At the side, Jiang Ziya's expression changed drastically at the sight. He immediately strode forward and firmly blocked Ji Fa behind him.
With the strength King Zhou had now revealed, if Ji Fa were allowed to rashly exchange blows with him, the result would surely be death and the destruction of his Dao.
If the Martial King fell, then the scheme they had planned for generations, the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods that stirred the Three Realms, would be utterly ruined at the final step, and all their painstaking effort would turn to bubbles and shadows.
Steadying himself, Jiang Ziya suppressed the dread in his heart and raised his voice in reply, his tone calm yet carrying a trace of slyness as he deliberately avoided battle.
"King Zhou, why should we fight you one-on-one?
"Zhaoge has already been surrounded layer upon layer by my Xiqi army. You are already a turtle in a jar, with no escape from this desperate situation. Why should we take needless risks?"
As his words fell, he suddenly raised his hand and barked an order, his voice spreading through the entire Xiqi army.
"All troops, heed my command! Hold every pass tightly and seal Zhaoge City in completely! Let alone men and horses going in or out—even a single flying insect is not to be allowed through!"
A military order was like a mountain, and command after command was swiftly passed down through the ranks.
The Xiqi soldiers answered in unison, their formation tightening once more. Layer upon layer of armored troops surrounded all of Zhaoge until not even water could leak through.
Jiang Ziya's gaze was cold, and the calculation in his heart was already clear.
He did not intend to launch a hard assault, only to slowly wear down the life