The Great Huan Dynasty, Nine Dragons Imperial Capital, the palace's imperial gardens.
"Ting, ting, dong, dong..."
Zither music as heavenly as nature's own voice, imbued with the meaning of the Great Dao, echoed through the imperial gardens, cleansing hearts and souls. Even the flowers, grasses, and trees unfurled to its notes. The gardens were as tranquil and peaceful as Peach Blossom Spring, enchanting all who lingered there.
The Huan Emperor was about to leave for Mount Tai to fight Xiang Yu, the eternal Overlord, to the death.
Thus, Great Huan's six consorts had tacitly agreed to accompany the Huan Emperor, Xiao Ying. Even their covert rivalries and barbed remarks had ceased. They presented a harmonious, serene scene, giving Xiao Ying the best possible condition and mood to prepare fully for Mount Tai.
"Report!"
A member of the Huan-Clad Guard shot into the imperial gardens like lightning, dropped to his knees, and cried out.
"Hmm?!"
Xiao Ying's eyelid twitched. Even the six consorts' expressions shifted slightly.
Could he not see what was happening here? What matter was so grave that a Huan-Clad Guard would lose his composure and barge straight into the imperial gardens without even announcing himself? And why had neither the guards nor the palace experts stopped him?
Before Xiao Ying and the others could think further, the Huan-Clad Guard reported urgently, "Urgent news from Mount Tai! The hundred thousand Forbidden Guards led by Commander-in-Chief Bai Tong... have been wiped out!"
"Clang!"
The zither rang sharply as Li Yanyan pressed her jade-like hands against the strings of the Fuxi Zither. The sound, like clashing weapons and charging cavalry, reverberated through their minds and struck straight at their souls.
A hundred thousand Forbidden Guards! Not a hundred thousand regular troops.
How powerful a force would it take to wipe out