Great Sui's iron cavalry trampled through Guxiao Pass and watered their horses at the Beidu River.
After Guxiao Pass fell, Great Sui's army advanced as though through unguarded territory.
They headed straight for Great Yu's capital.
Along the way stood a pavilion guarded by troops, with an ancient locust tree beside it.
It was said that Great Yu's founding emperor had planted it there with his own hands.
Liu Yun reined in before the ancient locust tree and gazed at its towering height.
A smile curled her lips, and she swung her sword.
The blade left only a white mark on the ancient locust tree.
Then she ordered, "Chop down the locust tree!"
Boom!!
With a tremendous crash, the ancient locust tree collapsed, making the ground shudder.
It seemed to signify Great Yu's demise.
Great Yu, Capital City.
The city was filled with wailing.
Everywhere, people dressed in white could be seen bidding farewell to loved ones who had died on the battlefield.
Li Ping'an and Old Ox returned to their old trade.
They carried the Erhu and played the suona.
Following behind the crowds, they could often get a free funeral feast.
Great Yu seemed already prepared for the fish to die and the net to break.
Even with Guxiao Pass lost, they would hold the capital.
They would fight to the death to avoid the humiliation of their nation's fall.
Although Great Yu's emperor had declared this, when faced with the test of life and death,
the court had already begun considering a move south. While the green hills remained, there would be no fear of running out of firewood.
Some ministers firmly demanded that the emperor defend the realm, while others advised heading south.
Some powerful lineages began secretly contacting Great Sui, hoping to escape disaster when