The Dragon's Gate Fortress, a Mighty Pass, Locks the Smoke in Vain; Seventy Thousand Barbarian Riders Trample the Dust Ahead

Yue Jian looked up and saw that a man clad in the brocade robes of a feudal lord had appeared before the ranks of the Blood-Clad Army at some unknown time.

He was powerfully built and ramrod straight. Though he merely stood there at ease, he seemed to be the center of heaven and earth itself, radiating an authority that looked down upon all under heaven.

The instant their gazes met, Yue Jian felt a vast pressure, as immense as a mountain, crash straight into his mind. It was as though his very spirit had been shattered. His blood surged, his face abruptly drained white, and he lowered his head involuntarily, without even the courage to look directly at him.

"Th-this is Lord Wuwei, Zhao Cheng?"

Endless shock churned in his heart. He had never imagined that the other man could so effortlessly neutralize Jing Ke and Gao Jianli's killing strike with nothing but a single voice. Such strength had already exceeded mortal comprehension!

Zhao Cheng's gaze swept over Jing Ke, collapsed upon the ground, then Gao Jianli, blood staining the corner of his mouth, before finally settling on Yue Jian, who stood bowed with his head lowered. His tone was calm and even, yet carried an unquestionable authority. "You wished to see me only so they could assassinate me, correct?"

Yue Jian shuddered from head to toe, cold sweat soaking his back, but he still gritted his teeth and held firm. "Lord Wuwei is extraordinarily powerful. My Yan cannot stand against you; we have nothing to say. Things have come to this—whether you kill or torture me, I leave it to your pleasure!"

"Only, the people of Ji City are innocent..."

"The people are not your concern." Zhao Cheng gave a quiet laugh, his voice carrying a trace of