strictlysupreme Chapter 120 Crisis
Chapter 120 Crisis
Outside the City of Illusions, a man dressed in close-fitting clothes rode a fine horse, galloping like an arrow released from a bow. The sound of hooves echoed across the open plains, raising clouds of dust.
His gaze was fixed ahead, with only one thought in his mind—to convey the message to the adults in the courtyard as soon as possible.
After half a day of running around, his clothes were soaked with sweat, but there was no sign of fatigue on his face.
Finally, he arrived at the outside of a dilapidated yet quaint and elegant courtyard.
Although this courtyard is inconspicuous, it is home to several important figures in the city of Illusion.
Without hesitation, the man jumped off his horse, tossed the reins aside, and rushed into the courtyard.
He was panting, his face slightly flushed, but he couldn't hide his excitement.
"Reporting to you gentlemen, the Spirit King has returned with the five gentlemen of Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua, and Bai, and they entered the Illusionary Spirit City half a day ago."
Upon seeing the Spirit King, the subordinate rushed back to report without delay.
His words were filled with reverence for the Spirit King and boundless joy at his return; his voice trembled slightly with excitement.
Upon hearing this, the people in the courtyard, who were either sitting or standing and busy with their own things, were all startled and stopped what they were doing.
They all looked up, their eyes sparkling with anticipation and eagerness, as if they had seen a glimmer of hope.
Shi Lingxing, a woman with a gentle yet resolute demeanor, was the first to ask questions.
Her voice was gentle yet firm, with a hint of barely perceptible urgency: "Are you sure? The Spirit King has truly returned?"
Her eyes shone with excitement, as if she were waiting for confirmation.
The man nodded firmly, his voice filled with undeniable sincerity.
"Replying to Lord Lingxing, I saw it with my own eyes. The figures of the Spirit King and his party were clearly discernible, and there is no doubt about it."
His tone was full of reverence for the Spirit King and confirmation of the news.
"Alright! Without further ado, let's go into the city immediately and meet up with King Ling."
Shi Lingxing's words carried an undeniable determination. She turned to face the crowd, her eyes gleaming with resolve and excitement.
Her voice was like an invisible force, inspiring everyone's fighting spirit and determination.
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately sprang into action.
They quickly mounted the horses that had been prepared, and the sound of hooves rang out again, as stirring as war drums.
This time, they set off towards the City of Illusions, carrying with them reverence for the Spirit King and loyalty to their country.
The group marched in a grand procession, like triumphant warriors, their momentum unstoppable, heading towards their sacred destination.
As they left, the dilapidated courtyard gradually returned to peace.
But there seemed to be an indescribable excitement and anticipation lingering in the air.
A gentle breeze swept by, stirring up the fallen leaves in the courtyard, as if they too were cheering for the return of the Spirit King.
Inside the hall of the Illusionary Spirit Palace in Illusionary Spirit City.
A subordinate in armor rushed into the hall, looking nervous and walking with disordered steps, clearly indicating an urgent military matter.
The Empress's heart tightened. Her years as a ruler had taught her that such urgent reports often foreshadowed new challenges that were quietly approaching.
"Reporting to the Spirit King, something terrible has happened! Gu Xuanchao has suddenly mobilized 20,000 troops and is pressing towards the border."
Although the general defending Jiaxian City had led his troops in a valiant resistance, the situation was critical, and he requested King Ling to quickly send reinforcements.
The subordinate's voice trembled slightly, a fear of war and anxieties about the unknown.
Upon hearing this, King Ling's expression instantly turned ashen.
She was slightly taken aback, as if she had been caught off guard by the news. Her steps faltered, and she almost lost her balance.
But she quickly regained her composure; years of experience had taught her to remain calm and rational in times of crisis.
"What? Say it again!"
Her voice carried an undeniable authority, and her deep eyes seemed to see right through people.
The subordinate repeated his words with trembling hands, each word striking the hearts of everyone present like a heavy hammer blow.
"That damned Gu Xuanchao... he's infuriating me!"
King Ling roared, his voice echoing throughout the entire hall.
Her eyes shone with a resolute light, a light that reflected both her love for her country and her hatred for her enemies.
Then she muttered to herself, saying things only she could hear: "Fourth brother, fourth brother, I really wish I could kill you."
When she came to her senses, she spoke urgently, her voice firm and strong.
"The five great spirit stars, heed my command! Each of you shall lead a thousand elite soldiers, for a total of five thousand troops, and rush to Jiaxian City to provide support."
"We must ensure that Jiaxian County is not lost and thwart Gu Xuanchao's arrogance!"
An old general in the hall, a veteran who had fought for the Ling Kingdom for decades, immediately stepped forward upon hearing this.
Although his voice was slightly hoarse, every word he spoke was powerful and resonant.
"King Ling, the old general requests to personally lead the expedition to assist the five great spirit stars in jointly defending against the enemy of the Gu Xuan Dynasty."
The city of Jiaxian is in imminent danger. Although I am old, my desire to serve the country remains undiminished. I am willing to use my remaining strength to contribute to King Ling and the Ling Kingdom.
The old general's words were filled with loyalty to the Ling Kingdom and a desire for victory, and his eyes shone with an indomitable light.
However, his request was met with strong opposition from the court officials.
Some were worried about the old general's health, while others thought that although the old general's experience was valuable, it might become a burden on the battlefield.
A minister stepped forward, his tone conveying both respect for the old general and concern for the perils of the battlefield.
"Your Majesty, the old general has made outstanding contributions to the country, and we all admire him greatly."
But now he is advanced in years and it is truly unwise for him to go to war again. I urge King Ling to reconsider.”
Another minister chimed in, "Yes, King Ling, the old general is indeed admirable, but his physical condition is no longer suitable for fighting on the battlefield."
We should send a younger, more capable general.
King Ling sat on his throne, gazing intently at the old general, his heart filled with complex emotions.
She knew the old general's loyalty and courage, and understood his determination to serve the country.
But she was also aware of the dangers on the battlefield and the old general's physical condition.
She took a deep breath and slowly said, "General, I appreciate your courage. But as you know, the battlefield is extremely dangerous."
Your physical condition is indeed no longer suitable for participation.
I understand your desire to serve the Kingdom of Ling.
But I would prefer that you remain in the palace, offering advice and guidance to my young generals.
The Queen's words conveyed her concern for the old general and her consideration for the overall situation of the country; her eyes were filled with sincerity and expectation.
Upon hearing this, the old general looked somewhat somber, but ultimately nodded, indicating that he accepted the Spirit King's decision.
However, his eyes still shone with longing and reluctance for the battlefield.
"King Ling, let the old general go to war with the other spirit stars."
Although his voice was somewhat low, his tone revealed his dedication to and longing for war.
He seemed to be using all his strength to fight for that chance to go to war.
"Please allow the veteran to go to war and join the five Spirit Stars in protecting our Spirit Kingdom!"
The old general's words were filled with determination and resolve, as if no force could shake his resolve.
However, despite the old general's iron will, everyone still resolutely opposed his going to war.
They knew that the old general's courage and loyalty were impeccable, but his physical condition was indeed no longer suitable for fighting on the battlefield.
"Gentlemen, this veteran has fought dozens of battles, large and small. This time, with Gu Xuanchao and Qin attacking fiercely, how can they do without me?"
The old general's words carried a hint of resentment and helplessness.
Finally, after a heated discussion and persuasion.
The old general was finally persuaded by everyone and agreed that he could only stay in the rear to command and could not participate in the battle.
Finally, the old general and the five spirit stars led elite troops to Jiaxian City to provide support.
The Five Spirit Stars, as capable generals under the Spirit King, are each proficient in different martial arts and military strategies, and are an indispensable fighting force in the Illusionary Spirit City.
King Ling knew that only by joining forces could they hope to resist Gu Xuanchao's army and protect the safety of Jiaxian County.
As soon as the Spirit King issued his order, the hall quickly sprang into action, with messengers rushing out like arrows to deliver the Spirit King's decree to the five great spirit stars.
The Spirit King stood still, her gaze deep and resolute, as if she could already foresee the impending great battle and the responsibilities and missions she, as Empress, must bear.
Her heart was filled with a desire to defend against the enemy and a love for her country.
She knew that this battle was not only to defend her homeland, but also to prove the glory and dignity of Phantom Spirit City.