Just as one soldier shouted, a hand clamped over his mouth from behind, and a dagger slashed his throat.
"Ugh..." The soldier’s eyes widened in shock as he breathed his last.
After killing the patrolling soldier, the elite soldier of the Yuezhi Tribe threw his body on the ground and left to look for his next target.
With the patrolling soldiers killed, the Yuezhi Tribe elite soldiers began to massacre civilians. Panic screams tore through the silent night as thick smoke billowed into the night sky.
Covered in injuries, one of the surviving patrol soldiers rushed to the city wall.
Collapsing in front of Feng Xiyan, he said hoarsely, "Great General... the city is under attack... Yuezhi Tribe elite soldiers... are killing civilians... Ple–please save..."
Before he could finish his words, he fell lifeless to the ground.
Seeing his body covered in blood and injuries, Feng Xiyan’s expression darkened. He looked towards the city, and when his sight fell on the sea of fire, his eyes were filled with murderous intent.
Clenching his fists, he ordered, "General Tan, General Zhan—rescue the civilians! General Xue, General Fan—take command here!"
Hearing his command, the four generals saluted. "This subordinate accepts the order!"
After giving out his order, Feng Xiyan rushed down from the city wall. On the way, he shouted, "Feng Yi!"
A second later, Feng Yi appeared at his side. "Master."
Feng Xiyan tightened his grip on his sword and ordered, "Take your team and eliminate the Yuezhi Tribe elite soldiers immediately. I will find their leader."
"Yes, Master." Feng Yi accepted the order and vanished.
Mounting his war horse, Feng Xiyan rushed toward the burning city.
Just as he rode past the granary, he saw a familiar face lurking around the granary.
Pulling the reins, Feng Xiyan brought his warhorse to a halt and then charged at the figure. Drawing his sword from its scabbard, his eyes glinted with murderous intent.
Sensing his intention, the warhorse sped up and raised its front legs to strike.
A second before the hooves landed on the back of his head, Lai Ka sensed the danger. Out of reflex, he leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Before he could regain his balance, Feng Xiyan’s sword tip was already aiming for his neck, the cold glint sending chills down his spine.
Instinctively, Lai Ka leaned back to dodge the strike and kicked at Feng Xiyan’s wrist at the same time.
In a flash, Feng Xiyan caught his leg and yanked him forward.
Losing his footing, Lai Ka crashed to the ground. Before he could react, Feng Xiyan’s sword was already pressed against his neck.
Looking into Feng Xiyan’s icy gaze, Lai Ka knew he wouldn’t be leaving Xiqiang City alive. Making a quick decision, he opened his mouth to bite down on the poison hidden in his teeth.
But before he could crush it, Feng Xiyan reacted faster. In a split second, he struck Lai Ka’s jaw and dislocated it.
Lai Ka felt dizzy from the sharp pain and let out a groan. "Ugh..."
Feng Xiyan looked down at him coldly and said, "Want to die? Not so easy."
With that, he struck hard at the back of Lai Ka’s neck.
After Lai Ka fainted, Feng Xiyan grabbed Lai Ka’s collar and slung him over the back of his warhorse. Mounting swiftly, Feng Xiyan galloped back to the barracks.
Meanwhile, on the city wall, Xue Ruhong and Fan Wanming were under intense pressure. With Kai Mu showing no regard for his soldiers’ lives, the Feng Army was quickly pushed into a disadvantage.
A soldier shouted, "General Xue, we only have two hundred arrows left!"
Xue Ruhong’s face darkened at his words, and he asked, "How much oil do we have?"
"Only three buckets left!"
As soon as the report ended, Ding Zhenshun, who had just arrived, tightened his grip on his sword and said, "General Xue, I will lead two thousand men out to fight them. You and General Fan should stay and defend the wall."
Xue Ruhong and Fan Wanming exchanged glances at his words.
Realizing they had no better option, Fan Wanming said, "General Ding, I will go with you."
Looking at Fan Wanming’s eyes filled with determination, Ding Zhenshun agreed. "Alright."
With their decision made, Xue Ruhong looked at them and reminded, "Be careful."
Both generals nodded and rushed down the city wall. Moments later, the city gate opened from inside.
The moment the city gate fully opened, Fan Wanming commanded as they stormed out of the city. "Charge!"
As soon as they exited, the soldiers quickly closed the city gate to prevent enemies from sneaking in.
Standing atop the wall, Xue Ruhong watched with clenched fists as Fan Wanming and Ding Zhenshun met the Yuezhi Tribe forces head-on.
Back at the barracks, Feng Xiyan tossed the unconscious Lai Ka to his men and ordered, "Tie him up!"
"Yes, Great General!"
Just when the soldiers dragged the unconscious Lai Ka away, Feng Yi appeared.
Clasping his fists, he reported, "Master, we have eliminated the 500 Yuezhi Tribe elite soldiers. However, due to the high temperature, lack of water, and dry air, we have been unable to stop the fire from spreading. Right now, the fire has burned the west district and is spreading to the south district."
Feng Xiyan’s expression sank at his report. After a brief moment of thought, he asked, "Isn’t there still water in the lake?"
Feng Yi shook his head and replied, "The soldiers had used it all, but it wasn’t enough to control the fire."
He hesitated for a second before adding, "Master, the situation on the city wall isn’t good either. We have run out of arrows and oil. To defend the city wall, Generals Ding and General Fan led 2,000 soldiers to fight the enemy head-on. If we don’t put out the fire soon, we will be trapped—inside and out."
Listening to his words, Feng Xiyan fell silent for a moment. Then he said, "There is no water here, but we have lots of sand. Spread my command, put out the fire with sand."
"Yes, Master." Feng Yi nodded and disappeared.