Volume One - The Borderlands of Chen, The Rebellious Marquis on the Path of Immortality Chapter 34: Driving the Tiger into the Ravine

Tens of thousands of soldiers from the State of Zheng pursued Jing Zhe and his three thousand men into the forested mountains.

“Your Highness, ahead lies a vast expanse of woodland. We have only ten thousand cavalry. To surround and annihilate them will not be easy,” said Cao Ying.

Zheng Liao’s eyes blazed with murderous intent. He nodded silently. “If I recall correctly, to the northeast there is a broken cliff. Aside from entering the mountains, there is no other exit there, right?”

“Your Highness means…” Cao Ying and the others immediately understood and issued orders, “Spread all our forces in a fan formation. Herd the enemy toward Tiger Ravine.”

Their intentions were swiftly discerned by Jing Zhe. He called out in a deep voice, “Break through!”

They spurred their horses, galloping ahead.

“Hmph, don’t even think about escaping.” Zheng Liao and his men, determined not to let them succeed, loosed volleys of arrows, blocking their path.

Jing Zhe’s expression darkened. He muttered under his breath, “Go!”

Once more, they wheeled their mounts, veering left and right, searching for a gap in the encirclement. Yet every attempt failed; instead, they found themselves being driven inexorably toward Tiger Ravine.

“Haha! Whoever you may be, today your lives end here,” Zheng Liao and his men laughed harshly.

Jing Zhe snorted coldly, offering no reply.

“Brothers, follow me—break through!” Jing Zhe urged, charging forward. In that moment, he unleashed his full strength; his longsword became a reaper’s blade, cutting down foes as he passed.

“An innate cultivator? You’re at the Innate Realm? Was it you who killed Brother Cai Shan? Damn you!” Zheng Liao, realizing this, flew into a rage. “Archers, kill him with a rain of arrows!”

Jing Zhe sensed the peril and shouted, “Quick, into Tiger Ravine!”

“Yes!” The black-armored cavalry hesitated not, following at once.

Zheng Liao and his men grew even more elated at this. “Ha! You shun the road to heaven and rush headlong to hell. Perfect—this will be your army’s grave.” Their laughter echoed as they pressed in.

Arriving at the mouth of Tiger Ravine, Jing Zhe and his men dismounted, proceeding on foot. The mountain path was narrow and winding—riding was impossible.

“Xia You, take the men inside. I’ll meet them here,” Jing Zhe said.

“At your command,” Xia You replied.

Jing Zhe stood in the center of the mountain path, three-foot sword gleaming, his gaze cold as he faced his pursuers.

“Surrender! You have no way out,” Zheng Liao and his men, also on foot, called out icily.

“Are you so certain you can capture me?” Jing Zhe scoffed. The world was vast; if he, Jing Zhe, wished to escape, they might not be able to stop him.

Zheng Liao understood this as well, so he did not rush. He spoke with studied calm, “Perhaps you alone could escape. But what of those behind you? They will certainly perish here. Without your black-armored force, what could you possibly do to threaten Zheng?”

Then, with an air of reluctant admiration, Zheng Liao continued, “If you would submit to Zheng, there would be high rank and rich reward for you all. Should we conquer Chen, you might even be granted a noble title.”

Jing Zhe’s brows arched with interest. “Such benefits? I might truly have to consider it.”

“A wise man knows to adapt. I advise you not to disregard our goodwill,” Cao Ying added.

“Well then. But tell me, was it not Cai Shan who fell to our blades? Does vengeance not concern you?” Jing Zhe’s smile was mocking.

“On the battlefield, life and death are fated,” Zheng Liao replied, though inwardly he seethed. Still, he reined in his murderous urge.

“Haha, not bad. You must be Zheng Liao. You do have some skill,” Jing Zhe said with a grin. “But if you think such words will win our surrender, that’s a bit premature.”

“What do you mean?” Zheng Liao had thought his offer generous; he had not expected such obstinance. His patience was at its limit.

“I’ll put it plainly.” Jing Zhe suddenly pointed to the mountain peak, voice cold as iron. “If we die here, he will not survive either.”

“It’s the Crown Prince!” The soldiers of Zheng were shocked, their faces darkening with fury.

Zheng Liao’s brows drew tight, his fists clenching. Yet he quickly forced a smile. “It matters not. On the battlefield, fate decides life and death. Since my royal brother dared to come here, he was prepared to die.”

“Is that truly so?” Jing Zhe’s laughter dripped with scorn.

“Second Brother, save me! Please, save me!” At that moment, Zheng Ze’s trembling, desperate cries echoed from above. “Let them go—they promised to spare me. Please…”

Zheng Liao’s face went black, his body trembling.

The soldiers of Zheng, too, were torn between rage and hesitation. After all, this was the crown prince of Zheng—could the loss of Chen compare to his life?

All eyes turned to Zheng Liao, waiting for his decision.

Zheng Ze’s voice rose again: “Second Brother, save me! If you do, I’ll give up the throne—I don’t want to die!”

Zheng Liao’s gaze grew icy. Zheng Ze’s words only made things worse, putting him on the spot. Was he truly to let these men go?

Slowly, his eyes turned frosty as he remembered Zheng Ze’s recent provocations, the king’s scoldings, the deaths of Cai Shan and the others… Hatred flashed in his stare as he looked at Jing Zhe. “Release my brother!”

“Haha, I knew you’d make the right choice,” Jing Zhe laughed. “But I’m sorry—your brother goes free only when we are safe.”

“Impossible!” Zheng Liao snapped. “I cannot trust you.”

“Hmph! You have no choice. Either let us go, or Zheng Ze dies with us.”

“No… I don’t want to die!” Zheng Ze wailed, his voice shrill with terror.

Driven past the brink, Zheng Liao could endure no more. He said coldly, “So be it. Then you can all accompany my brother in death. Not only you, but all at Northern Pass—even the whole of Chen.”

“Kill them all!” Zheng Liao ordered, his face savage.

“Your Highness… must we…” someone hesitated.

But Zheng Liao’s eyes were as fierce as a wolf’s. “I said kill them! Did you not hear?”

“No, please… Second Brother, save me! Save me!”

“Enough!” Zheng Liao had lost all reason. He drew his bow and loosed an arrow straight at Zheng Ze.

With a sickening thud, the arrow pierced Zheng Ze’s chest and he crumpled to the ground.