Chapter Eleven: Farewell, Father

“Men must never say they can’t!” Lu Xingchen declared resolutely.

Lin Wanqing’s cheeks flushed slightly.

At a time like this, how could he still have the leisure to make such a bold remark?

“I’ll deal with them as quickly as possible to come to your aid!”

The battle resumed once more.

Lu Xingchen swallowed a Rejuvenation Pill, facing five opponents alone, wielding a sword in his right hand and a dagger in his left.

Logically, the pressure on him should have been even greater.

But the reality was quite the opposite.

The spiritual sword Lin Wanqing had given him was a lower-grade Xuan-tier sword.

More importantly, it was fire-elemental.

And the “Li Fire Sword Technique” rewarded to Lu Xingchen by the system was also fire-elemental.

The two complemented each other perfectly, significantly boosting his combat power.

Lu Xingchen was even able to hold his own against a five-star martial artist.

Lin Wanqing’s strength was not to be underestimated either.

She was a three-star martial artist herself and, armed with the lower-grade Xuan-tier Frost Moon Sword, managed to completely suppress two enemies for a time.

After fifteen minutes, Lu Xingchen took the initiative, killing a two-star martial artist.

Almost simultaneously, Lin Wanqing took down another enemy.

The opposing forces were stunned.

Damn, they were all martial artists, so why was there such a vast difference between us?

Was there still justice in the world?

Was there still law?

Every strong martial artist was a precious asset to the nation. The five-star martial artist, unwilling to continue, chose to retreat.

All five martial artists fell back, abandoning the siege ram.

Lu Xingchen did not pursue.

His fighting spirit was nearly depleted; a do-or-die fight might not guarantee victory.

After destroying the ram, the two climbed back onto the city wall using the cloud ladder.

With the ram destroyed and heavy losses sustained, the enemy commander had no choice but to sound the retreat.

By the second day, Lu Xingchen had successfully held the defense.

As the enemy forces withdrew, cheers erupted on the city wall.

“We’ve won! We held the line!”

“Long live Lu Dazhuang!”

“Captain Lu is incredible!”

Lu Xingchen and Lin Wanqing lay side by side on the city wall, resting while Wang Xing reported the situation.

“Captain Lu, today’s enemy assault was less fierce than yesterday’s, likely due to the destruction of their ram. Our casualties exceed three hundred, leaving fewer than three hundred soldiers combat-ready.”

“The civilians defending the city also suffered over five hundred casualties.”

Hearing this, Lin Wanqing struck the wall with her fist.

“These damn scoundrels from Fengming Kingdom! This is outrageous!”

Lu Xingchen said nothing.

War was like this—neither the Great Yan Kingdom nor Fengming Kingdom was entirely at fault; they were simply on opposing sides.

Wang Xing asked anxiously, “Captain Lu, with fewer than three hundred defenders left, can we still hold out tomorrow?”

Lu Xingchen smiled lightly, “Trust General Lu. Such a major incident at Zigui City surely hasn’t gone unnoticed. Reinforcements will arrive within the day. We just need to hold on a little longer.”

Wang Xing nodded solemnly.

The entire Great Yan Kingdom deeply respected this general.

On the third day, the enemy launched an assault but hastily retreated before even setting up their cloud ladder.

Lu Xingchen shouted excitedly, “The general’s reinforcements have arrived! Brothers, we’ve won! We’ve won!”

The soldiers on the wall cheered with immense joy.

Lu Xingchen checked the system panel immediately.

[Host: Lu Xingchen]

[Rank: Two-Star Martial Artist]

[Experience: 150/300]

[Exchange Points: 620]

[Talents: Eagle Eye (20), Strong Strike (11), Frenzy (16), Blade (11)]

[Class: None]

He had become significantly stronger!

After a brief moment of excitement, Lu Xingchen ordered, “Wang Xing, assemble the mounted archer squad. We’re pursuing the enemy!”

Lin Wanqing smiled, “Count me in—I want to go too!”

Lu Xingchen and Lin Wanqing led the mounted archers out of the city in pursuit.

This time, Fengming Kingdom’s troops fled like lost dogs, abandoning their helmets and armor, unwilling to fight back.

Lu Xingchen wielded the Purple Morning Bow, continuously striking down foes. The frustration and oppression of the past three days finally found release.

After an hour, the Fengming forces halted.

Surrounded on all sides by Great Yan’s elite troops, they were completely encircled with no chance of escape.

Among the Great Yan forces, Lu Xingchen spotted the general’s banner, causing his heart to leap.

Damn, Father actually came in person!

This meant the Fengming detachment was doomed.

He wondered how Father would react upon seeing him.

He was genuinely looking forward to it.

The battle raged all day; Fengming’s soldiers were either killed or surrendered.

A force of over ten thousand was wiped out in three days—a crippling blow to Fengming Kingdom.

As night fell, General Lu Chaoyang led his troops into Zigui City.

His first order was to summon Lu Dazhuang.

Even the battle-hardened Lu Chaoyang was astounded by the young soldier’s brilliant achievements.

He was eager to meet this war genius.

Walking toward the council hall, Lu Xingchen said to Lin Wanqing, “What now? Miss Wanqing, I’m a bit nervous.”

Lin Wanqing chuckled softly, “Relax. You’ve achieved such great merit; the general can only praise you. Just don’t lose your composure—he’s truly imposing.”

Lu Xingchen smiled, “I’m more worried the general will lose his composure.”

“Ah?” Lin Wanqing looked puzzled.

They entered the council hall.

General Lu Chaoyang sat on the main seat, his eyes scanning the room anxiously.

When he saw Lu Xingchen, he paused, momentarily speechless.

“Xiaochen? Weren’t you supposed to be studying at home? How did you suddenly end up here?”

Lu Xingchen bowed formally. “First Division Battalion Commander Lu Dazhuang, reporting to the general!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chaoyang suddenly stood up, astonished.

“What did you say? You are Lu Dazhuang? That’s impossible!”

Lin Wanqing finally realized the truth.

The Lu Dazhuang she had fought alongside multiple times was the general’s own son, Lu Xingchen!

But how could this be?

Everyone in Great Yan Kingdom knew Lu Xingchen could not cultivate martial arts; he was mockingly called “Tiger Father, Dog Son.”

Yet here he was, accomplishing a heroic feat alone behind enemy lines!

Lu Xingchen smiled faintly. “Father, I did well, didn’t I? I haven’t disgraced you.”

Lu Chaoyang pondered for a moment, then exclaimed, “Your aura is so strong! You’ve been able to cultivate?”

Lu Xingchen nodded firmly. “I won’t be a failure forever. I’m already a two-star martial artist!”

Lu Chaoyang stared intently, his expression shifting constantly before he sighed and said, “Hit me with a punch!”

Lu Xingchen blinked. “Huh? I’ve never heard of such a request in my life.”

Lu Chaoyang’s voice was stern. “If I say hit me, then hit me. What are you hesitating for?”

Lu Xingchen thought for a moment.

His father was a five-star grand martial artist; even if he took a punch, it shouldn’t be a problem.