The next day, light rain began to fall across all of Xuanjing City.
The misty drizzle—who knows for whom it weeps?
News of General Peng Yuan’s passing spread swiftly.
In Xuanjing City, generals were no rarity, and the populace seldom paid them much heed.
But this time, General Peng Yuan held an exceptionally high status in the hearts of Xuanjing’s people.
Books seen around the city were tied with white ribbons.
Because a People’s Hero Monument stood tall.
Carved upon it were the names of heroes from the founding battles of the nation.
Peng Yuan’s name was etched prominently, with five or six lines recording his extraordinary feats.
"At the Battle of Hu Yue Mountain, wielding a single broadsword, he eliminated over two hundred enemy invaders!"
"Commanding at Tianmu River, he defeated Yamamoto Ichiro, then considered Bei Country’s strongest captain!"
There were too many to list.
Nearly every resident of Xuanjing City had visited the People’s Hero Monument and naturally knew of Peng Yuan’s legacy.
Many had served as soldiers under Peng Yuan’s command. At this moment, they instructed their families to place a fire basin at their doorsteps—symbolic gestures of bidding farewell to General Peng.
The rain fell continuously, soaking the earth.
Outside the Dragon Group’s headquarters, Peng Yuan’s funeral was underway.
In the memorial hall, Tang Zhong knelt, bowing his head as the dutiful mourner.
Today, he stood vigil for the late general.
Generals from across the nation arrived to pay their respects. After lighting incense, they entered the hall.
With more and more vehicles arriving outside the Dragon Group, the crowd in the memorial hall grew dense.
Eventually, it filled beyond capacity; those unable to enter stood outside under a sea of black umbrellas. Soldiers donned military uniforms, while civilians wore black suits.
No one uttered a single word of complaint, even amidst the relentless rain.
As the chief mourner, Tang Zhong recited the eulogy.
Every procedure adhered strictly to the highest standards. Though Peng Yuan had once been suppressed, Tang Zhong was determined to allow the general to leave this world in splendor.
A wreath bearing a tribute was sent:
"A hero of an era, stabilizer of the realm!"
Tang Zhong personally placed the wreath atop the general’s coffin.
At last, the time had come to send him off.
The old general hailed from Qin Chuan, a mountainous region. Years ago, he had joined the army to pacify the land, and today, his farewell ceremonies would follow his hometown’s traditions.
A master of the suona, standing high despite the rain, blew the instrument with unwavering resolve.
"The moon of Qin, the borders of Han, ten-thousand-mile expeditions with no return. Should the flying general guard Dragon City, never shall barbarian horses trespass Yin Mountain!"
The haunting notes of the suona rang through the air.
A shot fired thereafter—the sound of a gun, embodying the passing of a soldier’s soul.
"Commence the procession!"
Cries of lament erupted, echoing from the memorial hall’s entrance.
Tang Zhong, clad in mourning attire, clutched the photo Peng Yuan had prepared for him before his death. He departed from the Dragon Group, leading the funeral procession.
Zhang Changgong and Azure Dragon changed into sleek black suits, donning white gloves to carry the general’s coffin.
They followed closely behind Tang Zhong, moving steadily into the distance.
The path ahead was strewn with joss paper!
The entire Xuanjing City mourned alongside the old general.
Those who knew of his achievements bowed solemnly as his coffin passed their doorsteps—a gesture of reverence.
Various vehicles stopped to show respect upon noticing the funeral procession, for everyone knew this was a true hero.
Ordinary citizens on the streets followed the procession, eager to bid farewell to this legendary figure who had once dominated Xuanjing City.
The streets became packed with people.
To inspire such profound admiration—what kind of person must he have been?
Finally, the group approached the martyrs’ cemetery.
At the gate, a black sedan stood waiting.
Ordinary citizens, as if possessed by an unstoppable fervor, rushed forward.
With a resounding crash, the iron gate tilted slightly.
The young guard stationed at the gate was stunned, shouting, "What are you doing?! I’m telling you, this is illegal!"
But his words fell on deaf ears.
Inside the sedan, Yan Biao watched the scene unfold, his face frozen in shock. Clenching his fists tightly, he hissed darkly, "These wretched commoners!"
Yan’s original plan was to apprehend Tang Zhong if he acted out, but he hadn’t anticipated the countless people reacting this way.
By this point, more and more individuals were hurling their bodies against the gate. The iron chain securing it showed signs of tearing apart.
With a final surge, accompanied by a thunderous crash, the iron gate shattered—forced open by sheer human will.
Nothing can obstruct the path of a departed hero!