57: determination

Another month passed in a tense and oppressive atmosphere. Qin Feng had completely consolidated his Early Stage Grand Martial Master Realm. The Primordial Chaos True Qi within his body surged and flowed, smooth and effortless. Every movement he made now contained power far surpassing what he had before. When the Azure Edge Sword was in his hand, its synergy with the 'Azure Peak Sword Manual' was also greater. The flickering sword light now faintly carried a hint of 'profound mystery.'

However, when he refreshed the System's intelligence report as usual at the zi hour, the slight sense of security brought by his increased strength was instantly shattered by several cold lines of text on the light screen!

[(Yellow) The main force of the barbarians besieged the imperial capital for a month, suffering heavy losses and failing to capture it. They have now abandoned the attempt to seize the capital and have instead split into several routes to head south and plunder wealthy towns.]

[(Yellow) One barbarian army, judging that 'Star Moon City' and 'Juyan City' have sturdy defenses, has abandoned direct assault. Instead, they are sweeping through the surrounding villages, burning, killing, and looting to replenish supplies.]

[(Yellow) Another barbarian detachment of five thousand men has breached the relatively weak 'Linxia Pass' and is currently slaughtering the city inside! The Pass Master of Linxia Pass (Early Stage Martial King) died in battle!]

"Damn it!" Qin Feng's face turned so dark it seemed water could drip from it. The barbarians had indeed changed their strategy. They were no longer stubbornly trying to chew on hard bones but were specifically picking the soft targets! They temporarily left the imperial capital and several major cities untouched. They even chose to bypass medium-sized fortified cities like Star Moon City and Juyan City. But places with slightly weaker defenses, like Linxia Pass, had suffered utter disaster!

"The Pass Master of Linxia Pass was also a Martial King, yet he still died in battle..." A chill crept up Qin Feng's spine. The fall of Linxia Pass meant the southern route for the barbarians was completely opened. And the scale and defenses of Star South City were probably not much stronger than Linxia Pass!

The next day, Qin Feng noticed movement in the direction of the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion. Several ornate carriages were parked in front of the building. A flock of chattering women were preparing to board with their luggage, protected by a group of guards. Hua Qianying, still wearing that eye-catching rose-red dress, stood at the entrance directing.

Qin Feng walked over. "Pavilion Master Hua, you... are you withdrawing?"

Seeing him, Hua Qianying gave a charming smile, yet it carried a hint of distance. "That's right, little Ghost Brother. Our Hundred Flowers Palace is in the business of trade. Fighting and killing are not the specialties of us weak women. Star South City is clearly about to become a dangerous place, so naturally, we must temporarily avoid the sharp edge." She looked at Qin Feng, her tone carrying a rare seriousness. "What about it? Want to come with your big sister? With your talent, staying in this dangerous place is too risky."

Qin Feng shook his head, his gaze firm. "Thank you for your kind offer, Pavilion Master Hua. But my Master and Junior Sister are here. I cannot abandon them and flee for my life alone."

Hua Qianying looked at him deeply, offering no further persuasion. She just said softly, "Then... take care. Remember our agreement. Stay alive."

Watching the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion convoy disappear down the street, Qin Feng felt a tumult of emotions. Even a force like the Hundred Flowers Palace had chosen to withdraw, showing just how perilous the situation was.

Returning to the clinic, he informed Doctor Chu of the barbarians' movements and the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion's withdrawal. He asked in a heavy tone, "Master, should we... withdraw?"

Doctor Chu remained silent for a long time, gazing out the window at the anxious flow of people. Finally, he sighed. "Withdraw? Easier said than done. Outside now, it's all war and chaos, with bandits rising everywhere. With our group of old, weak, women, and children (glancing at Xiaochun), being on the road would likely be more dangerous than staying in the city."

He paused, then pointed to an inconspicuous corner in the backyard. "Your Master had a secret tunnel dug long ago, leading to a mountain forest outside the city. If the city truly falls, we will leave from there. Until that moment... staying at home might still offer a sliver of hope."

"If Brother Feng isn't leaving, I'm not leaving either!" Xiaochun immediately grabbed Qin Feng's sleeve. Though fear was on her little face, it was full of determination.

However, Senior Brother Liu Da left without a word that very night, leaving only a note saying he didn't want to stay and wait for death and was going to seek a way out. The fragility of human nature was laid bare before the test of life and death.

At night, Qin Feng refreshed the intelligence report with a final shred of hope.

[(Blue) On the third underground level of the abandoned armory west of the city, a hidden compartment seals an ancient hidden weapon named 'Storm of Pear Blossoms.' When activated, it can instantly shoot out countless poison-tipped needles as fine as ox hair, covering an extremely wide area. It is powerful enough to pierce the protective True Qi of a Grand Martial Master and cause fatal damage. However, due to its age, the mechanism is worn, and it is estimated to be usable only twice.]

[(Yellow) A barbarian vanguard army of approximately five thousand men has set its sights on Star South City, which is relatively abundant in supplies. Their army boasts two Martial King-level powerers. They are currently looting their way here.]

[(Black) The barbarian vanguard is estimated to arrive at Star South City in fifteen days. If the Host chooses to stay and defend the city, based on a comprehensive comparison of both sides' strength and the city's defensive situation, the estimated mortality rate: 30%.]

The blue intelligence brought a glimmer of hope! A hidden weapon capable of threatening a Grand Martial Master, even a Martial King! But the yellow and black intelligence were like declarations from the god of death, cold and cruel.

Two Martial Kings! Five thousand barbarian elites!

A 30% mortality rate! This was no alarmist talk but the System's cold calculation based on existing intelligence!

Qin Feng closed his eyes, took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his eyes held only a resolute, deathly stillness.

"Damn it... I'll fight it out!"

He had no way back. His Master, Xiaochun, his father, his second uncle, those relatives who trusted him... they were all here. If he fled alone, he would spend the rest of his life in regret.

He immediately set out. Following the blue intelligence's guidance, he infiltrated the long-forgotten abandoned armory west of the city. On the dust and cobweb-covered third underground level, he found the hidden compartment. He retrieved a foot-long, pitch-black metal cylinder covered in dense, tiny holes—the Storm of Pear Blossoms!

It felt heavy in his hand, exuding a cold, murderous intent.

Carrying this final trump card, Qin Feng returned to the clinic. He began cultivating frantically, familiarizing himself with the power of a Grand Martial Master, practicing his sword techniques. Simultaneously, he used all the usable medicinal herbs on him to concoct healing, recovery, and even poison medicines.

Star South City had become an isolated city.

And he would live or die with it.