# Chapter 70: Wounded Soul
The Yuanliao forces emerged from the cave and silently lunged for the Yongzhao army's rear under the cover of night, their intent to slaughter and massacre intertwined with deep, boundless hatred, pouring forth in sinister waves.
The few remaining guard soldiers of the Yongzhao army had no strength to fight back and were slaughtered in an instant, their bodies scattered across the ground.
Peng Hong gazed at Mancheng standing frozen in front of him, his face streaked with bloodstains, and suddenly recalled the first time he'd met him more than a decade ago: Jinyin had said, "Mancheng, come call your brother-in-law and Brother Bohe." Mancheng had hidden behind Jinyin's shoulder, his watery eyes filled with timidity, and only after a long while had managed to squeeze out: "Brother-in-law, Brother Bohe."
Today, for some reason, an inexplicable sorrow stirred within him. Peng Hong spurred his horse forward and grabbed Mancheng forcefully.
Mancheng startled, then turned to see it was Peng Hong and relaxed slightly. "What is it?"
Peng Hong didn't know where to begin. He faltered for a long while before suddenly saying, "Mancheng, Xianguang is my child. There was nothing between Zhangzhou and Jinyin. They were afraid that in your agitation, you would take my life, so..."
Mancheng's eyes widened in shock, rendered speechless. Immediately, grief and fury filled him, and his hands gripping the blade trembled.
Peng Hong forgot to be afraid, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "Mancheng, if you want to kill me, go ahead."
Mancheng's heart raged like a tempest. He raised his arm to shield his eyes, and beneath that arm, half his cold and incomparably beautiful face was wet with tears mingling with blood—grief beyond suppression.
Sister! You watched me suffer in agony, endure endless hardship—why wouldn't you show me some mercy? Why didn't you tell me the truth? Did you truly love this man so much, so desperately want to protect him?
Sister! In your heart, was I really that terrifying?
Zhangzhou... So back then, you really didn't lie to me.
Zhangzhou, I want to see you right now! I want to rush into your arms and weep my heart out!
"Mancheng..." Peng Hong tried to comfort him, tears streaming endlessly.
"My sister... she's already dead..." Mancheng cast a glance at Peng Hong, but saw that on his calm face hung two streams of clear tears. His heart softened immediately. He asked, "Did you love her?"
Peng Hong wept without forming words.
Mancheng smiled faintly, his voice quivering: "I finally understand. You could let her go because you have someone you love even more—that's Sister Xiuyi and the child. So no matter how wronged my sister was, no matter how pitiful she was, you could heartlessly abandon her. You... are just like Zhangzhou."
Zhangzhou, the one you love more is this Yuanliao, so you could let me go.
"Peng Hong, your son wasn't killed by me." After Mancheng spoke these words, he exhaled as if a great burden had lifted. He spurred his horse and charged straight toward the Yongzhao army's heart—the grain depot.
Zhangzhou, I miss you so terribly! Once I've driven back the Yongzhao army, I'll return to see you right away!
I'll give you the last of my life. I won't compete with Yuanliao for your heart anymore—I can't win against it.
Wu Lianheng led the Weizhen Army in a charge toward the grain depot, raising torches that set blazing flames roaring, thick smoke billowing straight into the clouds.
Peng Hong suddenly realized that the Jiudao Valley was surrounded on all sides by steep slopes and tall mountains, and all the ambushing Yuanliao soldiers stood trapped within the valley, enclosed by dense forests and elegant bamboo groves.
"Mancheng!" A sudden unease gripped Peng Hong. He spurred his horse forward and urged, "Retreat quickly! I'm afraid there's—"
From afar, Lianheng shouted: "General! These aren't grain—"
Before he could finish, Yongzhao forces from across the mountains and plains roared their war cries, charging out from the forests on all sides in a thunderous assault.
The shock was immense. Both Mancheng and Peng Hong's faces went pale.
Shen Kang bellowed: "Your Highness! Retreat quickly!"
Wei Sihu also shouted: "General! Retreat! I'll guard the rear!"
The Yongzhao army numbered over a million soldiers, surging forth like a tide to engulf this mere five thousand-strong Yuanliao force. Fang Guangda had evidently anticipated this move, sending only a small detachment of troops to feign engagement with the numerically superior but less formidable Yuanliao forces at the front, while concentrating the vast majority of his forces to strike at these five thousand elite troops. For a moment, pikemen, archers, and axemen arranged themselves in tight formations like fish scales. The Yongzhao forces were disciplined and resolute, their numbers overwhelming,一扫 all traces of fear from their demeanor. Men like fierce tigers, horses like coiled dragons. Commanding generals dressed in golden armor directed their troops with calm precision. Fang Guangda's momentum was overwhelming, his determination absolute.
Mancheng knew that his single warrior's valor was no match for this million-strong encirclement. No matter how well-trained these few thousand Yuanliao soldiers were, resistance would be like an egg hurled against a stone!
He lifted his gaze—the direction of the cave entrance was somehow undisturbed! Could it be that the Yongzhao army hadn't discovered that passage? Impossible! If they hadn't discovered it, how could they have anticipated our ambush? But if they had discovered it, they would have long since set it ablaze to cut off our retreat. What trick were they playing?
No matter! Mancheng gritted his teeth, pointing toward the cave entrance, and uttered a single word: "Retreat!"
All Yuanliao soldiers knew that cave was their only escape route. Without needing orders, they surged forward in a desperate charge.
Kong Fang of the Yongzhao army scratched his head in bewilderment: Why were the Yuanliao forces charging straight toward his position? How bizarre! He puzzled for a moment, only to see the Yuanliao soldiers already clashing with his men, and a fierce general in crimson armor bearing down on him directly! Kong Fang sneered: Isn't this my old defeated foe Shen Kang?
Just as Kong Fang was about to charge forward to meet him, he caught sight of Xia Mancheng also fleeing in this direction! He immediately wheeled his horse to flee, thinking: This demon, like a dog at bay, is too dangerous! I'd better run for my life!
Fang Guangda and the others didn't know whether to laugh or cry, watching the gap Kong Fang's position had suddenly opened. Helpless, the other generals directed their troops like waves converging to encircle the Yuanliao forces, while the Yuanliao soldiers fought tooth and nail to stream toward that breach.
Wei Sihu brought up the rear, risking his life to cover the retreat, swinging his long-handled axe in devastating arcs. Beneath the horses' hooves, arrows fell like rain. The Yongzhao forces held back somewhat, uncertain whether the Yuanliao forces rushing into this narrow passage might be up to some scheme, none daring to pursue further.
"Sihu!" Mancheng called out urgently: "Come back!"
Sihu's eyes burned: Under these circumstances, he was still concerned about me!
"Sihu!"
Sihu tried to wheel his horse back, but arrows flew like locusts, leaving no room for him to pull in his reins.
The Yongzhao generals were filled with resentment but dared not approach. Fang Guangda raged: "If I don't kill a couple of these lackeys, I'll never vent my spleen!" He snatched a bow from a nearby soldier's hands, loosing several arrows in rapid succession. A few infantry fell, then he concentrated his fire on Sihu—every arrow was deflected away.
"Damn it!" Guangda fired several more arrows.
Mancheng called out again: "Sihu, come back quickly!" His voice drew nearer! Sihu was horrified to see Mancheng actually turning his horse back!
Peng Hong rushed over to grab Mancheng.
"You—" Sihu had just hesitated for a moment when he felt a cold sensation in his back, and he tumbled heavily from his horse.
"Sihu!" Mancheng broke out in a cold sweat. He shook off Peng Hong and urged his horse forward to rescue him. The moment he drew near, he leapt from his saddle and dove toward him. "Sihu, Sihu—"
"Sihu..." The instant Mancheng's fingers touched his closed eyes, they froze in place.
An arrow had pierced Sihu's chest.
Straight through the heart.
General, do you know—when you were poisoned by that arrow at Liule, and I carried you back to Yuanliao, the entire way I hated that your horse ran too fast, hated that this road had an end.
You lay quietly in my arms, and I selfishly thought: Could the sun and moon never change? Could this moment be frozen forever?
Forgive me, because while you were senseless, I secretly kissed you, boldly stroked your closed eyes, my tears soaking your face.
Forgive me, because at that time I swore to heaven that I would trade my most precious possession to the heavens to bring you back to consciousness.
My wish was granted. Today, that poisoned oath finally came true.
What else do I have besides my life...
* * *
**Backstory**
The Xiongzhou army had withdrawn from Wang County to Guidu. At Daochun's urgent prodding, he left his tent in a daze. A thirteen-year-old boy stood not far away, dressed in the rough infantry uniform of the Yuanliao army. When Daochun emerged and noticed him, the boy immediately dropped to his knees and kowtowed.
"Sihu!" Daochun strode over quickly, looking at his young back, feeling both guilt and melancholy.
This child was clever and honest. Daochun, mindful of his youth and respecting his fallen father, was particularly fond of him. When time permitted, he even taught him martial arts. The soldiers of the Xiongzhou army, seeing the crown prince treat this child like a brother, also took special care of him—none would dare let him suffer even slightly. But now he wore the lowest-grade infantry clothing of the Dudong army, and there were bruises on his arms. No doubt, being in a strange place and so young, he had been bullied.
"Sihu, I'm sorry..." Daochun's heart softened, his eyes grew hot. "Come, follow me back."
Sihu remained kneeling on the ground, tears streaming, unable to speak.
"Sihu?"
Sihu kept his head bowed. After a long while, he choked out: "Sihu came to bid farewell to His Highness the Crown Prince... Your Highness, Sihu doesn't want to return to Guidu anymore."
I'm sorry, Your Highness!
If I go back, I'll never see that person again! Only by staying in this army can I hope to see him again...
I'm willing to spend my whole life waiting for him to look at me again, to say just one more word to me, to smile at me once more.
Daochun stared blankly for a moment, then smiled bitterly. "Sihu, take care of yourself."
* * *
Mancheng stared unblinking at Sihu's peaceful face, a hot tide surging in his throat. The moment he opened his mouth to speak, he spat out blood.
Just recently, he had knelt before Mancheng, grasping his hand, shedding tears as he said: "I stayed in Yuanliao for you. If I can't see you, what use is there in going back?"
For you...
For you...
Mancheng paid no heed to the choking taste of blood in his mouth, and a rain of tears burst forth.
Daochun, the Sihu you gave me—I wanted to protect him, but I was too late!
What have all of you sacrificed for me?
What have you sacrificed for me?!
"Mancheng!" Peng Hong blocked the arrows flying past, bellowing: "Leave now! Mancheng, this isn't the time for grief! Quick—"
Mancheng swung back onto his horse, but instead of fleeing toward the cave, he charged alone directly at Fang Guangda.
It was already too late for Peng Hong to stop him. He nearly fell from his horse in shock: Mancheng, what time is this! How could you still be so reckless!
Not only Peng Hong was stunned. The Yongzhao generals, watching Mancheng charge back, were scared out of their wits, scattering in all directions. A few reckless souls shouted "Protect His Highness!" and formed a tight circle around Fang Guangda.
Mancheng cut through the enemy ranks like a blade through water. Arrows and swords couldn't come near him. His mount beneath him was no longer merely a horse—it was a dragon. Where his wind-like speed passed, his blade left trails of light entangled with blood. In an instant, he reached Guangda. The several great generals surrounding Guangda were swept away as if struck by a demonic gale, falling from their horses one after another. Not one remained whole, sword wounds嘶嘶 spurting blood—gruesome beyond description.
Guangda knew that if he fled in retreat, the Yongzhao army's morale would shatter completely and they'd collapse in disarray! Steeling himself with a death-defying resolve, he gritted his teeth and prepared to engage.
"Hoo..." Mancheng exhaled slowly, raising his blade to point at Guangda. "Shall I have some fun with you?"
Guangda suddenly recalled those words—*"By then, I'll make you wish you were dead!"*
Cold sweat broke out on his back.
Mancheng swung his blade wide, lunging at Guangda's right side, aiming straight for his throat. Guangda twisted aside to dodge, then thrust his sword up to block—but his leg was cleaved open by Mancheng's strike.
Guangda thought: I'm finished!
But Mancheng didn't press the attack. Instead, he stepped back, asking with apparent interest: "Does it hurt?"
Beads of sweat the size of soybeans broke out on Guangda's face. Before encountering this Xia Mancheng, he never could have imagined being so effortlessly toyed with!
Mancheng wiped the thick blood from his face, a faint smile forming. "Let me give you a good look at me! So that when you become a ghost seeking vengeance, you won't find the wrong person." With that, he dragged his blade and slashed diagonally toward Guangda.
Of course, Guangda wouldn't wait passively for death. He blocked four exchanges in succession, but another blade caught his shoulder, blood flowing freely.
"Impressive!" Mancheng retreated another step unhurriedly, tilting his head to study Guangda. "I was aiming for your arm, but you dodged it..."
Guangda stared at that cold, handsome face before him, his heart seized with confusion: What kind of person is he? A god? Or a demon? Has he ever had any feelings in his heart?
The Yongzhao generals watched their commander hanging by a thread, none daring to approach—approaching would be throwing oneself into a fire. None dared to loose arrows for fear of hitting Guangda. They could only stand outside the circle, helpless.
Against that ring of gold, Mancheng's crimson armor gleamed like a solitary flame—lonely and grieving.
Peng Hong cared nothing about whether they could kill Fang Guangda. His whole heart was set on getting Mancheng back immediately. He shouted: "Mancheng!"
Mancheng smiled again, speaking unhurriedly: "Someone's calling me! This time I'm taking your head—let's see if you can dodge!" As the words left his lips, his horse's hooves were already thundering forward.
Guangda desperately sought survival, wheeling his horse to flee. But how could his mount match the divine swiftness of Mancheng's Yellow-Teeth Horse! In the blink of an eye, Mancheng had raised his blade to cleave Guangda's back.
A gust of wind roared through the air. From within the Yongzhao ranks, a figure in golden armor burst forth. A crimson gold mask covered his entire face, revealing only a pair of eyes. Without a word, he brandished two gleaming hammered gold mallets and charged directly to rescue Guangda.
Mancheng felt cold wind slash behind him. Before he could even turn to see who it was, he had already swung his blade back to strike.
The figure's skill was extraordinary—he seemed to have anticipated Mancheng's blade's trajectory from the start. Without hesitation, he raised his mace to block the strike. CLANG! The force sent Mancheng's blade from his right hand flying.
Mancheng froze: What kind of person is this?! He spun around, his left blade thrusting toward the figure's right ribs.
The figure dodged sideways, his right mace swinging overhead to come crashing down on Mancheng—yet his body was completely unguarded. He was trying for mutual destruction!
It would have been easy for Mancheng to dodge this mace. A cold smile formed in his heart: This guy came here to die.
Mancheng fixed the figure with a fierce glare, his blade's trajectory shifting to thrust straight toward his chest.
But within those crimson gold-masked eyes, there wasn't a trace of panic—only fierce fearlessness, as if welcoming this fatal strike as sweet nectar.
The instant Mancheng glimpsed those eyes, he was struck like by lightning. Shocked beyond words, he instinctively jerked his blade, which had already been thrust close to that person's heart, pulling it back with lightning speed. In that split second, Mancheng was so stunned he forgot his circumstances. That lightning-fast thrust and withdrawal caused the blade in his left hand to slip free, flying off into the distance.
From afar, Peng Hong saw Mancheng had lost both weapons. His legs turned to jelly. He screamed: "Mancheng—!"
Mancheng's mind went blank. He couldn't hear anything. He sat swaying on horseback, not even attempting to dodge that descending mace.
The figure hadn't expected Mancheng not to dodge either. He pulled the mace midway, trying to deflect it away from Mancheng's skull—but the momentum was too great. The mace couldn't withdraw in time, and it still clipped Mancheng's left shoulder.
Mancheng heard a crunch of bone splintering and sinew tearing from his shoulder. He didn't even groan before tumbling off his horse along the mace's swing, his fate unknown.
The Yongzhao army's morale ignited like a bonfire. Peng Hong and the others tried to rush to the rescue but were pushed further and further away by layer after layer of Yongzhao soldiers. Peng Hong's eyes burned red with anxiety, his whole being worried for Mancheng's injuries, when he failed to notice a volley of Yongzhao arrows flying toward him. One struck his leg. Shen Kang cried out in alarm, grabbing Peng Hong and pulling him back. "Your Highness, are you trying to die?"
Peng Hong struggled free, his eyes locked on the spot where Mancheng had fallen.
That fully crimson-gold-armored figure sat tall on his horse, but his two mallets thudded heavily to the ground. He reached up and removed his mask. In the darkness, on that extraordinary and spirited face, it was impossible to tell whether it showed bewilderment or anguish.
Cheng Zhongshan!
When the Yuanliao soldiers saw their undefeated commanding general fall from his horse, their confusion had already been severe. Now, seeing the extraordinarily fierce Protector General had appeared among the enemy ranks, terror seized them. They fled in disarray, not daring to look back.
Peng Hong's vision went dark, his liver and gall nearly splitting: Cheng Zhongshan's mace weighed fully three hundred jin! How could Mancheng possibly survive?
"Mancheng!" Peng Hong didn't care about the consequences. He spurred his horse forward to grab him. He knew—without Mancheng, Zhangzhou was finished. Yuanliao was finished!
Shen Kang cursed violently: "Damn your mother, Cheng Zhongshan! You son of a—!" His curses stopped abruptly when he saw Peng Hong dashing like a madman into that hail of arrows. Shen Kang was horrified, shouting: "Your Highness! Stop!" He whipped his horse, positioning himself before Peng Hong. "Your Highness, Mancheng is beyond saving! Get back quickly—"
Peng Hong couldn't hear a word. He pulled his horse's head aside to circumvent Shen Kang, red-eyed, riding desperately forward, screaming himself hoarse: "Mancheng! Mancheng! Man—"
"Your Highness!" Shen Kang, in the chaos, dropped his weapon. He raised his elbow and struck Peng Hong's nape with all his might. Peng Hong let out a grunt and lost consciousness. Shen Kang dragged him across his own saddle, shouting: "Retreat—!" Leading the remaining Yuanliao forces, he fled into the cave, retreating to Pingbeikou.
Zhongshan stood frozen, staring at Mancheng lying in a pool of blood. After a moment, he stumbled down from his horse and threw himself forward, feeling Mancheng's breath, then his heartbeat. After that, he collapsed beside him, and the tears he had been holding back streamed down his face...