The Tuguhun should have retreated from Songzhou long ago.
Without this incident in Songzhou and without her seeking Princess Jinyang's support for her father Li Daozong's petition, how could Princess Jinyang have been drawn into this war?
If Princess Jinyang had not appeared here, how could Niu Jinda have sent her as that damned envoy? She wouldn't have found herself in such peril!
Thinking of Princess Jinyang entering enemy territory alone made Li Wushuang frown deeply and feel anxious. At that moment, she finally understood Li Mingda's feelings. Although Princess Jinyang seemed ordinary and weary, she possessed an enchanting charm that captivated hearts like tasteless wine that intoxicates you before you realize it—until you're blissfully drunk yet insist you haven't had a drop.
"What is wrong with me... Why am I thinking such chaotic thoughts! How embarrassing..." Li Wushuang suddenly came to her senses, her face turning red as she couldn't help but keep glancing towards the end of the road.
As the sun was about to sink below the horizon, Niu Jinda sneered coldly and said loudly, "The time has come; it's time to close the camp. I believe Princess Jinyang's loyal character cannot withstand the humiliation from the Tubo people and has already sacrificed herself for the country. All soldiers should rest well; tomorrow we will feast and charge into Songzhou together for General Xu's revenge!"
Niu Jinda's loyal followers understood well; they feigned sorrow while their spirits were high. They hurriedly went to close the camp gates, fearing that if they were late, Princess Jinyang might return from outside.
Zhang Jiunian was a calm person but couldn't control Zhou Cang, who couldn't stand Niu Jinda's false pretenses and spat angrily: "Damn you all! What are you howling about? My lord is blessed with longevity and unmatched bravery! Not only can he conquer small Songzhou but also storm through Tuguhun! If you keep shouting like this, just wait until you see Zhou Cang's true skills!"
Niu Jinda was originally from the Green Forest and had already taken note of Zhou Cang's strong presence in the martial world. He intended to recruit this rugged man for his own purposes, but was hindered by the fact that Zhou Cang was already under the protection of Xu Zhen. Now that he was certain Xu Zhen was in trouble, he saw an opportunity to suppress Zhou Cang and use both kindness and authority to bring the Red Armored Fourteen Guards under his command.
His subordinates were all reckless men who could not tolerate Zhou Cang's insults. Without a word of protest, they surrounded him, and the Red Armored Fourteen Guards stood their ground, leading to a tense standoff.
Niu Jinda snorted coldly and waved his hand, saying, "These men have been in the army for a long time but disregard military law and confront their superior. Arrest them all!"
Zhou Cang could no longer hold back. Seeing several soldiers closing in on him, he swung his large broadsword and quickly knocked down four or five of them. Fortunately, he did not want to harm anyone seriously; he merely knocked them unconscious with the flat side of his blade to avoid any major legal troubles.
Zhang Jiunian and a few others were old brothers and could not stand by idly. Although Zhang Suling was not particularly skilled in martial arts, she was agile and quick, weaving through the fray and evading capture. Li Wushuang, already worried about Xu Zhen, became furious upon seeing these men trying to harm her. Drawing his sword, he charged forward like an enraged lioness!
Before joining the army, Niu Jinda had already led the Shandong Green Forest and was known for being quick to violence. Seeing many soldiers unable to subdue Zhou Cang ignited a fighting spirit within him. He grabbed a large sword and charged at Zhou Cang, engaging him in fierce combat. The two clashed for over twenty exchanges without a clear victor.
The soldiers under Niu Jinda had spent much time with him and had adopted some of his bandit-like behavior. They disregarded etiquette and honor; seeing that they could not take down Zhou Cang after a long struggle and witnessing this black giant matching Niu Jinda blow for blow made some of them consider shooting a cold arrow from behind.
Zhou Cang was somewhat careless, thinking these men were just playing around like him and did not intend to kill. Thus, he let down his guard and was struck by a hidden arrow shot by one of Niu Jinda's trusted subordinates, piercing through the gap in his armor and embedding itself in his shoulder.
Zhou Cang cried out in pain, losing focus as Niu Jinda seized the opportunity to strike him across the chest with his sword, knocking him down like a boulder and breaking the arrow shaft, leaving only half embedded in his flesh.
This hidden arrow completely enraged Zhou Cang. He let his hair down, tore off his chest armor to reveal his thick yellow fur on his chest, let out a roar, and charged forward with his sword like a storm. Niu Jinda found himself being pushed back repeatedly!
Niu Jinda felt uneasy; he had initially wanted to intimidate Zhou Cang into submission but did not expect that Zhou Cang would be so devoted to protecting Xu Zhen. Now fighting fiercely for her honor, Zhou Cang unleashed all his strength against Niu Jinda, who found it hard to withstand even as a seasoned warrior.
When Niu Jinda's subordinate shot the hidden arrow earlier, he felt indignant; despite being from the Green Forest, there were still rules of the martial world that should be respected. Even among comrades or strangers fighting each other, one should not resort to hidden arrows!
But now Zhou Cang had gained the upper hand and was pressing closer. Niu Jinda could not hold on any longer; he began to retreat in panic as it seemed he might be captured by Zhou Cang. Just then, another cold arrow was shot from behind!
With Zhou Cang having removed his armor and left defenseless, this cold arrow could seriously injure him!
However, Zhou Cang was not a man of mere bravery; having faced a setback, he naturally grew wiser. Hearing a noise behind him, he swung his broad blade backward just in time to block the hidden arrow.
Niu Jinda seized the opportunity and retaliated with a downward strike. Zhou Cang attempted to parry with his sword but, having dodged the arrow, he was unable to gather his strength in time. Unable to withstand Niu Jinda's great power, he fell to the ground and was struck down again by Niu Jinda, who sent his weapon flying aside.
Niu Jinda fought without any dignity, having resorted to underhanded tactics twice to gain the upper hand. Zhou Cang had been momentarily stunned, and now that he had the advantage, how could Niu Jinda not reclaim his momentum?
As Zhou Cang fell, Niu Jinda aimed to leave a lasting impression by targeting Zhou Cang's thigh for a decisive blow. Zhang Jiunian and others gasped in alarm but were unable to intervene, their hearts racing with anxiety.
At that moment, a horse whinnied outside the still-open gate. Turning to look, they saw a fierce steed charging forward, clad in red armor with a fluttering red flag atop it. It was none other than the returning Loyal Martial General and Xu Zhen!
Upon witnessing such a scene, Xu Zhen was astonished but could not bear to see her brothers suffer. Convinced that Niu Jinda was the instigator, her anger surged as she urged her warhorse forward like lightning.
The others were left speechless at Xu Zhen's return; what had begun as a performance turned into chaos. Seeing her approach brought Niu Jinda back to his senses like a splash of cold water. Realizing the gravity of the situation—having injured Zhou Cang—he worried about the consequences but also thought that with Changsun Wuji backing him, he should be able to act without fear.
Niu Jinda halted his attack while Zhang Jiunian and others hurriedly helped Zhou Cang up. However, Xu Zhen's horse did not slow down; instead, it charged forward uncontrollably, and many soldiers could not stop it.
Xu Zhenxin's anger flared up; having been wronged and barely surviving outside only to return and find his brothers in danger made him furious. If he did not retaliate, how could he still call himself their leader?
Xu Zhen broke through the crowd and charged directly at Niu Jinda. He felt fear at that moment, realizing why Zhou Cang had dared to challenge him; it was all learned from following Xu Zhen!
As the tall horse approached head-on, Niu Jinda had no choice but to sidestep. Meanwhile, Xu Zhen drew her long sword and used the momentum of her steed to knock Niu Jinda's mighty blade away.
The warhorse neighed loudly as it reared up. Xu Zhen dismounted and approached Niu Jinda with her long sword drawn, her eyes devoid of fear and filled only with an overwhelming killing intent.
" Xu Zhen! What are you doing?" Niu Jinda called out nervously, instinctively stepping back as his personal guards rushed to shield him from behind.
The Xu Zhen did not respond, slightly lowering her head as she walked step by step towards Niu Jinda. The henchman who had shot the arrow gritted his teeth and was about to draw his bow again, but the Xu Zhen heard the movement, rushed a few steps forward, and swung her long knife, cutting off the longbow along with four of his fingers.
"Ah!!!"
The henchman screamed like a slaughtered pig, but the Xu Zhen remained indifferent, not even looking at Niu Jinda. She picked up the half arrow shaft from the ground, touched the arrowhead, which was sharp and pointed, aimed for the gap in the henchman's armor, and suddenly stabbed it in!
"Ah!!! It hurts so much! General, save me!" The henchman cast a pleading look at Niu Jinda. At this moment, Niu Jinda had already come to his senses. If this matter escalated and Chief Steward investigated, he would have no way to explain himself. If he could quell the Xu Zhen's anger, what was the loss of one or two soldiers? After all, on the battlefield, many would die anyway.
However, despite thinking this way in his heart, seeing the Xu Zhen silently stab in the arrowhead made Niu Jinda and those around him feel a chill. The Xu Zhen murmured a few words, shook her head, and said softly, "Hmm... that's not right... a bit off..."
While everyone was puzzled by Xu Zhenzhi's meaning, they saw the Xu Zhen stepping on the henchman's back and forcefully pulling out the arrow shaft, tearing off a large piece of flesh from him!
The Xu Zhen moved the arrowhead around on the man's back for a while, then looked at Zhou Cang's wound position. Finally, she nodded and inserted the arrow shaft again!
"Ah, this time it's right..."
The Xu Zhen slightly turned her head and gave a grin to Niu Jinda and the others. Her teeth were white, and her smile was bright, resembling an innocent young master from the neighborhood. However, everyone felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, chilled to the bone...
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