Ning Qi: "Imperial Guards, heed my command, charge!"
Xiao Zhan: "Imperial Forest Army, heed my command, charge!"
Yuan Gang: "Dragon Pavilion soldiers, heed my command, charge!"
As the commands of "charge" echoed, the entire world was instantly filled with a somber killing intent that pierced through heaven and earth!
Figures surged into the sky from behind Ye Longlin, ascending towards the heavens.
*Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—*
Gleams of cold light flashed, illuminating the surroundings of the Ye family.
Ye Longlin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a smile perpetually on his lips that Ye Nantian found infuriating. Ye Nantian detested Ye Longlin's smile, as if everything were within his grasp.
"After so many years, the Ye family will ultimately be destroyed by your hand. Since the day you initiated the expulsion and massacre of my main lineage, the downfall of the Ye family was sealed."
His tone remained calm, and the battle finally erupted.
Concurrently, the martial law order issued by the Glorious Hall sent shockwaves throughout the capital!
The military, the Dragon Surveillance Bureau, and the Zhenwu Division of the capital city joined forces to clear the streets of all personnel. Thousands of people wailed, and businesses that thrived on nightlife were forced to close their doors. A single night's loss in revenue would amount to hundreds of millions, with corresponding tax reductions.
Of course, this also served as the greatest guarantee for the safety of the capital and many of its citizens.
"What's going on? They've issued a martial law decree. It's only been issued once before, two years ago. Now there's martial law again. Could something major be happening in the capital tonight?"
"I don't know. We're not privy to the details. It's probably something big, otherwise, they wouldn't have imposed martial law."
"Latest news, latest news! The power grid just issued an announcement. Due to problems with the power cables throughout the capital, maintenance will be carried out on major road sections tonight. Therefore, from now until 5 AM, the entire capital will experience a power outage. All areas except major industrial zones will operate at minimal power."
Two minutes prior, the Glorious Hall had forwarded an announcement from the capital's power grid, offering an explanation to the citizens. After all, this matter concerned the livelihoods of the entire capital.
However, they could no longer pay attention to the uproar caused by this announcement. The pressing issue now was who would win or lose the battle tonight.
Many influential figures also saw these two announcements. Their phones were practically ringing non-stop as they made calls to confirm if the events were related to the Ye family, but they were unaware of the conflict between the Ye family and the Dark Hall.
Hongmen Capital Branch.
Su Weizhang gazed at the news on his phone, his eyes narrowed. His white Zen robe billowed in the wind as he leaned on his dragon-headed cane.
Six people stood behind him, three on each side.
"Are all preparations complete?"
Su Weizhang asked slowly, looking up at the sky obscured by dark clouds.
"Reporting to the Dragon Head, all preparations are complete. We have three Saint realm experts, fifty Dao realm experts, and one hundred fifty Xuan-level Dragon Elephant experts. A total of two hundred and three individuals."
The head of the left branch respectfully replied.
The branch head was akin to the Ministry of War, responsible for military affairs, training, and similar duties.
On the right stood a protector of the seal, the personal guard of the Dragon Head who held authority over the seal and sword.
One of the Saint realm experts was this protector.
"Very well, prepare to enter the arena." Su Weizhang said calmly.
The protector hesitated and then spoke, "Dragon Head, is it wise for us to participate in the capital's conflict? Hongmen has always remained neutral in such matters. Have you considered the consequences of Hongmen's involvement? Will it be convenient for you to explain to the Imperial Regulator?"
The Imperial Regulator was the former Dragon Head, possessing a title but no power—effectively an emasculated supreme emperor.
Su Weizhang snorted, his gaze filled with authority. "I am the Dragon Head. What business is it of the Imperial Regulator? Moreover, the Imperial Regulator is old; he might not be around much longer."
The protector said no more, knowing the Dragon Head had his own plans. Besides, these matters were not so simple.
"If we act today, many will believe Hongmen stands with Commander Ye. That will cause trouble. Commander Ye's enemies... are very powerful and numerous."
Su Weizhang didn't elaborate, merely sighing. Some things he had adhered to his entire life, and now that he finally saw an opportunity, he would go all out!
"Remember one thing: we are people of Kyushu, thorough and true Kyushu people!"
"Do you think we haven't suffered enough discrimination from the Hongmen headquarters overseas? People, when they grow old, realize that home is the best place."
Behind him, only those of advanced age understood the meaning of these words.
Their eyes sparkled with starlight.
On another street, figures clad in black emerged from the shadows.
No one knew when they had appeared or how they had managed to do so.
They moved like a surging tide, a vast multitude advancing forward.
Within the crowd, there was only silence, as if silence were their eternal topic of conversation.
On the rooftop of a building on the other side, an old man appeared. He crossed his arms and said with a sigh, "I say, every time we meet, you always pick these tall buildings. And you're out in the wind tonight. Aren't you cold? Autumn has arrived."
Chen Fuzi rolled his eyes and retorted, "A great roc soars with the wind, ascending ninety thousand li on a gusty day. Don't you feel the chill of being at the top?"
Ye Qingtian was speechless, unable to find a counter-argument, so he could only stand beside him on the rooftop.
"Your Ye family's main lineage has been in hiding for so many years, aren't you planning to show yourselves? You've waited for this opportunity for so long, won't you make a move now?"
Chen Fuzi's voice was low, a playful smile gracing his lips as he fixed his gaze on Ye Qingtian.
Ye Qingtian looked deeply in the direction of the Ye family, sensing the fluctuations of martial energy. His eyes narrowed, "We've been ready for a long time. We've been waiting for this day."
"Perhaps very few people in the capital remember the Mountain River Seal now. They haven't even seen the most peak version of it. Tonight, they will be reminded."
Chen Fuzi chuckled softly and turned his gaze to the Murong family, "Tell me, how much support can the Murong family provide tonight?"
Ye Qingtian shook his head slightly and smiled helplessly, "I haven't expected anything from them. The Murong family has only been at peace for how many years? Murong Beiye is indeed a genius, but it's a pity he's wasted so many years. If he had dedicated himself to martial arts, he might have reached the Saint realm by now."
Chen Fuzi smiled mysteriously, "That's not necessarily true. The Murong family has been passed down for so many years; do you think they lack strength?"