Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 406 Sitting on the sidelines

Guan Jinsong's fists then blasted down like cannonballs, a whistling, overwhelming force that threatened to crush everything. Lin Feng's feet raced, exerting all his strength, retreating several steps before narrowly avoiding the fatal blow. But Duan Yin's whip, clinging to him like a venomous snake, once again wrapped around his ankles. Lin Feng's heart trembled, knowing that if he were restrained by the whip, he would be doomed. He stomped his feet, and a powerful surge of zhenqi surged through his legs like a stream of molten lava, instantly dislodging the whip. Simultaneously, he used this reaction force to charge at Duan Yin like a cheetah, attempting a close-range attack to negate the whip's agility. He knew that only by staying close could he render his ranged weapons ineffective and secure a glimmer of hope in this desperate battle.

The revolver's axe fell again, bearing the shadow of death. Lin Feng dodged sideways, narrowly avoiding the blow. The axe brushed past his clothes and struck the ground, sending up a cloud of dust. The immense force of the impact caused a deep crack in the ground. He seized this moment, suppressing the fatigue and pain, and channeling the remaining Qi within him. He swung the Star Blade, slicing a crescent of blade energy. Like a bright, clear moon, radiating an icy light, the blade surged towards the surrounding enemies, temporarily forcing them back and stabilizing his precarious position.

During the battle, Lin Feng's blue armor was ripped in many places, revealing the sweat-soaked clothing beneath. Some were deeply scarred by enemy attacks, and the horrific wounds seemed to tell of the brutality of the battle. But he had no time to use his Qi to repair them, so he could only endure the pain and continue fighting. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue, but more of an unyielding and resolute determination. He thought to himself: "In today's battle, only by fighting to the death can there be a glimmer of hope. I, Lin Feng, must not die here. I have an unfinished mission, and there are people waiting for me to protect." Every breath was accompanied by a piercing pain, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, gripping the Star Blade even tighter, as if it were his last connection to the world.

Meanwhile, atop the walls of Beixuan City, Beixuan City Lord Xiang Hongxuan and Imperial Secret Agent Jiujiu Si stood side by side, silently observing the earth-shattering battle unfolding in the distance. The battlefield overflowed with zhenqi, like a surging tide, spreading out like a raging wave. Occasionally, the aftermath of an attack blasted out from the battlefield, uprooting trees and blasting rocks into dust, sending plumes of dust billowing into the air. The smoke and dust filled the air, obscuring the sunlight and shrouding the entire battlefield in darkness, as if the world were about to end.

Jiujiu Si turned to look at Xiang Hongxuan, a questioning look in his eyes. His voice, muffled through the mask, sounded a little dull. "This is your jurisdiction. Are you just going to sit back and watch?" He leaned forward slightly, seeming dissatisfied with Xiang Hongxuan's inaction. He stared intently at Xiang Hongxuan, trying to find any sign of hesitation in his expression. The frown hidden behind the mask was so tight that it looked like it could pinch a fly to death.

Xiang Hongxuan gave a helpless, wry smile. His face was etched with age and fatigue, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and fear. "Care about Lin Feng? Do you think I have the ability?" He spread his hands and shook his head, as if to express his helplessness. His eyes were filled with bitterness as he gazed at the battlefield in the distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew his predicament was difficult. If he were drawn into this conflict, no matter which side, he could not afford to offend.

Jiujiu Si raised his voice slightly. "General Lin is one of our men, after all. If you just sit back and do nothing, aren't you afraid of the Emperor's reprimand?" He stared intently at Xiang Hongxuan, trying to detect any sign of hesitation in his expression. His body tensed slightly, as if awaiting a response. He felt angry at Xiang Hongxuan's cowardice, but was helpless because of his status, unable to intervene forcefully.

Xiang Hongxuan sighed deeply, looking up at the sky, his eyes filled with bitterness. "Who else can I possibly control? Everyone on this battlefield is incredibly influential. I can't afford to offend anyone." His shoulders slumped slightly, as if suffocated by an invisible pressure. His face was filled with helplessness and self-mockery. He knew full well that he was nothing more than an insignificant figure in this complex situation, struggling to survive between the various factions.

Jiujiu Si snorted coldly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Then you've been derelict in your duty. As the lord of a city, you've watched helplessly as a battle unfolds right under your nose." He crossed his arms over his chest. Though his expression beneath the mask couldn't be seen, his tone was perceptible. His body trembled slightly, as if he was suppressing his inner anger, deeply disappointed with Xiang Hongxuan's inaction.

Xiang Hongxuan smiled wryly and replied, "I've already done my best to protect this city. Given such a complex situation, I'm powerless." His eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and self-mockery, as if mocking his own insignificance and powerlessness. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a bitter smile. He knew that his explanation was nothing more than a cowardly excuse in Jiujiu Si's eyes, but what could he do?

Jiujiusi was speechless upon hearing this. Although he wore a mask with a single, prominent "four" on it, his slightly trembling body revealed a deep sense of frustration and disappointment at Xiang Hongxuan's attitude. He thought to himself, "Xiang Hongxuan is such a coward! With Beixuan City in his hands, I'm afraid there will be no peace in the future." His disappointment in Xiang Hongxuan wasn't just because of his inaction this time, but also a concern for his character, fearing he wouldn't be able to protect Beixuan City in future crises.

Ultimately, the two men remained silent, standing quietly atop the city gate, observing the fierce battle from afar. Their figures atop the tower seemed lonely and insignificant, as if marginalized by the brutal strife of the Jianghu, mere spectators of this battle, awaiting the verdict of fate. Their eyes betrayed a complex mix of emotions: curiosity about the outcome, helplessness about their own predicament, and anxiety about the future. It was as if they had been swept into an invisible storm, adrift and powerless to resist.