Volume One - The Borderlands of Chen, The Rebellious Marquis’s Immortal Path Chapter 8: Annihilating the Rebels

"Who is it? Come out!" Leng Qiandao shouted furiously, drawing his blade as he charged into the woodland to the left. In an instant, amid the clash of metal, Leng Qiandao was forced out, his figure driven back. The next moment, armored soldiers clad in black surged from either side of the mountain path, descending upon the crowd like a killing machine, harvesting lives in swift succession.

"It's them?" Lady Wang immediately recognized their identities, crying out in horror, "Weren't they buried in the fire?"

"Who are you people?" Leng Qiandao demanded, glaring at Xia You who blocked his way.

"Vanguard under the Rebel Marquis," Xia You replied.

"Rebel Marquis? That brat is still alive," Leng Qiandao asked in a low voice.

"Hmph! You bandits think you can harm the Marquis? How naive," Xia You scoffed. "Kill... destroy the enemy!"

"Destroy the enemy!"

The black-armored soldiers moved in perfect coordination, slicing into the crowd like a sharp blade. This rabble could not withstand their assault. Within moments, half the enemy had fallen.

Inside Feitian Fortress, Li Ke and Tian Ying had already wiped out the traitors. At that moment, Li Ke raised his arm and shouted, "Brothers, follow me! Let’s exterminate Hu Wanshan and those old villains. Kill!"

The defenders of Feitian Fortress, having witnessed the prowess of the black-armored soldiers, were emboldened and echoed, "Kill!"

A fresh wave of assault swept the field. The momentum of both sides shifted dramatically; Hu Wanshan and his cohorts were slaughtered, fleeing for their lives.

But Tian Ying and his companions would not allow any to escape. Arrows whistled through the air, cutting down those who had barely taken a few steps.

Very soon, the three forces that had arrived so fiercely were reduced to just Leng Qiandao, Hu Wanshan, and Lady Wang.

These three were indeed second-tier masters of the martial world; even Xia You and his battle-hardened companions could not subdue them at once.

"Li Ke, you orchestrated all this," Leng Qiandao and his group finally understood.

"Haha... Leng Qiandao, you overestimate me. I could never pull off such a feat," Li Ke laughed proudly. "It was all planned by the Marquis."

"The Marquis? That brat? Impossible..." Leng Qianshan’s first reaction was disbelief.

Just then, light footsteps echoed from Feitian Fortress, and out came Chen Yu and his two companions.

Their appearance immediately drew all eyes.

"Well, well, who would have thought you three could hold out this long? Truly the three major powers of the underworld at Blackwind Pass," Jing Zhe remarked.

Leng Qiandao and his companions scrutinized Jing Zhe and the others, finally fixing their gaze on Chen Yu. "You are the Rebel Marquis Chen Yu? This was all your doing?"

"You could say so," Chen Yu replied calmly, smiling. "I thought it would take three months, but it ended up faster than I expected."

"What is it you want?" Hu Wanshan asked.

"What do I want? Isn’t it obvious? Blackwind Pass is my fief. How dare you bandits claim it as your own?"

"Is that all?"

"Isn’t that reason enough?" Leng Qiandao and his companions paused, thinking: Indeed, it was more than sufficient.

"Well then, it's time to send you on your way," Chen Yu declared.

Jing Zhe stepped forward, approaching Leng Qiandao and his companions. "Let me handle this. It’s been too long since I stretched my muscles."

"Leng Qiandao, Hu Wanshan, Lady Wang, right? All three of you, come at me together. Defeat me and you may leave; otherwise, your lives are forfeit," Jing Zhe said confidently.

"You dare, boy?!" Hu Wanshan roared in anger.

"Enough talk. Fight," Jing Zhe had already launched his attack.

Chen Yu and Xue Han shook their heads helplessly, but did not intervene.

Seeing Jing Zhe, Xia You and his men quickly dispersed, making space for the duel.

"Arrogant brat, let me teach you a lesson," Hu Wanshan shouted, slashing at Jing Zhe.

"Just you alone?" Jing Zhe sneered, his speed unwavering as he closed in on Hu Wanshan.

Jing Zhe’s steps shifted, and he slid under Hu Wanshan’s blade, appearing behind him in a flash.

Missing his strike, Hu Wanshan grew furious, but his only reply was a punch from Jing Zhe to his back.

Smack! Hu Wanshan’s body lurched forward uncontrollably, rolling to his feet, blood staining his lips, his insides torn with pain.

"Brat..." Hu Wanshan cursed bitterly.

Leng Qiandao and Lady Wang were both astonished. With just one clash, they realized Hu Wanshan was no match for their opponent. In fact, none of them could compare.

A first-class master! That was the single thought in their minds.

"All together!" Leng Qiandao and Lady Wang exchanged a glance and simultaneously attacked Jing Zhe. Hu Wanshan pressed in as well.

"Good, come!" Jing Zhe’s face was alive with excitement; his battle spirit soared, and he showed no intention of retreat.

Blades and fists flew; the fight was fierce. In the blink of an eye, they exchanged hundreds of moves. Jing Zhe darted forward, positioning himself at Lady Wang’s right side. His fist struck her waist with force.

She spat blood in agony, collapsing to the ground, unable to stand.

Hu Wanshan and Leng Qiandao were shocked, their killing intent surging as they slashed at Jing Zhe. But his steps were wondrous, as if he roamed the eight wilds, impossible to grasp.

"Tsk tsk... Looks like big brother’s Eight Wilds Technique is getting more refined," Chen Yu said excitedly.

"Not bad, but the opponents are too weak," Xue Han remarked calmly, holding his long sword.

"Indeed. Looks like it’ll be over soon," Chen Yu agreed.

Just as they spoke, Jing Zhe spotted an opening, stepped forward, and crossed his hands, gripping the hilts of their blades.

"What?" Hu Wanshan and Leng Qiandao were startled.

"You really are disappointing," Jing Zhe said, and before they could react, immense force surged from his arms, dislodging their blades. In the next instant, his fists struck, knocking them both to the ground.

Xia You and the others, who had been waiting, moved swiftly to restrain the three.

The defeated trio were pale, terror-stricken, begging Chen Yu for mercy.

Chen Yu glanced at them indifferently and said, "Kill them."

With that command, three heads rolled, utterly shocking everyone in Feitian Fortress.

"It’s time to take over Blackwind Pass," Chen Yu declared. "Li Ke, what do you say?"

Li Ke did not hesitate, hurriedly kneeling, "I obey the Marquis’s command."

The other defenders followed suit, stepping forward to pay their respects and accept his orders.