The Outbreak of War

"Boom! Boom!" The thunderous sounds echoed as the Feng Kingdom's soldiers ascended the city walls with long ladders, while others brandished hefty wooden pillars, battering against the city gates.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" The imperial troops of the Chu Kingdom and the arriving Xuanyuan forces stood atop the battlements, releasing a volley of arrows aimed squarely at the besieging Feng soldiers.

Thanks to their geographical advantage and the arrival of the Xuanyuan army, the morale of the Chu forces soared. The Feng troops attacking the city fell one after another, yet swiftly, fresh waves surged forth. Shielded by a group of fearless soldiers, some had already scaled the walls. But no sooner had they reached the top than a cold blade was pressed against their necks, a swift slice causing blood to splatter. Gritting their teeth, one soldier used the body of his fallen comrade for cover, clambering onto the battlements and, like a frenzied beast, with bloodshot eyes, exacted vengeance upon those who slaughtered his fellow warriors.

The once green moss on the city walls became stained with crimson. Initially, a mere trickle seeped through, but soon, the bright red blood flowed like a river, cascading over the moss's surface and dropping to the ground. Amidst the thunderous cries of battle, such faint sounds went unheard, as a chaotic heap of bodies piled up on the ground, their vivid blood further igniting the soldiers' nerves.

From a distance, two figures emerged prominently in the center of the city wall, one clad in black and the other in white. The man in black stood resolutely at the forefront, exuding an air of nobility. Though silent, he radiated a commanding presence that demanded respect, coldly observing the clash between the two factions, his youthful features betraying a burgeoning ambition.

Standing behind him was the man in white, equally silent, his gentle gaze filled with a hint of pity as he watched the incessant screams and fall of men. He then closed his eyes, a melancholic expression gracing his face as he murmured, "How many more must die?"

These two were none other than Xuanyuan Hao and Jun Pinyu.

"Do you truly believe I am dead?" Xuanyuan Hao turned to speak to Jun Pinyu just as, beneath the azure sky, a white figure appeared, resembling a bird in flight, drawing near. The ethereal, melodious sound resonated, drowning out the war drums, echoing in every ear, lingering long after. The crowd simultaneously glanced towards Xianyue, and as the sound faded, that ethereal figure landed steadily on the city wall amidst the rain of arrows.

Almost simultaneously, beneath the clear blue sky, the dark-clad soldiers surged toward Xianyue like the outstretched wings of an eagle. The warriors, caught momentarily off guard, quickly readied their bows, aiming their arrows directly at her. The black garments were far more formidable than shields. With a thunderous roar, the blood-drenched air surged as the wind whipped the dark robes, and the arrows launched toward Xianyue formed a swirling vortex, sweeping away the archers. Those in the front row were struck by arrows and fell to the ground.

Xuanyuan Hao froze mid-turn, casting a glance at Jun Pinyu before instinctively gazing up at Xianyue, still draped in white. His hazel eyes flashed with shock, soon replaced by specks of joy.

Jun Pinyu felt the same. The surrounding screams and clashes seemed to fade away; his gaze was fixed solely on that white figure and the resonant sound. She was alive; she had not perished. In that moment, his heart raced, and all his emotions were consumed by euphoric relief.

He had long been conflicted. On the cliff's edge, hidden among thick foliage, he had witnessed her fall and heard her piercing scream. Regret had overwhelmed him then, but if given the chance to choose again, he would still make the same decision, enduring the subsequent torment.

Every day, the echoes of her voice and that fateful scream haunted him, rendering him sleepless. He had believed her dead, never anticipating that he would see her here, her pure white form and the smile etched in his memory.

"Xuanyuan Young Master, Jun Divine Doctor, it has been a long time," she greeted, her demeanor relaxed, her smile resembling that of an old friend, the simplest yet warmest salutation.

Xuanyuan Hao waved his command flag, signaling the archers to halt.

On horseback, Yun Qinghen lifted his gaze to the familiar silhouette, her voice resonating like an old melody. His eyes widened in disbelief, and raising his whip, he urged his steed forward. It was true; the voice belonged to their princess of the Feng Kingdom.

"Stop! All of you, cease at once!" The commanding voice resonated with authority, reaching the Feng soldiers nearby, who immediately halted their actions.

Xianyue stretched lazily on the battlements, regarding Xuanyuan Hao with an air of nonchalance. Her casual demeanor belied the tension, her flowing dark hair dancing in the breeze. The petite figure appeared on the verge of toppling backward, raising a sense of concern. Jun Pinyu stood behind Xuanyuan Hao, his tall frame shielding him, his eyes barely visible. Meeting Xianyue's gaze, he found himself entranced by her crystalline eyes, clear and penetrating, seeming to see through all worldly matters. Jun Pinyu smiled at her, instinctively diverting his gaze. He was acutely aware that he should not be here, nor should he stand behind Xuanyuan.

"Xuanyuan Young Master, you seem to have changed your heart rather swiftly," Xianyue remarked, blinking as she glanced at Bai Zhanfeng before casually taking a seat.

Xuanyuan Hao's spirits lifted at her presence, his voice radiating delight as he responded, "What brings you to that conclusion?"

Xianyue sighed, her long eyelashes fluttering downward in a feigned sorrowful expression. Yet, Bai Zhanfeng sensed her ruse, and Xuanyuan Hao, too, recognized the act she was putting on.

"On several occasions, you inquired if I would become your woman. I thought you harbored some feelings for me. Yet here I am, freshly dead, and you're already aiding Chu in attacking our Feng Kingdom."

With her head bowed, Xianyue sighed again, then looked up at Xuanyuan Hao. Noting his slightly raised eyebrow, indicating displeasure, she swiftly interrupted, "Xuanyuan Young Master, considering your past affections for me, wouldn't it be wiser for your Xuanyuan faction to withdraw from this war? Could you truly harm the woman you claim to love?"

Jun Pinyu trembled at her words, barely daring to meet her gaze.

Xuanyuan Hao frowned, fixing his stare on Xianyue in silence. Though the Xuanyuan forces were not far from Chu, having already mobilized, he saw no reason to retract his troops at this moment. While he admired Xianyue, the news of her presumed death had left him despondent. Now, seeing her alive, it felt as though his heart had been reignited. Yet, none of this would persuade him to forsake his ambitions. To him, personal feelings paled in comparison to the grander scheme of the world.

Having wed Ning Yunyan, he could never be with Xianyue. For a woman he could never truly possess, he would not relinquish the territories that were rightfully his at such a critical juncture.

Xuanyuan Hao smiled, withholding a direct refusal. "Regrettably, you are not my woman."

Had she been willing to support him wholeheartedly, assisting him in achieving greatness, he might have considered relinquishing even Ye City, let alone the entire Feng Kingdom.

Xianyue nodded, her legs swinging idly. "Then, given my past hold on your affections, grant me a moment. By the way, Ning Yunyan still owes me a favor, and as her husband, you ought to repay it."

Seeing Xuanyuan Hao nod in agreement, Xianyue smiled, unperturbed by the possibility of a surprise attack. She clapped her hands against the city wall, rising to approach the Chu soldiers. Pointing to those groaning in blood on the ground and those whose eyes had closed in death, she declared, "Do you see? These were once your comrades, now lost to this war."

Those individuals gazed at their fallen comrades on the ground, recalling past times—whether it was rising before dawn for training or later reveling in camaraderie. They had shared everything, lifting their eyes to the crescent moon, their eyes glistening with unshed tears, as if they wished to tear it apart.

The crescent moon smiled softly, undaunted by the somber gazes fixed upon her. With a casual curl of her lips, she remarked, "Do not blame me, nor harbor resentment towards our Phoenix Kingdom. It is not us who caused their demise; it is the royal family you vowed to protect that has led them to their deaths."

Each word resonated powerfully, striking the heart like a hammer, infused with an enchanting intensity.

"It is your princess who seeks to end my life, thrusting me into the valley of death. Our warriors of the Phoenix Kingdom heard the lamentable news, prompting them to declare war upon your Chu Kingdom in retribution. It is only just to repay blood with blood. If I were to slay your princess, how would you respond?"

The individuals continued to fixate on the crescent moon, silence enveloping them as the hatred and malice in their eyes gradually faded. They were enraged for their fallen comrades, seeking vengeance for their princess—an entirely just cause.

"You are not truly dead; this may very well be a scheme devised by your Phoenix Kingdom to frame us, the Chu Kingdom," countered one of the Chu commanders.

The crescent moon nodded with a smile, her eyes narrowing to reveal a sharp gleam: "If you do not believe me, surely you must trust the eldest son of the Bai family. For centuries, the Bai family has devoted themselves to the Chu Kingdom with unwavering commitment. What have the royals done? You, who dwell in the palace, guarding the royal family, know well what the nobles are like and what they have done. Everything you possess is not given by your Chu King but rather bestowed by the Bai family."

Noticing her own commander attempting to rebut her, the crescent moon swiftly pointed at him: "You, silence! I know what you wish to say: that I slander the royal family and show great disrespect. But I speak nothing but the truth. Upholding one's duty is the responsibility of every individual; however, this does not mean we should lose our sense of right and wrong. If those in power compel you to wield your swords against your own kin, will you then slay the very parents who birthed and nurtured you? Such loyalty is sheer folly."

"My relationship with Bai Zhanfeng is a strong one. You may not believe his words, which is laughable. Is this the attitude you Chu people possess, deserving of the comfortable lives you lead? Doubt? You must still harbor complaints, blaming the eldest son of the Bai family for prioritizing personal matters, leading you from the comfort of the palace to this war-torn land, allowing your former comrades to perish at the hands of the Phoenix people. Bai Zhanfeng is not that kind of person; even if he desired it, he lacks the ability. He is merely the future heir of the Bai family, having returned to the Chu Kingdom not long ago. On that fateful day, not only was Bai Zhanfeng present, but also Old Master Bai, who has devoted nearly forty years to the Chu Kingdom. His heart has grown cold toward Hua Chuxue and the royal family, unwilling to assist tyranny or to forsake the legacy of the Chu Kingdom for the sake of a woman with malicious intent, nor for a royal who knows only to indulge in pleasure. He cannot allow his Bai family to perish in vain. It is your monarch who has thrust you onto the battlefield, who has pushed your steadfast companions toward death. If this continues, you shall be the next to fall. You should ask yourselves: is it worth dying for them, causing sorrow to your distant relatives?"

"Reflect on what you have done along this journey. Remember your aspirations and ambitions when you first enlisted. Now, what have you become? What difference is there between you and those brigands? It is your monarch who has indulged your behavior, transforming you into thieves. As you plunder, have you ever considered that those you rob are your compatriots? If your loved ones were the ones being robbed, how would you react? Do you know how the common folk speak of you? Think of your parents, who, upon hearing that their son, sworn to defend the Chu Kingdom, has become a thief, would feel."

Silence reigned among them as their grip on their weapons gradually loosened. They looked at the crescent moon, then at Bai Zhanfeng, who was approaching. Not a word was spoken; their heads bowed, perhaps contemplating the words of the crescent moon, pondering who had bestowed upon them their affluent lives. They recalled the scenes of revelry they had witnessed within the palace, amidst a haze of opulence, questioning whether such a royal family was worth defending. Memories of their thievery and the cries of the robbed echoed in their minds, intertwining with visions of their parents' sorrowful tears upon hearing the news. They began to feel disoriented, reflecting on what they had done over the years, and what they were currently engaged in.

"Do not heed her nonsense," the leading commander shouted angrily, witnessing how the crescent moon had ensnared the minds of the others.

The crescent moon leaped down from the city wall, pointing at the furious commander: "Who is spreading nonsense? They are merely small fry, benefitting from the Bai family's grace and nurtured by the citizens of Chu, unlike you, who receive direct orders from the Chu King. How much have you profited over the years? Speak up!"

She advanced, pointing directly at his shoulder, pressing forward, causing the commander to step back with each of her steps.

"Or is it that you covet the beauty of Princess Chuxue?"

The commander turned red with anger, his nostrils flaring, for this was no princess, but merely a wretch akin to those found in the streets. He barked back, "Do not speak such nonsense!"

The crescent moon covered her mouth, bursting into laughter, her voice as clear as silver bells, seemingly dispelling the increasingly dense stench of blood in the air: "Have I guessed correctly?"

The commander, who had been pointed at by the crescent moon, evaded her gaze, standing tall, and pointed at Bai Zhanfeng: "The Bai family bears the responsibility of guarding the Chu Kingdom. How can you allow the armies of the Phoenix Kingdom to invade us? Is this not akin to treason? Such an act deserves punishment."

The crescent moon stifled her laughter and dismissed the commander's finger aimed at Bai Zhanfeng: "Xuan Yuan harbors ambitions. Your Chu King has allowed Xuan Yuan's troops to surge directly into Yecheng. What does that signify? Inviting wolves into the fold—a brilliant strategy."

Xuan Yuan Hao watched the playful crescent moon, his brows furrowing involuntarily. He acknowledged his own ambitions, yet hearing such words from her lips left him unsettled. She was a woman who shone brightly wherever she stood, yet she did not belong to him. Even if he were to gain the world in the future, the absence of her by his side, devoid of anyone to share in his triumphs, would be the greatest regret of his life.

Jun Pinyu had already shifted his gaze from the crescent moon, standing atop the city wall, surveying the surroundings, sensing that something was amiss, yet unable to pinpoint the cause.

"Also, you must understand: our Phoenix Kingdom is not invading; we are seeking vengeance. Do you comprehend what vengeance entails? If I were to slay your closest kin or eliminate the Chu King, would you simply stand by idly? The lands seized by the Phoenix Kingdom will be returned, but not to those of the Hua family; rather, to the Bai family. Otherwise, it would only benefit others."

The crescent moon's words left Bai Zhanfeng momentarily stunned, halting him in his tracks. To give it to the Bai family? Was it to allow them to take his place? If you wish to make an enemy of me, then we shall be foes. If you desire not to be my enemy, then we shall not be adversaries. Is she forcing him to choose? Even knowing she would never belong to him, how could he bear to harm her? Her intelligence was such that if he did not show mercy, he could never be her match; he had inevitably been drawn into this contest.

With a smile, the crescent moon cast a glance at Xuan Yuan Hao: "Yecheng is mine for the taking."

Yecheng was a formidable military stronghold. Unlike Ancheng, it was not situated at the crossroads of several kingdoms, yet it served as the most crucial natural barrier for the Chu Kingdom. Surrounded by the sea, it offered only a single pathway—difficult, yet not perilous. If not for the Bai family's army refraining from battle, the Phoenix Kingdom's forces would never have reached this place so swiftly. The mountain path was thick with underbrush, and if ambushes were laid therein, escape would be nearly impossible, surrounded as they were by the sea. With ample water supply and fertile land, Yecheng was a major agricultural hub, directly supplying all the army's provisions. This meant that if Yecheng was not taken, all prior efforts by the Phoenix forces would have been in vain. If this land were gifted to the Chu Kingdom, it would be tantamount to offering it on a silver platter to Xuan Yuan. The crescent moon, no matter how foolish, would not permit such a thing to occur.

Xuan Yuan Hao pressed his lips together and smiled at Xuan Yue, his brown eyes reflecting the same unwavering confidence. With his chin slightly raised, he exuded an indescribable determination. He too was resolute; Yecheng was a prize he must claim.

Suddenly, a series of urgent footsteps echoed from the city wall. Xuan Yue's smile blossomed as she pointed toward the city tower, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Turning around, Xuan Yuan Hao was met by an anxious young soldier, his face smudged with flecks of blood. He hurriedly tiptoed before Xuan Yuan Hao, murmuring something indistinct. Immediately, Xuan Yuan Hao's expression shifted; he glared at Xuan Yue, his teeth clenched, only to burst into laughter, reminiscent of their first encounter. He greeted her thrice, his eyes brimming with admiration.

"Retreat."

Xuan Yuan Hao waved his battle flag, signaling a withdrawal.

Xuan Yue beamed with satisfaction, rushing to Xuan Yuan Hao and gesturing dismissively. "Xuan Yuan Young Master, accompanying me in this tumble down the cliff is also the prince of Lan Kingdom. Are you certain you wish to oppose both Feng and Lan?"

Her voice, amplified by inner energy, seemed to tremble the air around them, causing the soldiers of Chu, still deep in contemplation, to lift their heads. They gritted their teeth, silently cursing their princess.

How could there be such disparity among princesses? The princess of Feng was rescuing her people from dire straits, while theirs was spoiled and willful. One kingdom was already overwhelming; now, with Lan Kingdom joining, they felt increasingly vindicated by Xuan Yue's words.

Xuan Yue chuckled softly, knowing it wouldn't be long before the world learned the news—that the princess of Feng and the prince of Lan had been ensnared by the schemes of Chu's Princess Chuxue and tumbled down the cliff.

"Since we have deployed our troops, I cannot afford to return empty-handed."

Xuan Yue let out a few dry laughs, addressing Xuan Yuan Hao. "You are not one to engage in losing ventures."

To oppose both Feng and Lan? Jun Pinyu watched Xuan Yue, her smile unwavering, his hands clenched into fists beneath his sleeves, releasing and tightening repeatedly. His heart, however, could not regain its previous tranquility. He raised his head and smiled at Xuan Yue. "Until we meet again."

Xuan Yue smiled and waved her hand. "Jun Pinyu, we shall meet again."

Jun Pinyu gazed at the empty space around her hands, which felt hollow, much like his heart—a vast void that could never be filled.

As he watched the troops led by Xuan Yuan Hao depart, Bai Zhanfeng's men ascended the city wall, bowing beside him to report on the battle's progress. Bai Zhanfeng merely nodded, indifferent, instructing them to handle the situation.

"Why act this way?"

Bai Zhanfeng approached Xuan Yue, observing the dense crowd below the city wall. His voice was low, as if questioning her or perhaps himself.

Xuan Yue turned to him, patting his shoulder. "Bai Zhanfeng, I'm fortunate to have you this time."

Bai Zhanfeng simply stared at her smile—familiar yet alien—still unable to quell the deeper stirrings within.

"You know I dislike this!"

He shouted, as if reproaching her for her earlier decision.

Usurping the throne was not a challenge for the Bai family, but they had never entertained such thoughts. For centuries, they had silently fulfilled their roles.

"Bai Zhanfeng, please don't be so foolish. Do you think you can continue to act capriciously? As the eldest son of the Bai family, do you even have that right? You must realize that you would only burden the elder Bai."

Xuan Yue's voice turned cold, her words cutting deeper. She turned away, where countless corpses lay; the wounded were being assisted away for treatment. Blood flowed like a river, and a gust of wind carried a nauseating scent.

"Do you see?"

She pointed to the bodies below, her gaze chillingly detached from her usual demeanor.

"This is war, this is sacrifice; it cannot be avoided."

He turned around; many bodies lay on the city wall, mostly those of Chu soldiers. She scoffed, "What does it matter if Xuan Yuan comes to the rescue? It's still your Chu people who lead the charge, dying in droves, yet your king still chooses to welcome wolves into the fold."

Bai Zhanfeng stared at Xuan Yue, his lips pressed tightly together, silent.

"Do you not understand, Bai Zhanfeng? The Zhou dynasty has fallen; it cannot last much longer. Each kingdom has its own agenda—the weak aspire to grow strong, seeking protection against invasion, while the powerful strive for further dominance, even dreaming of unifying the realm as the First Emperor did five centuries ago. No one is willing to be subordinate. This requires iron-fisted measures. War is unavoidable, and so is sacrifice. Xuan Yuan Hao is ambitious, and Lan Yi Xuan will also join this contest. Observing the landscape, Xuan Yuan and Lan Kingdom are the dominant forces. Xuan Yuan has the princess of Zhou, a legitimate claim, while Lan Yi Xuan has me, which means the entirety of Feng Kingdom; they are evenly matched."

Bai Zhanfeng's brow furrowed deeply, his fists clenched tightly. "If you know there will be sacrifices due to war, as long as Feng Kingdom aligns with Xuan Yuan, convince Lan Yi Xuan, and there won't be so many losses."

Xuan Yue chuckled lightly. "Bai Zhanfeng, are you being overly naïve? Why would I assist Xuan Yuan? What reason does Xuan Yuan Hao have to trust I would help him? Feng Kingdom is not a small nation. If war erupts between Lan and Xuan, Feng Kingdom might just reap the benefits. Who knows who will ultimately unify the realm? Do you think I should marry him and become a concubine? Even if that were the case, do you believe Xuan Yuan Hao would trust me? For me, it doesn't matter whom I marry; the key is where my heart lies. If trust is absent, then what meaning does our alliance hold? I would marry Lan Yi Xuan. I trust he won't use our Feng soldiers as cannon fodder, nor will he seek to weaken our strength. Bai Zhanfeng, it's not I who draw you into this; as a member of the Bai family, you have no excess choices. Today it's not me; tomorrow it could be someone else. Since we must eventually engage, it's better to participate early and seize the initiative. Moreover, having me do this is optimal."

Bai Zhanfeng harbored feelings for her; what she did today meant they could no longer stand side by side with Xuan Yuan Hao. Xuan Yue patted Bai Zhanfeng's shoulder. "How can a small nation grow strong amidst the powerful? They can only choose someone they perceive as strong to lean upon. Bai Zhanfeng, you should seek a way out for Chu Kingdom. The elder Bai has grown old; after forty years, he must be weary. Henceforth, all matters of the Bai family will fall upon you. Be wiser. If you cannot be smart yourself, marry a woman as clever as I am—she doesn't need to be beautiful, just wholeheartedly devoted to you and the Bai family. That will suffice. I believe the elder Bai will arrange this for you. Listen to him obediently; don't let my affairs strain your relationship with him; it shouldn't and doesn't deserve to. He is the one who wishes you well in this world; whatever he does, he won't harm you, while I am different. I will use you, whether for my brother or now for Lan Yi Xuan. Just now, I deliberately pulled you into this, leaving you with no choice but to choose me. So, don't develop feelings for me. I'm a scheming woman. Without me, you will undoubtedly fare better; any woman would be more suitable for you than I am."

Bai Zhanfeng gazed at Xuan Yue, his lips moving but unsure of what to say. In his eyes, she was still the lively and cheerful Xuan Yue of his memories—the one who was carefree, loathed his rambling, and playfully called him an old woman. He would never forget her. Yet now, she claimed to be using him, and still, he felt drawn to her. No matter how she changed, he simply liked her.

He gazed at Xuan Yue's silhouette and finally posed the question that had lingered in his mind: "If I were to leap down alongside Lan Yixuan, grasping your hand, would you choose me?" 

If he could truly disregard everything for her, would she not choose him? In that case, his heart would not feel so hollow, as if suspended in midair, devoid of any grounding. 

Xuan Yue turned around, meeting Bai Zhanfeng's gaze, and shook her head with a smile: "If I harbored ambitions like Lan Yixuan and Xuan Yuanhao, I would undoubtedly choose you." 

If her desire was merely to enhance her leverage in securing the world, she would have unhesitatingly chosen Bai Zhanfeng, with his formidable, unassailable hundred-year-old family, a master who reigned as a leader in the martial world, and the bold, passionate camaraderie of the martial community. Most importantly, he was free of ulterior motives, always ready to support her endeavors. Yet, her aspirations were not so grand; in the past, she had only wished to protect her brother and the Phoenix Kingdom, but now, her heart held room for another. 

Bai Zhanfeng stared in a daze at Xuan Yue's retreating figure; she was always so carefree: "Why is it that you lack ambition?" 

If they could be together, even if it meant using him, it would be acceptable. How could someone as loyal and righteous as she ever truly push the people of Chu into the depths of suffering for the sake of Phoenix Kingdom? If only she were ambitious, then perhaps they could be united.