Mo Li

Having accepted Princess Helan's challenge, He Su wasted no time and stood up, walking to the center of the open space. Pleased by his straightforwardness, Princess Helan followed him with a smile.

He Su clasped his hands and said, "Princess, let's keep it friendly."

Princess Helan responded with a fierce whip strike. "You Central Plains people talk too much!" The long, supple whip lashed mercilessly toward He Su. As the leader of Ye Li's four shadow guards and one of the first personally trained by Ye Li himself, He Su had nearly a decade of military experience. If he were to be struck by Princess Helan's whip, he might as well retire from the battlefield altogether.

Without even drawing his weapon, He Su sidestepped casually, effortlessly evading what seemed like a fierce attack. Princess Helan was slightly surprised. While she hadn't arrogantly assumed she could defeat one of Ye Li's top generals, she hadn't expected him to dodge her strike without even moving. With a light scoff, she grinned. "Impressive! Let's see how you dodge this!"

No longer holding back, Princess Helan sent her whip coiling toward He Su like a sky full of venomous snakes. He Su took a step back and began dodging her strikes barehanded. The two exchanged blows in the open space, their movements swift and precise. After fifty or sixty exchanges, He Su decided he had given the princess enough face. With a quiet hum, he ignored the whirling shadows of her whip and firmly grasped its end. A slight shake of his wrist sent the whip flying from her grip, and He Su swiftly collected it.

The onlookers erupted in cheers. He Su approached Princess Helan, holding out the whip. "My respects, Princess. Your whip."

Princess Helan studied him for a moment before nodding. "The generals of the Mo Family Army truly are formidable. Helan concedes." Taking back her whip, she returned to Ye Li's side without further argument.

The Northern Frontier generals watching the match could tell He Su had held back. While they admired his skill, their fighting spirit only grew fiercer. The young man who had earlier requested a match from Ye Li was the first to stand and challenge He Su. Unlike with a woman, there were no reservations when fighting a man. He Su accepted without hesitation, and the two began their duel in the open space.

Though the Northern Frontier warriors generally did not cultivate internal energy, their external techniques and physical strength far surpassed those of the Central Plains. Intrigued, He Su decided to forgo his internal energy and rely solely on the most common military combat techniques. The intensity of their clash was incomparable to his earlier exchange with Princess Helan. Fists and feet flew, stirring the crowd into a frenzy of excitement and cheers.He Su alone fought five or six northern warriors without losing ground, followed by Qin Feng, Lin Han, Zhuo Jing, and others joining the fray, each displaying martial prowess no less impressive than He Su's. The northern generals watched in awe, as did the surrendered Central Plains generals on their side. Even these unknown young commanders under Princess Ding were so formidable—how much more fearsome must the renowned veteran generals be? They couldn't help but feel grateful for having surrendered to Prince Ding's Estate early. With such strength, how could Ren Qining not be defeated? Admittedly, this was a beautiful misunderstanding. Among these four, apart from He Su, their military command abilities might not surpass the generals present by much. However, their martial skills undoubtedly placed them within the top ten of both Prince Ding's Estate and the Mo Family Army.

At dawn, fifty li northeast of Changqing City, three hundred thousand northern soldiers, led by their tribal chieftains, were already marching northward. They would exit the pass from there and return to their familiar homelands. Since Ren Qining first appeared on northern soil over a decade ago, the north had undergone tremendous changes. Blinded by greed and ambition, they had followed Ren Qining in an attempt to build a vast empire, dreaming of eternal glory and turning all the fertile lands of the world into hunting grounds for northern warriors. But they had paid a heavy price. In just over a decade—from tribal wars to invasions beyond the pass and two confrontations with the Mo Family Army—the northern population had dwindled by sixty percent, with young men reduced by over eighty percent. Had they persisted in their folly, extinction would have awaited them. Now, they were taking their remaining warriors back to rebuild peaceful lives. Perhaps in another decade, the north would once again thrive as before.

"Princess Ding, we're leaving. Thank you for everything this time. The northern people will never forget the great kindness of Prince Ding's Estate," Princess Helan said sincerely, holding a horse by the roadside with a smile.

Ye Li smiled gently. "Take care on your journey, Princess. With battles still raging behind us, I regret I cannot see you off further."

Princess Helan laughed. "No need. Your Central Plains is quite fascinating. When the war is over, I’ll come find you for fun." Ye Li replied, "You’re always welcome."

Princess Helan mounted her horse and cupped her hands toward Ye Li. "I’m off now. Oh, Princess Ding—that Ren Qining is vengeful and ruthless. With me gone, he’ll surely direct his fury at you. Be very careful."

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "I understand. Take care, Princess."

Princess Helan nodded, turned her horse, and was about to ride after the departing troops when a sharp whistling sound pierced the air from afar. She turned to see a gleaming arrow streaking straight toward her.

"Princess, watch out!" Ye Li shouted. At the same time, a flick of her sleeve sent a silver flash flying toward the arrow. Simultaneously, Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, standing beside Ye Li, leaped into action, their swords slicing through the air to intercept the projectile. Just before it could strike Princess Helan, the arrow was knocked aside.Princess Helan was unharmed, but the horse beneath her was startled. With a loud whinny, it reared up on its hind legs, threatening to throw her off. At the same moment, Qin Feng leaped forward, grabbing Princess Helan off the horse and delivering a swift palm strike to the horse's side. The magnificent steed immediately collapsed to the ground, though it wasn't killed—just lying there uneasily, shaking its head.

Princess Helan, still shaken from being abruptly pulled down, exclaimed in alarm, "What's going on?!"

"Wretched woman, prepare to die!"

Before Ye Li could respond to Princess Helan, countless black-clad assailants swarmed toward them. Ye Li glanced at them calmly and said, "They're Ren Qining's men!"

Princess Helan was instantly furious. Her hatred and anger toward Ren Qining were no less than his toward her. She had originally planned to trick him once and leave it at that—after all, Prince Ding's Estate would deal with him, and she didn’t need to waste more Northern Border soldiers' lives. But she never expected Ren Qining would dare send assassins after her.

"You think I'm afraid of you?!" She abandoned her whip, drew the short blade from her waist, and charged toward the assassins with her guards.

Ye Li turned to Qin Feng beside her and said, "Make sure Princess Helan isn’t harmed."

Qin Feng nodded and waved his hand. Prince Ding's guards surged forward as well. The ensuing melee was no less intense than a small-scale battle.

"Ren Qining! I know you're here! Show yourself!" Princess Helan slashed down one assassin and shouted into the surroundings.

A cold voice echoed from nearby. "As you wish." Ren Qining leaped down from a small hillside by the road, his sword darting toward Princess Helan like a viper.

He Su and Qin Feng simultaneously lunged forward, their blades intercepting Ren Qining's strike and forcing him back. Behind them, Lin Han had already pulled Princess Helan to safety beside Ye Li.

Ren Qining swept his gaze over He Su and Qin Feng before glancing at Lin Han and Zhuo Jing guarding Ye Li. He knew that unless he dealt with these men, he wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on Princess Helan today. Without another word, he swung his sword straight at Qin Feng.

Ren Qining’s martial prowess was among the highest in the world. Even Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhenting had once acknowledged him as one of the top ten masters. Though He Su and Qin Feng were slightly inferior in skill, Prince Ding's forces—especially the Qilin—excelled in coordinated combat. Back then, a group of newly trained Qilin had managed to capture Mu Qingcang, one of the four great masters of the martial world. Now, with He Su and Qin Feng fighting together, Ren Qining couldn’t break free anytime soon.

The battle between Ren Qining and the two men lasted for over an hour. By then, most of the assassins he had brought had already been eliminated by Prince Ding’s guards. Ye Li watched as Qin Feng and He Su gradually began to lose ground, silently acknowledging that regardless of Ren Qining’s character, his martial skills were indeed formidable—far surpassing Tan Jizhi’s.

"Master Ren, this fight will lead nowhere. Why not listen to my suggestion and call a truce?" Ye Li called out.

Ren Qining sneered and intensified his attacks.Ye Li narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Young Master Ren, I have never claimed to be a gentleman, nor do I adhere to the principle of not bullying the few with the many." Her implication was clear—if Ren Qining insisted on fighting, she wouldn't mind outnumbering him. Ren Qining had only a slight upper hand against He Su and Qin Feng. If those two fought desperately, Ren Qining might not escape unscathed. Adding Zhuo Jing and Lin Han to the mix would guarantee Ren Qining's defeat.

After a moment, Ren Qining finally snorted coldly and stepped back with a grim expression. The remaining assassins also ceased their attacks and retreated behind him. Watching the dark-faced man opposite her, Ye Li smiled faintly and stepped forward. "Young Master Ren, who would have thought we'd meet again so soon after parting in Li Cheng?"

At her words, Ren Qining's expression grew even uglier. He swept a gloomy glance over Ye Li and her companions before pointing his sword at Princess Helan. "Hand over that bitch, and we'll settle the score between you and me on the battlefield."

Ye Li shook her head regretfully. "Princess Helan is a friend of Prince Ding's Estate. At least until she leaves the border, we cannot allow anyone to harm her. If you insist on killing her, you may do so after she returns to the Northern Territory. By then, it will be beyond my control, and I won't have to trouble myself over it, isn't that right?"

Ren Qining let out a series of cold laughs, glaring at Ye Li. "So, Princess Ding means to protect this bitch no matter what?"

Ye Li sighed helplessly. "I have no choice. I hope you can understand."

"Do you think I came here with only these few men?" Ren Qining said darkly. "This bitch will be torn limb from limb—I swear it!"

"Enough already, you scum surnamed Ren!" Princess Helan, unable to endure being called a "bitch" repeatedly, stepped forward beside Ye Li and glared furiously at Ren Qining. "Is there anyone in this world more despicable than you? My cousin saved your life, and my uncle married her to you. Yet you played the victim to deceive them and ended up killing her! You used the warriors of the Northern Territory to fight your battles and build your kingdom, only to turn on them the moment you no longer needed them. You schemed to wipe out my people—trash like you, by your own people's words, should be called scum! Garbage! The lowest of the low! The hundreds of thousands of wronged souls from the Northern Territory will never let you off! I curse you to die childless and alone in this life and the next. A vile, wretched creature like you dreaming of restoring your kingdom? Keep dreaming your delusional dreams!"

Beside her, Ye Li couldn't help but cover her lips to suppress a laugh. Though Princess Helan's command of the Central Plains' language was mediocre, her insults were fiercer than three natives combined. The way Ren Qining's handsome face cycled through shades of green, blue, and purple was proof of how brilliantly she had cursed him.

Ye Li cleared her throat and said to Princess Helan, "That's enough, Helan." This wasn't the place for a battle, and with everyone standing so close, provoking Ren Qining into a frenzied attack would only lead to unnecessary injuries.

Princess Helan still seemed eager to continue, but out of respect for Ye Li, she reluctantly fell silent.

Once Ren Qining had calmed down, Ye Li spoke again. "Young Master Ren, the grievances between you and the Northern Territory are not for me to judge, nor can I say who is right or wrong. I only wish to ask you one thing—what difference would killing Princess Helan make to the current situation?"Ren Qining was taken aback. At this stage, with the northern army already departed, killing Princess Helan would have no impact on the situation. At most, it would only serve to vent his anger or slight Prince Ding's Estate. But if Ye Li refused to back down, how much more would he have to sacrifice just to take Helan's life? Glancing back at the few remaining assassins out of the hundred he had brought, his eyes darkened with frustration.

Ye Li continued calmly, "I know you still have hidden forces, Lord Ren. But you should also realize that I wouldn't have come here with just a few guards. To be frank, Princess Helan's life or death means little to Prince Ding's Estate. However, if you insist on acting, I have no choice but to respond in kind. The Estate has promised to ensure the safe departure of the northern delegation, and we will never go back on our word."

Ren Qining fell silent for a moment before sneering, "Princess, by letting them leave now, aren’t you afraid of nurturing a future threat? Do you really think I convinced them solely through deception? If they hadn’t harbored ambitions of their own, how could I have swayed them?"

Ye Li replied evenly, "No one can guarantee eternal peace. At least for now, the northern tribes have no intention of contending for the Central Plains. Were it not for you, Lord Ren, they would likely still be living off hunting and fishing in their remote lands, with no connection to the Central Plains at all. Should I exterminate them now based on mere speculation of future threats? If the Central Plains remains strong and prosperous, foreign tribes would never dare show disrespect. But if we grow weak and complacent, even if we destroy the northern tribes today, how can you guarantee there won’t be threats from the west or east tomorrow?"

Ren Qining scoffed, realizing it was futile to persuade Ye Li to yield. A woman like her had long made up her mind and was difficult to sway. His gaze sharpened like an arrow as he glared at Princess Helan. "You’d better never set foot outside the northern lands again. Otherwise, I’ll spend the rest of my life ensuring you die without a whole corpse."

Princess Helan met his threat with a cold laugh. "I’ll pray day and night to the Great Spirit for your early demise and swift reincarnation."

Seeing Ren Qining relent, Ye Li said no more. She turned to Qin Feng beside her. "Escort Princess Helan to catch up with the main group and see her safely past the border." Qin Feng nodded silently. "Princess, this way."

Understanding that Ye Li wanted her to leave first to prevent Ren Qining from scheming further, Helan stuck out her tongue playfully at Ye Li, waved, and mounted a fine horse brought by the guards before galloping away.

"Princess Ding! Until we meet again!"

With Helan gone, only Ye Li and Ren Qining’s forces remained facing each other on the wide official road. Though Ren Qining had been seething with rage these past days, his fury had cooled somewhat when confronting Ye Li again. He studied her composed beauty and sneered, "Princess Ding, your methods are truly impressive."

Ye Li brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Lord Ren. I merely seized the opportunity presented." A vein throbbed at Ren Qining’s temple, his eyes flashing with barely suppressed violence. To him, her words were a blatant taunt—mocking his inability to control his subordinates, which had allowed her to exploit the opening and outmaneuver him.Taking a deep breath to suppress the overwhelming fury in his heart, Ren Qining swept a glance at the people surrounding Ye Li. With a cold laugh, he said, "It's said that Prince Ding and Princess Ding are inseparable, like body and shadow. Yet this time, I don't see the prince's presence. Could it be that he looks down on me and disdains to show himself?"

"Master Ren, why ask when you already know the answer? Our Wang Ye is currently engaged in battle with the Northern Rong, so naturally, he isn't here," Ye Li replied. "Moreover, though we are husband and wife, we are not one and the same. How could there not be times when we are apart?"

Ren Qining stared at Ye Li, his smile growing more sinister. "I've long heard that the Wang Fei is also a master of military strategy. It seems I won't have the chance to witness the tactics of the former God of War of Chu. But I suppose experiencing the Wang Fei's military prowess will be a worthwhile endeavor in this lifetime. However... if the Wang Fei were to suffer another mishap... I wonder if Prince Ding would still have the chance to slaughter my entire family!" By the last sentence, Ren Qining's voice dripped with bloodlust. Over the past two years, the conflict between the Northern tribes and the remnants of the Central Plains' officials had intensified, all stemming from Mo Xiuyao's assassination of the Northern Jin queen and her princes. One could say that Ren Qining's current defeat was sown back then. In the heat of the moment, it might not have been clear, but in hindsight, even someone as ruthless as Ren Qining couldn't help but shudder at Mo Xiuyao's cunning and schemes.

Ye Li smiled faintly, pressing her lips together. "I wouldn't dare to have Master Ren sacrifice his entire family again. I will certainly take care of myself, and I sincerely hope Master Ren does the same."

"Let's hope so," Ren Qining sneered.

"Farewell." At this point, both sides had laid their cards on the table, and there was no need for further pleasantries.

"I won't see you out," Ren Qining said.

Watching Ye Li and her entourage depart calmly, Ren Qining stood by the ancient road with his hands behind his back, lost in thought. Seeing him like this, the assassins behind him dared not disturb him. After a long while, an impatient subordinate general came looking for him. Spotting Ren Qining standing there in a daze, he hurried forward to salute. "Your Majesty, the Northern Territory Army and—"

"They're gone," Ren Qining said coldly.

"Shall I immediately pursue them?"

"No need," Ren Qining shook his head and turned to walk back. In a grave voice, he said, "Let's return. We must prepare for the imminent battle. In at most three to five days, Leng Huai's forces from Zijing Pass will surely attack." The general behind him was startled. "If that's the case, won't we be caught between the Mo Family Army's pincer attack? Your Majesty, should we retreat first?"

Ren Qining turned his head slightly, looking at him calmly. "Retreat to where? Behind us is Zijing Pass. Even if we break through Ye Li's blockade to the north, do you think the Northern tribes won't turn on us at this moment?"

The general's face paled, and a moment's reflection sent a cold sweat down his spine. "Your Majesty, what should we do then?"

"What should we do?" Ren Qining walked ahead, his steps steady. But no one saw the flicker of helplessness on his face... I'd like to know what we should do too...

Beyond Zijing Pass, the land had always been sparsely populated, with few proper cities to speak of. In such a place, warfare didn't leave much room for elaborate tactics or terrain advantages. The flat, open plains left all troops exposed under the broad daylight, with nowhere to hide.However, even if Ren Qining's troops were inferior, they still numbered a million. As the saying goes, enough ants can kill an elephant. The Mo Family Army, led by Leng Huai who arrived later, only had slightly over 200,000 soldiers. Even combined with the surrendered troops from Ye Li's side, their total forces barely exceeded 500,000. For a time, the two armies found themselves locked in a stalemate outside Zijing Pass.

Within a few days, Princess Ding issued a handwritten decree in the name of the Mo Family Army, declaring that the common people were innocent. The Mo Family Army was already engaged in battle against the northern barbarians and had no desire to wage war against their own people. All soldiers under the northern command who were willing to surrender would be pardoned without question. Those who still wished to serve could join the Mo Family Army, while those who did not could lay down their arms and return to civilian life.

On the other hand, rumors began to circulate from unknown sources that Ren Qining was not actually the descendant of the previous dynasty. Several former ministers who had served under Ren Qining personally testified to this. As a result, not only did the morale of the ordinary soldiers at the lower ranks crumble, but even the trusted generals under Ren Qining began to waver. In the Northern Border camp, soldiers deserted daily. Some even surrendered to the enemy on the battlefield, and no matter how harshly Ren Qining punished them, the situation remained uncontrollable, leaving him helpless.

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the two armies clashed again ten miles outside Changqing City. Leng Huai, who had originally been leading his troops separately, joined forces with Ye Li and He Su. Meanwhile, Ren Qining, who once commanded a million-strong army, now had fewer than two hundred thousand soldiers left. Their morale was low, and their formation was in disarray—a stark contrast to the Mo Family Army behind Ye Li, clad in black and exuding an intimidating aura. Everyone knew that today would be the final battle.

Dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and mounted on a chestnut steed, Ren Qining glared coldly at Ye Li and her companions, unwilling to concede defeat in spirit despite his circumstances.

After a long silence, Ren Qining drew his sword and pointed it at Ye Li, declaring solemnly, "Princess Ding, my defeat today is not due to my lack of skill in battle, but because Heaven has forsaken me..." In truth, when it came to military strategy and tactics, there was little to criticize about his performance. With a million troops, Ren Qining should not have fallen so quickly. Unfortunately, he lacked favorable timing, geographical advantage, and popular support—three crucial elements for victory. How could he not lose? And how could he accept such a defeat? Before Ye Li could respond, Leng Haoyu, standing behind her, sneered, "Heaven aids those who uphold righteousness. If you had not forsaken Heaven, why would Heaven forsake you?"

Ren Qining's face darkened, and he said no more. "In that case, Princess Ding, shall we settle this in battle?"

From Ye Li's right, Leng Huai spurred his horse forward and said coldly, "A defeated general is unworthy of the Princess's attention. Allow this old man to test the King of the Northern Border's skills."

Ren Qining smirked disdainfully. "Old General Leng, why not retire peacefully at your age? I have no interest in bullying the elderly and weak." Enraged, Leng Huai's face turned livid as he roared and charged at Ren Qining with his Qingfeng Sword. Seeing this, Ren Qining showed no mercy, countering with swift, sweeping strikes, his sword energy cutting through the air.

The onlookers watched as Leng Huai and Ren Qining clashed, none stepping in to intervene. Only Leng Haoyu frowned, his sharp eyes fixed on the duel, his own sword already drawn. Ye Li sighed softly and said, "Old General Leng is no match for Ren Qining. Leng Er, go assist him."

Though Ren Qining's martial prowess was formidable, he would be helpless against a combined assault from Qin Feng and the others. Ye Li had never been fond of the tradition of one-on-one duels before battle. However, Leng Huai had a personal vendetta against Ren Qining—the murder of his son. Despite his advanced age and the exhaustion from months of defending Zijing Pass and Chu Jing, Leng Huai had refused to rest, insisting on leading troops to Zijing Pass to avenge his beloved son. Ye Li could not bear to disappoint him.Leng Haoyu had long been worried about Leng Huai's safety. As soon as Ye Li finished speaking, he immediately rushed forward. With a sweep of his sword, he deflected Ren Qining's blade that was aimed at Leng Huai. Ren Qining sneered, "One dies, but another good son remains." Without another word, he launched three consecutive strikes at Leng Haoyu and Leng Huai. Leng Haoyu's sword danced, creating a web of steel that parried Ren Qining's attacks.

Qin Feng whispered to Ye Li, "Wang Fei, Leng Er and General Leng are no match for Ren Qining." Ren Qining's martial prowess ranked not just within the top ten in the world, but easily within the top five. What he lacked compared to Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhenting was merely time and experience. Of course, he couldn't compare to a natural prodigy like Mo Xiuyao. But compared to Leng Haoyu, whose skills were merely decent, and Leng Huai, a military general, Ren Qining was vastly superior.

Ye Li replied calmly, "Leave them be. Let's act now. We must end this battle today."

Suddenly, war drums thundered across the battlefield. The Mo Family Army behind Ye Li roared in unison as they charged toward the remaining Northern Army. Over the past days, the Northern Army had either fled or surrendered, leaving only these terrified remnants with shattered morale. When they saw the Mo Family Army surging toward them like a black tide, they began to collapse almost instantly.

Amid the chaos, Ren Qining, Leng Huai, and Leng Haoyu gradually moved toward a less crowded area. Eventually, Ren Qining grew impatient and swept his sword, sending Leng Huai crashing to the ground with serious injuries.

"Father!" Leng Haoyu's expression changed, and he unleashed a flurry of sword strikes at Ren Qining. Behind him, Ye Li, Qin Feng, and the others caught up. Seeing Leng Huai severely wounded and Leng Haoyu also injured, Qin Feng drew his sword without hesitation and joined the fight. Zhuo Jing followed suit, entering the fray. Ye Li then called for someone to take Leng Huai away for treatment.

Ren Qining, exhausted from days of relentless fighting, now faced Leng Haoyu, Qin Feng, and Zhuo Jing simultaneously. Gradually, signs of fatigue began to show. Qin Feng spotted an opening and ruthlessly thrust his sword diagonally through Ren Qining's chest.

Ren Qining's face paled, and a trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth. With a sweep of his sword, he forced the three back, then leaped away, sprinting into the distance. Seeing him flee, the others immediately gave chase.

By a tranquil lake outside Changqing City, Ren Qining, clad in bright yellow imperial robes, sat quietly, gazing at the modest city standing in the distance. After a lifetime of scheming and betraying deep favors, all he had gained was this small city and the half-finished palace.

So tired...

The Qilin never missed its mark. Though Qin Feng's sword strike seemed slightly off, it was only a matter of time before death came—just a little slower than an instant kill. Ren Qining pressed a few acupoints, but blood continued to seep from his wound. Resigned, he stopped bothering. He casually planted his sword into the ground beside him and sat alone by the lake, exhaling deeply.

Soon, Ye Li and the others arrived. Spotting the figure by the lake, Ye Li raised her hand to stop the group and walked forward alone. Qin Feng and Zhuo Jing exchanged glances, each taking a strategic position to keep a wary eye on the figure in yellow.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Ren Qining turned and smiled faintly at Ye Li. "You've come. Any later, and I might not have waited for you."Ye Li lowered her gaze and saw that the ground beneath him was already stained red with blood. His entire face was as pale as paper, devoid of the spirited vigor he had shown earlier on the battlefield, wielding his sword against countless foes.

"Does the King of the Northern Border have something to say?" Ye Li asked softly, her eyes downcast.

Ren Qining waved his hand dismissively. "You can call me Ren Qining. It's the name I've carried all my life... I can't be bothered to change it now." In his final moments, he no longer clung to the title of King of the Northern Border, nor did he hold onto the identity of Lin Yuan. In truth, only the name Ren Qining had accompanied him throughout his life. The other two were perhaps merely what he had desired.

Ye Li amended her words. "Does Young Master Ren have something to say?"

Ren Qining replied indifferently, "Not really. It's just that when one is about to die... one doesn't wish to pass alone. It's a pity I never had the chance to face Wang Fei in battle..." Ye Li said, "My meager skills would hardly be worthy of Young Master Ren's attention."

Ren Qining looked at her with a faint, mocking smile. "Truth be told, I did seriously consider whether I should fight to the death to kill you. Just imagining Mo Xiuyao's expression upon hearing the news of your death filled me with immense joy."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "If that's the case, why didn't Young Master Ren act earlier?"

Ren Qining shook his head and sighed. "I wasn't confident I could kill you. Besides, thinking about it now, it seems rather pointless. Even if Mo Xiuyao were heartbroken, it wouldn't benefit me in any way... Though many might find my actions laughable, I believe... Wang Fei, you wouldn't mock me."

"Those who strive for their convictions are not laughable, even if their beliefs are seen as wrong by the world. Moreover... who in this world can truly discern right from wrong?" Ye Li said calmly.

"Well said..." Ren Qining chuckled. "So... was it wrong after all?"

Ye Li lowered her eyes. "If Young Master Ren believes it wasn't wrong, then it wasn't wrong."

Ren Qining weakly leaned on his sword and murmured, "Yes, if I believe it wasn't wrong, then it wasn't. But if it was wrong... then what was the meaning of my entire life?"

Scenes from his life flashed before his eyes. From childhood, he had been burdened with great expectations—the sole descendant of the Lin family, the last hope for the restoration of the former dynasty. While other children his age were coddled by their parents, he was in the study, learning the classics of governance from his tutors. While others played and frolicked, he studied strategy, statecraft, and military tactics. While others slept soundly in their beds, he rose early to train, enduring the bitterest winters and the hottest summers. Yet, he was no genius like Mo Xiuyao, and now he had come to this end... Perhaps it was simply fate. But had anyone ever asked him... what he truly wanted in life? Had he ever done even a single thing he truly desired?

A pair of beautiful, lively eyes flickered in his memory—from when he had just come of age, a young man encountering an innocent and clever maiden untouched by the world. She had saved his life. During his recovery, he had picked wildflowers and woven them into a crown for her. The faint blush on her lovely face had been more captivating than any peerless beauty he had ever seen.

Then he had married her, and she had borne him children... If he hadn't been Lin Yuan, if he hadn't carried those responsibilities...

"Su Yi'er..."Ye Li silently watched as the bloodstained sword swept across his neck. The long sword clattered to the ground, and the man in the dragon robe slowly collapsed. "Su Yi'er..."

Having stayed with Princess Helan for some time, Ye Li remembered her mentioning that her cousin—the former queen of Ren Qining, the King of the Northern Border—was named Su Yi'er, meaning "the radiant pearl."

"Wang Fei," Leng Haoyu and the others stepped forward, glancing at the figure on the ground. Leng Haoyu couldn't help but sigh, "Who would have thought he would..."

Ye Li sighed softly. "Give him a proper burial. He was a formidable figure in his own right. Posthumously honor him as Prince Changqing and bury him with the Queen of the Northern Border." Zhuo Jing hesitated before replying, "Reporting to Wang Fei, the ashes of the Queen of the Northern Border and several princes and princesses were taken back to the northern border by Princess Helan."

After a moment's thought, Ye Li said, "Then erect a cenotaph for him. Send someone to deliver his ashes to the northern border. Let Princess Helan decide what to do with them." With that, Ye Li, feeling somewhat dispirited, turned away from the figure on the ground and headed back to camp. The fifteenth of August... it was time to return.

"Let Princess Helan decide?" Zhuo Jing was stunned. Given Queen Helan's hatred for Ren Qining, she would likely scatter his ashes on the road to be trampled underfoot.

Soon, someone came to take Ren Qining's body away. The lakeside returned to tranquility. After a long while, a man in blue appeared by the lake, staring at the dark red bloodstains on the ground for a long time. Finally, he bent down to pick up the fallen sword, lifted a corner of his robe, and sliced it off with the blade. Slowly wiping the partially dried blood from the sword, he murmured softly, "I never thought you would... I always believed..." He had always assumed there would be a decisive battle between them, yet in the end, they had never even met properly...

Tossing the bloodied cloth aside, the man in blue turned and left. The stained blue fabric fluttered in the breeze before drifting onto the rippling surface of the lake, gradually soaking through. The blood dissolved faintly into the water...

Inside the Mo Family Army's command tent, Ye Li looked up at the blue-clad man before her, her gaze lingering briefly on the sword in his hand before she asked, "What are your plans now?"

Tan Jizhi smiled indifferently. "If Wang Fei intends to keep me imprisoned, so be it. If not, then I’d like to leave."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. "Where to? Somewhere to rebuild your power?"

Tan Jizhi shook his head. "Perhaps I’ll wander for a while. Maybe head to the Western Regions, or even set sail overseas."

Ye Li regarded him with amusement. "What about your grand ambitions? Have you given up on them?"

Tan Jizhi gave a bitter laugh. "With Prince Ding and Wang Fei here, there’s no room for anyone else’s grand ambitions. I know my limits. Seeing his fate... I used to have so many questions, but now none of it seems to matter anymore." Two men, the same name, the same mission and responsibility—yet different experiences, different endings. Witnessing Ren Qining’s fate, Tan Jizhi, who had once believed he hated him deeply, now felt a pang of sorrow for a fallen comrade. His once-burning ambitions now seemed hollow and meaningless.

"Heroes rise with the winds of change,

Yet time in the martial world swiftly fades away...""Imperial ambitions and grand achievements are but a jest in conversation, no match for a single bout of drunken revelry in this mortal world," Ye Li murmured softly. Tan Jizhi was momentarily lost in thought before smiling in quiet acceptance, nodding in admiration. "Wang Fei possesses such temperament and insight... Tan Jizhi is truly humbled. From this day forth, there shall only be Tan Jizhi in this world, and no trace of Lin Yuan remains... Wang Fei, I take my leave."

Ye Li gazed at him. "Will you not return to see Doctor Lin?"

Tan Jizhi shook his head with a bitter smile. "Best not. I doubt my father wishes to see this unfilial son. I entrust his care to you henceforth." Ye Li nodded. "Very well. The choice is yours."

Without further ado, Tan Jizhi clasped his hands in farewell. "Farewell."

"No need for formalities."

As Tan Jizhi departed, Qin Feng behind Ye Li whispered, "Wang Fei, are we truly letting him go just like that? If he harbors any further schemes, he could prove troublesome." Ye Li shook her head. "Tan Jizhi is a clever man. He knows when to relent. However... should he make any untoward moves, there’s no need for further questions. Eliminate him directly."

Qin Feng nodded. Tan Jizhi was alone and had already incurred Mo Jingli’s wrath—it would be difficult for him to stir up trouble again.

"Wang Fei, between Tan Jizhi and Ren Qining, who truly is the lost heir of the former dynasty?" Qin Feng asked curiously. Ye Li smiled faintly and shook her head. "Who knows? Does it even matter who is or isn’t?"

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Feng chuckled in agreement. "Wang Fei speaks wisely." Who truly cared about such distinctions? If ambition burned within them, even if they killed Tan Jizhi, a third or fourth Lin Yuan, Wang Yuan, Zhao Yuan would surely emerge...

－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－

Heehee, I finally managed to sneak in another poem—homage to the Immortal Poet~ Speaking of which, after writing this story for so long, the first character who nearly made me cry was Ren Qining~ What a scoundrel! A complete bastard~ I absolutely don’t intend to whitewash him—he’s still fundamentally a villain, but... even the most detestable have their pitiable moments, right? Thanks to all you lovely readers for sticking with me. Mwah!