For a time, battle cries shook the heavens. Xiqi elites poured into the gorge like a tidal wave, the radiance of Magic Treasures crisscrossing everywhere, while the sounds of immortal arts and weapons clashing rang out without end.
Wen Zhong forced down his grief and fury, Golden Whip in hand, riding the Ink Qilin as he fought with all his strength, trying to lead the few remaining generals under his command in a breakout.
But Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, Tao Rong, and the other great generals of the Shang Army had long since embraced the will to die. They guarded Wen Zhong's front with iron resolve, risking their lives to hold back the fierce assault of Xiqi's commanders.
Deng Zhong wielded the Mountain Splitting Axe and was the first to meet Huang Tianhua. Bathed in blood, he fought bitterly for dozens of exchanges, but in the end his strength was spent. Huang Tianhua's Heart-Piercing Nail punched through his heart, and he died on the spot.
Xin Huan transformed into a flying bird, beating his wings as he charged, trying to tear open the encirclement, only for Nezha's Fire-Tipped Spear to pierce his chest. Both wings snapped, and he crashed to the ground dead.
Tao Rong swung his paired maces, struggling to withstand Lei Zhenzi's wind-and-thunder assault. His whole body was covered in wounds, and in the end, the power of wind and thunder shattered his heart meridians. He fell in battle where he stood.
In no more than a few shichen, the several loyal and devoted great generals under Wen Zhong's command had all died in the ambush, their blood staining the barren mountains.
The remnant soldiers suffered even more grievous casualties, scattering in rout in every direction, with hardly any left.
Wen Zhong watched the trusted generals at his