“You don’t understand!”
Ji Mingkong shook her head. “Look at their expressions. They know they might die, yet they came fearlessly. This man isn’t dumber than you. On the contrary, he’s very clever. He knows he might achieve nothing today, might not kill Sikong Zun, might not convince the Phoenix Empire that Sikong Zun and the national teacher are two of the True Demon Empire’s Demon Kings. But if even a few people believe him, that’s enough for him to consider it a success!”
“There are other ways to handle this,” Feng Yanran said, puzzled.
“You still don’t get it. He must have tried every other method, and clearly none worked. That’s why he’s taking this desperate, last-resort gamble,” Ji Mingkong replied.
As a holy son of the Holy Dynasty, Ji Mingkong’s understanding of politics far surpassed Feng Yanran’s.
Many so-called clever people, deeming a cause hopeless, wouldn’t even try, choosing self-preservation over action. That might save their skin, but it does nothing for the nation.
It’s precisely these “foolish” people, who seize even the slimmest chance, who refuse to abandon hope even at the cost of their lives, that have made the Phoenix Empire strong today.
Ling Xiao wasn’t versed in politics, but he deeply admired Ji Ning.
If nothing else, the courage to publicly expose Sikong Zun and the national teacher’s true identities in front of such a crowd was immense.
One misstep could mean death on the spot.
He believed Ji Ning had undergone intense inner struggle before coming here. From the moment he led his soldiers into the capital, he hadn’t expected to leave alive.
Perhaps he’d even arranged his affairs.
Even if he died, he wanted the True Demon Empire’s plot to be fully exposed.
Most might not believe him, but if even a few did, the spark would be planted, destined to one day ignite into a raging fire.
“Brothers! What did we come here for today?” Ji Ning roared.
“To kill the Sea Clan and eliminate traitors!”
A unified shout thundered across the plaza, loud as a storm.
“Once we act, there’s no chance of survival. Are you still willing to follow me in this madness?” Ji Ning asked again.
“For the nation and the people, we die without regrets!”
“We die without regrets!”
The words echoed in Ling Xiao’s ears.
What a powerful cry: “For the nation and the people, we die without regrets!”
These were true soldiers!
Though Ling Xiao wasn’t a soldier and lacked such grand aspirations, he was deeply moved by these men.
Such a general!
Such soldiers!
If they died unjustly like this, wouldn’t it be a terrible waste?
Was there a way to save them?
Beneath the ghost mask, his face showed a trace of anxiety.
A sinister grin spread across Sikong Zun’s face.
How could they not know Ji Ning was coming to the capital?
They hadn’t stopped him along the way precisely so he could reach the capital, where they could kill him with full justification!
Suddenly, soldiers surged onto the plaza, armed with powerful bows and crossbows, completely surrounding Ji Ning and his men, leaving no gaps.
“Ji Ning, you’ve committed treason and colluded with the enemy. Today, by the emperor’s command, I will apprehend you!” Sikong Zun sneered.
“What’s there to fear in death? But before I, Ji Ning, die, I’ll take a few of you down with me!” Facing the heavy encirclement, Ji Ning grew calmer.
Since he hadn’t expected to survive, there was nothing to fear.
“Great General Ji Ning, don’t do it! If you act, you’ll give them an excuse, and they’ll have free rein to attack!” Feng Yanran cried out in panic.
Others might ignore Ji Ning, but she couldn’t.
Ji Ning had once saved many lives in the Fire Phoenix Clan. Though she barely remembered those events, the clan’s elders still held them vividly.
As she spoke, she rushed forward, positioning herself between Sikong Zun and Ji Ning.
At that moment, among Ji Ning’s soldiers, one man’s eyes flashed with malice, his bow aimed at Feng Yanran.
No one knew he was a mole planted by the national teacher among Ji Ning’s ranks.
Before coming here, he’d received secret orders: if Ji Ning didn’t act, he would, sparking conflict to ensure Ji Ning’s death.
Once Ji Ning was dead, the Phoenix Empire would lose a major pillar, making their plans much easier.
Whoosh!
An arrow shot through the air, incredibly fast.
Ji Ning had no time to react.
Nor did Feng Yanran.
If the arrow hit, not only would Feng Yanran be gravely injured or killed on the spot, but Ji Ning would become the empire’s enemy!
Certain people’s schemes would succeed completely.
Feng Yanran froze!
Ji Ning was stunned!
Sikong Zun smiled!
But at that moment, the arrow met a powerful resistance.
Ling Xiao suddenly appeared in front of Feng Yanran, snapping the sturdy arrow in half.
His quick reaction was due to his prior suspicion of the man’s aura, so he was prepared.
His powerful soul force wasn’t to be underestimated.
The matter didn’t end there.
Ling Xiao’s figure flickered, reaching the attacker in a single breath and dragging him out of the ranks.
Feng Yanran let out a long sigh of relief.
Ji Ning was immensely grateful.
Sikong Zun gritted his teeth.
The plan was on the verge of success, only to be thwarted by this interloper. Who was he?
All three were puzzled.
But Sikong Zun, cunning as ever, shouted, “Ji Ning, you dared to shoot at Lady Yanran! Your treacherous ambitions are clear. Fire! Shoot them down!”
At that moment, no one in the plaza sympathised with Ji Ning.
Not a single person believed his words anymore.
If Ji Ning died now, it would be a truly aggrieved death.
He wasn’t easy to kill, but with Sikong Zun in the mix, he might not leave alive today.
“Stop!”
It was Ling Xiao who spoke.
If it were just a shout, no one would have listened, but this time, he infused his voice with the powerful will of mountains and rivers.
The overwhelming pressure of this will made the less powerful soldiers lower their bows and crossbows.
“Ghost-masked man, what are you doing?” Sikong Zun snapped, frustrated. This man had ruined his plans twice now.
He’d thought this was Feng Yanran’s guard, but it seemed he was here to save Ji Ning.
Ling Xiao ignored him, instead coldly asking the attacker on the ground, “Who gave you permission to shoot?”
“I don’t know. I’m a Sea Clan spy planted among Ji Ning’s men. I was ordered to provoke Ji Ning into acting, giving them a reason to kill him.”
With just one question from Ling Xiao, the man spilled everything.
This was clearly due to Ling Xiao’s powerful soul control.
