Volume One, Chapter 16: The Complete Destruction of Shanhaiguan! Yaoqing Was Stunned!

Shanhaiguan, the foremost stronghold of the Enlightened Kingdom, stood proudly between the vast heavens and earth like an unyielding spine of the world.

The towering city gate pierced the clear sky and bright sun, seemingly vying to rival the brilliance of the sun and moon.

The walls, thick and solid as a rock, were originally built of bluestone. Having endured the baptism of countless battles, they were continually reinforced with precious materials from heaven and earth.

For countless years, despite the assault of wind, frost, rain, and snow, they remained unshaken.

Above the walls, banners fluttered vigorously, their rustling in the wind enhancing the grandeur and solemnity of Shanhaiguan.

Ancient runes gleamed brightly—Confucian truths personally inscribed by the Semi-Sage King Yangming of the Enlightened Kingdom.

Before the pass stretched a broad avenue leading far into the distance, flanked by endless mountain ranges that formed a natural barrier.

Yet beyond Shanhaiguan lay a harrowing scene of devastation.

On the battlefield, mountains of corpses and seas of blood, with countless bones scattered about, it resembled a hell on earth.

Severed limbs and shattered remains were everywhere; the earth was stained red with blood, and the air thick with a sickening metallic stench.

The fallen soldiers lay with eyes wide open or faces twisted in agony, their expressions telling tales of the fear and misery they endured in life.

Countless grotesque and twisted demons and evil spirits were frantically climbing toward Shanhaiguan, attempting to breach this line of defense.

In the distance, the yellow dragon banner of the Demon Qing fluttered in the blood-red wind.

Atop the city wall, the aged commander Wang Xiangqian stood tall, personally overseeing the battle.

Though slightly stooped, his figure appeared exceptionally imposing.

A devout follower of Confucianism, he possessed a ninth-rank cultivation in Void Breaking and Yuan Condensation, embodying the spiritual pillar for all.

“Soldiers!” Wang Xiangqian’s voice resounded with strength, echoing across heaven and earth.

“For the glory of the Enlightened Kingdom, for our homeland, I personally command here, pledging to live and die with Shanhaiguan!”

“Even in death, I shall perish alongside you, buried with this pass!”

“We are not merely resisting Demon Qing here; we are making the whole world know that the Enlightened Kingdom still stands, that its soldiers remain steadfast on Shanhaiguan’s walls, never retreating—not one step! Our Enlightened sun and moon flag still waves proudly...”

“If the peace of the Enlightened Kingdom must be forged with our blood, then we shall heroically sacrifice ourselves. Let our descendants forever remember this moment of honor and tragedy, never to suffer such humiliation again!”

“Live and die together! Live and die together!” The soldiers’ cries surged like a mighty torrent, soaring to the heavens and shaking the earth.

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