404: Sword of War

"What's going on? Why was the existence of a Formation here not reported?" Prince Ding snorted coldly.

Zhu Deqin was also bewildered and hurriedly said, "Father, please appease your anger! We truly didn't find any record of this Formation before; it was likely set up recently!"

In fact, since Liu Rushi broke into the Prince Fus Mansion last time, news of it being protected by a Formation had spread. However, since Prince Ding and Zhu Deqin were in Dingyuan City presiding over external wars, they hadn't noticed these so-called "minor matters" reported by their subordinates. Having come in a hurry this time, they were naturally unaware.

"Hmph, I didn't expect Old Ninth to be not so stupid after all, knowing people were watching him and spending a fortune to set up such a massive Formation. However, it's impossible for him to think he can block this King with it!" Prince Ding sneered.

The attack just now was merely a small test for him. He didn't believe that this Formation could still hold up under his full power as a Late Stage Martial Commander!

In his view, as one of the top combat powers of the Great Ming, using his strength to break this Formation was like using a butcher's knife to kill a chicken!

Moreover, he could feel that the Prince Fus Mansion seemed deathly silent; the people inside must be terrified. He snorted, his Aura surging as his robes fluttered without wind and his hair and beard flared out. He seemed to grow three sizes larger. Even Zhu Deqin nearby turned pale and hurriedly retreated... Suddenly, Prince Ding slowly rose into the air, accompanied by lightning, thunder, and howling winds. Even the mask on his face blew away because it wasn't tied tightly. At this moment, his expression was hideous!

Holding his right hand high, a nine-foot greatsword suddenly appeared. Bolts of lightning flickered and crackled upon the blade. The sword light emitting from the tip was over ten feet long, looking exceptionally dazzling against the night sky!

Screech!!!

With a swing of the greatsword, a beam of sword light shot forward, plunging into the deep darkness. Suddenly, an astonishing light erupted, illuminating the area for dozens of miles around the Prince Fus Mansion as if it were day. Countless people in the residence looked up at the terrifying figure in the sky, trembling and pale. Some were paralyzed with fear, while others kowtowed frantically, seemingly lost in their own worlds... Prince Ding's strike cost him nearly thirty percent of his power. He was full of confidence, regulating his breathing while waiting for the Formation to shatter. However, as time passed, the expected sound of the Formation breaking didn't come. Instead, the whispers of countless onlookers drifted from the surroundings:

"Someone is actually attacking the Prince Fus Mansion?!"

"What kind of enemy did Prince Fu provoke? Could that person be a Martial Commander?!"

"Heavens, that figure, that greatsword... could it be... Pr... Prince Ding?!"

"Shhh!!!"

"Leave quickly! Go, go!!!"

"It's over, it's over, it's over..."

Among the onlookers, some sharp-eyed people recognized Prince Ding. Realizing things were bad, they fled immediately. How could ordinary people like them get involved in this drama of royal brothers' internal strife?

In the distance, a graceful figure stopped to watch, a solemn look appearing on her face. It was Liu Rushi!

She had planned to return to Falling Flower Valley tomorrow and was resting in a hotel when she was startled by the commotion. She hurried over to watch, arriving just in time to see Prince Ding strike the Prince Fus Mansion. She was shocked by the immense power of the strike, but what shocked her even more was that the Prince Fus Mansion remained unscathed. The Formation had only brightened slightly, without even making a sound. This result was unbelievable to her—this Formation was actually strong enough to easily block a full-strength strike from a Late Stage Martial Commander?!

Although many people had stormed the Formation during the incident she incited last time, they were just a motley crew who couldn't exert true combat power together. But Prince Ding was different; he alone was worth an army. As the Sword Wielder of the Great Ming's Battle Heaven Sword and a Late Stage Martial Commander, his combat power was at the peak level of the Great Ming. How could a full-strength strike from such a person be compared to that motley crew?

Yet, even such a top-tier power failed to split open the Prince Fus Mansion's protective Formation. This left Liu Rushi extremely shocked. However, she soon thought of one thing: she had long noticed signs of Spiritual Energy fluctuations in this Formation. If it was a Spiritual Energy Formation, then it wasn't incomprehensible that it could block Prince Ding's strike... Prince Ding was slightly stunned, only then realizing his mask was gone and people nearby had recognized him. Realizing this, he unhesitatingly swung his sword several times. Several beams of sword light shot through the air, cutting down the houses, trees, and people around the Prince Fus Mansion. Thick smoke billowed, and screams rang out as countless people fell under the sword light. Those who fled early saved their lives, but most who didn't time it right died under the Battle Heaven Sword. A few experts dodged the light but didn't dare make a sound for fear of Prince Ding striking again.

Then, a voice came from within the Formation: "Fifth Imperial Brother has visited in the dead of night, and I have failed to welcome you from afar. I have been impolite. However, I wonder why Fifth Imperial Brother has ruthlessly attacked the civilians of this city?"

Prince Ding's face froze in the air, turning as black as the bottom of a pot. He never expected this trip to end like this. Now that his actions were witnessed by countless people, even though he had killed many onlookers, he couldn't kill them all. Moreover, with so many people in the Prince Fus Mansion watching, he was in a difficult position. He hesitated over whether to continue the attack.

Seeing the Formation's strength was so high, it wouldn't be broken anytime soon. If he continued, his reputation would only worsen. He could only say that tonight's action was too reckless, or rather, he had underestimated his trashy Ninth Brother. If he had known he possessed such a powerful protective Formation, he would never have come to the door so publicly... "Haha, hahahaha... I didn't expect the Formation in Ninth Brother's residence to be so formidable. I, your Fifth Brother, was simply intrigued and drew my sword to test its strength! It's late, and I still have things to do. Farewell!" Prince Ding laughed loudly and turned to leave... "Farewell, Fifth Imperial Brother!!!" Prince Fu shouted loudly with a deep bow!

His body seemed much thinner than before; although he was still chubby, he was no longer as bloated as he used to be. After straightening up, a look of joy appeared on his face, and his eyes sparkled. Looking at the faint glow of the Formation around him, he felt incredibly secure. Even a full-strength strike from Prince Ding's Battle Heaven Sword could be blocked. With such a powerful Formation protecting him, what storms did he have to fear?!

...