The men in black charged with swords in hand.
Nan Jiaxi shielded Ruthis with his small body, completely abandoning his usual meek, obedient demeanor.
"Your Highness, please don't worry. I will protect you."
Ruthis gave a soft laugh, reached out to catch Nan Jiaxi's little hand, and fought the men in black.
"You even managed to find this place. It seems Great Chu has no shortage of capable people. We in the Western Regions underestimated you. But do you think this handful of men will be enough to kill me?"
Ruthis's gentle smile abruptly changed. Narrowing his eyes, he swept out his longsword, slitting several attackers' throats in a single stroke and killing them outright.
He moved so quickly that the men in black charging toward him dared not take him lightly.
Yet just as the two sides were locked in combat, another group arrived. Nan Jiaxi's expression initially darkened. They could still handle a small number of enemies, but with so many... they were hopelessly outnumbered. Even if they held out until the end, those coming up behind would catch them.
Fortunately, this second group was not from Great Chu.
"We arrived late to your rescue. Please forgive us, Your Highness."
Ruthis cut down the last man in black, then withdrew his longsword and said casually, "No matter. I hear the recent plan to attack Great Chu's Capital City failed?"
The killing intent buried in his last question made everyone present flinch. Their leader hurriedly bowed, placed a hand lightly over his heart, and dropped to one knee.
"Commander Ake has fallen in battle, and more than half of Your Highness's plans have been ruined. Shall we return home immediately?"
Ruthis pondered for a moment before turning his gaze toward the distant sky. "The god of the Western Regions