Zhao Feng cut his way forward, charging toward the imperial palace.
Behind him, Hundred-Household Officers Yue Lang, Luo Xiong, Jiang Chen, Xie Qiu, Mu Xingze, and the others led their men close on his heels, forming a battle formation that allowed them to support one another.
"Anyone who stands in my way dies!" Luo Xiong's booming voice rang out. His twin giant axes flashed coldly, and a single stroke split an oncoming rebel officer in two, splashing blood across his treasure armor.
His muscles bulged, knotted and powerful. Carried away by the slaughter, he broke away from the formation in which everyone guarded one another's flanks and plunged alone into the rebel ranks. In an instant, he was surrounded.
Sabers, spears, hammers, and halberds all came at him.
Just then, a rebel officer suddenly leaped up and swung his saber at Luo Xiong's back. Luo Xiong felt the rushing wind behind his head, but under attack from every side, he could no longer block. He could only turn his head aside and brace himself to take the blow with his flesh. At that very moment-crack! A streak of sword light pierced the airborne officer's throat.
"Be more careful, Hundred-Household Officer Luo!" Mu Xingze said from nearby, drawing back his sword.
"Thanks." Luo Xiong sounded a little embarrassed as he returned to the formation.
Meanwhile, on the other side-
Yue Lang's long saber swept out with a swish, severing two spears. Seeing that Qiao'er had already charged to his right, he shouted, "Miss Qiao'er, stay behind me! Don't run off!"
Qiao'er nodded with a smile. Her sword traced a blossoming flourish, pierced a rebel officer squarely in the chest, and withdrew as she fell back beside Yue Lang.
Jiang Chen moved nimbly, his twin sabers dancing like butterflies threading through flowers