The horn blast ended, and a mysterious army appeared along the ridge.
The Chi Mang people, who had nearly taken the city walls, suddenly retreated like the tide. Without a word, they descended along the siege engines and regrouped. Jiang Mian and the other defenders stared blankly as their opponents withdrew, leaving behind only a devastated wall, as though the slaughter just moments ago had been an illusion...
On the mountain, Bai Yujun sat astride Black Horse and gazed toward the ruined Yue City.
"It really looks miserable."
Demon soldiers clad head to toe in exquisite armor steadily crossed the ridge and formed ranks as they thundered down the mountain at a jog.
Their spears stood dense as a forest. They advanced in perfect order, with only the clatter of armor and weapons to be heard.
Bai Yujun observed the Chi Mang people.
"No wonder something always felt wrong. They actually let those southern Chi Mang into the Central Plains. Just as I thought—the people of the Central Plains will stop at nothing for political games. They spend all their energy on schemes and power plays; no wonder they're so backward."
She turned to Iron Ball.
"No prisoners are needed today. Outside the city are all enemies who deserve to die. Kill to your heart's content. I'll leave Black Horse with you."
Iron Ball raised a hand in an all-clear gesture and mounted Black Horse. That fellow shouted "Hyah!" and galloped down the mountain, while Iron Ball continuously issued orders, directing the demon soldiers to assemble and form ranks strictly according to the methods Bai Yujun had taught him.
Across from them, the Chi Mang people abandoned Yue City, which they considered weak and insignificant, and gathered on the flat ground to prepare for battle. Rarely, they did not immediately