Tian Ling watched her master's undisguised excitement, and her mind instantly recalled her brilliant achievements from years past. Was it truly alright?
Tian Ling's worries were not shared by Xing Yuan. Xing Yuan stretched her body and walked out.
Wan Yu was waiting outside. Seeing her emerge, he eagerly stepped forward.
"A Yuan, what should we do next?"
Xing Yuan looked up, trying to maintain a calm expression towards him.
"Of course, we press our advantage! Wu Rong took advantage of my father's vulnerability and killed him back then. Now, it's time for revenge."
Wan Yu didn't doubt her. Indeed! A Yuan had always valued her emotions, and such a decision was entirely within reason.
He immediately supported her, "I'll go with you! I'll inform the others right away."
"No need! I'll go myself!" Xing Yuan's eyes sparkled, her heroic brows filled with confidence.
"Good!" Wan Yu, in his capacity as deputy general, rallied the soldiers.
Most of the soldiers were from Xing Yu City. They had been cared for by the Xing family since childhood, with their parents and relatives residing within Xing Yu City, making them extremely loyal to the Xing family. The few who were not from Xing Yu City had come to follow due to their admiration for the Xing family's conduct.
Thus, the entire garrison of Xing Yu City was a solid unit, which was why they had been able to protect the populace for so many years.
Xing Yuan stood at the main position, her voice clearly reaching the soldiers' ears, "Everyone, our victory today is thanks to all of you brothers. I, Xing Chen, thank you all!" Xing Yuan bowed her hands slightly, her attitude sincere and earnest.
"Today, I wish to ask for your help, brothers! My father, uncle, and many of your brothers and sisters, all died, to varying degrees, because of that villain Wu. Today, I wish to wash away this shame. Are you brothers willing to go into battle with me!"
The soldiers were filled with righteous fervor. Yes! Their ancestors had lived in Xing Yu City for generations, and their brothers and sisters had, to varying degrees, died at the hands of local forces.
With the two powers bordering each other, there were constant battles and skirmishes. Unless one power completely disappeared, the war would never cease.
Thinking of this, the soldiers, without exception, knelt on one knee, their expressions devout as they looked towards Xing Yuan and said in unison, "We are willing to follow the young general into battle!"
"Good! You are indeed the fine sons of Xing Yu City! Pack your gear and prepare yourselves. We depart in an hour." Xing Yuan smiled with satisfaction.
The army set off in full force.
Wu City had far fewer troops than Xing Yu City. However, the Xing family had never harbored ambitions of conquest. To demonstrate this to other warlords, the Xing family would at most drive people away and then occupy a few small towns.
Little did they know, this approach not only failed to convey their desire for peace to everyone but also branded Xing Yu City with the label of being easily bullied. In the long run, the eventual downfall of Xing Yu City was inevitable.
Although Xing Yuan's temperament was not overly competitive, she couldn't stand this ostrich-like behavior. She didn't believe that no one in the Xing family had considered this; they had simply been too comfortable for too long, unwilling and afraid to break the current facade of peace and harmony.
Perhaps due to the Xing family's usual demeanor, Wu Rong's men had never expected the Xing family to launch a direct assault. The city guards lay sprawled on the city walls, some even drinking and gambling!
Xing Yuan headed straight for Wu City. She gave several signals to her subordinates.
A few soldiers skilled in climbing stepped forward, efficiently producing their tools and beginning to scale the city walls. In addition, soldiers were climbing the walls from various points outside the city.
Before the city guards could react, their throats were slit.
Subsequently, the city gates were opened, and Xing Yuan led her soldiers inside.
Due to the suddenness of the event, the people within the city were caught off guard. They smoothly advanced into the heart of the city.
However, some individuals within the city quickly reacted, and the two sides engaged in combat.
The sounds of gunfire and cannons caused everyone in the city to close their doors, praying silently within their homes. The able-bodied young men of the city were all in the army; those remaining at home were merely the elderly, weak, and infirm. All they could do was not to bring any additional trouble to their loved ones!
The sounds of gunfire and cannons lasted for an entire night, only gradually subsiding as dawn broke.
Wu Rong was not young among the warlords, nearing sixty, but he had always been robust. Due to his ruthless methods and his penchant for eradicating all threats, many had suffered at his hands, causing others to subconsciously overlook his age.
He had only one son, but having him late in life, he had spoiled his only child since childhood. Wu Xin, relying on his father's authority, had often acted tyrannically and committed numerous acts of bullying and oppression.
When the people of Xing Yu City attacked Wu City, Wu Xin was killed by several soldiers who had been lying in wait. Their families had died at the hands of this wicked young master, and now that they had the opportunity, they were determined to leave him there, even at the cost of their own lives.