All she could do was hold the line in Xuanhuang City. Her identity as the City Lord's wife made her the backbone of the city in Yi Tianxing's absence. As long as she remained, the city would not fall into chaos. With Huang Chengyan and the others managing various affairs, maintaining stability among the people was entirely possible. Her only responsibility was to ensure Yi Tianxing had no worries to distract him.
Only by maintaining the morale of the army and the citizens could Yi Tianxing fight freely, without concern.
Cai Yan, with her gentle and wise nature, well-versed in literature and etiquette, had grown up under the influence of her scholarly father. Her talents ranked among the finest women of her time. Now, as the lady of Xuanhuang City in this chaotic world, she had unknowingly developed a commanding presence. Her vision had broadened accordingly.
She did not lack attachment to her husband. Upon hearing of Yi Tianxing being ambushed by foreign races along the way, she had felt the urge to fly to his side and face all dangers with him. Yet her rationality and sense of duty told her that remaining in Xuanhuang City was the greatest support she could offer him.
"She bears the grace of an empress," Huang Chengyan once said to Master Lu."A true matriarch of Xuanhuang City, a beacon for the rise of the human race," Master Lu had praised.
A woman who thought only of love and disregarded all else might seem passionate, but such actions would only make her a fleeting romantic tale. As a matriarch, such recklessness would bring calamity to the people. An irresponsible woman was unfit to be the mistress of a city.
At Cai Yan's suggestion, Huang Chengyan and the others spread the word that the army was returning—marching home while fighting fierce battles with the alien races. Word of this spread throughout Xuanhuang City and neighboring towns and villages.
The significance of this war for the human race was broadcasted widely and openly.
The moment these messages were relayed, the people were shaken. The morale surged. Many cried out in outrage, longing to rush to the battlefield, to fight alongside their soldiers, to dye the land red with blood and corpses. Though most were dissuaded, all watched the unfolding battle with anxious hearts, dreading calamity and yearning to hear more about what happened along the way.
"News! We have news from Thousand-Mile Eye, Gao Xiaojing!"
"On the road back, the Lord was ambushed by aliens using poison techniques. They conjured a rain of venom from the sky! Lord Yi swallowed the entire toxic deluge with his own body, absorbing it all. He even devoured the poisonous clouds above, exposing the masterminds—three poison masters of the Poison Spirit Clan, who were instantly slain by three divine arrows from our Lord's bow."
"Three arrows, three kills! Lord Yi's archery is godlike—unmatched throughout history. They tried to poison him? Those vile, shameless creatures know no bottom line. This is what they deserve!"
The news from Gao Xiaojing brought roaring laughter and cheer across Xuanhuang City and beyond. People poured into taverns, drank from great bowls, and rejoiced wildly. Many yearned to have been there themselves.
"News! On the fourth day, the army was ambushed by werewolves. A blizzard raged as tens of thousands of werewolves joined forces with over a million savage wolves from nearby lands to attack. They surrounded the Lord's army on a wide plain."
"The battle was fierce. Wolves were everywhere. But our Shenji Camp's arrow formations stood strong—endless waves of arrows pierced the beasts. Blood dyed the grass red. The ground was littered with corpses."
"The Lord didn't choose to stand and fight but advanced while battling, forming a Blade-Edge Formation. General Wang led 10,000 troops—spearmen in front, shield-bearers on both flanks, and the Shenji Camp at the core. Crossbows rained death. Wherever they passed, wolves fell like wheat in a storm."
Gao Xiaojing, from atop her giant eagle, relayed what she saw—war and death. The army moved steadily forward, but the wolves pursued relentlessly. The enemy gave no rest. If they saw even the smallest flaw, they would strike like a tide.
Yet something bizarre happened. Whenever the army formed the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation, the wolves refused to approach. They merely surrounded, refusing to engage. Once the formation was lifted, they pounced instantly—like maggots clinging to bones.
Clearly, someone was commanding them—among the wolves were jackal-men and werewolves, orchestrating the assault.
"Fifth day—still battling the wolves."
"Sixth day—half of the million-strong wolf horde slain. A dark elf attempted an ambush with a sword aimed at the Lord's throat but was instantly destroyed by the Yin-Yang Mirror Divine Ability."
Each day brought new dangers—bogs, poison fog, sudden infernos, and impaling spikes bursting from the earth. Injuries and death were constant. Yet for every step forward, the enemy paid in blood. Corpses paved the road home.
On the ninth day, the alien horde suddenly vanished—gone without a trace.
Hugo Village.
Outside the village, a force of 100,000 troops was stationed. Their killing aura filled the air. All corners of the area were fortified by patrolling soldiers.
Wuuuuhh! Boom boom boom!
Suddenly, horns and war drums rang out.
"All troops assemble!!"
The order spread instantly. Soldiers, whether patrolling or training, rushed into formation.
At the front stood Yang Ye, clad in black armor, saber at his waist, spear in hand. He said nothing, only gazed toward the road where Yi Tianxing had once departed. His eyes gleamed with excitement and anticipation.
Boom... boom... boom…
From the end of the road came the sound of footsteps, accompanied by a crimson aura. A tall figure in a black robe appeared—his body radiating a killing aura. Behind him, the marching army followed, every step resonating with determination.
"It's the City Lord!"
"It's Xuanhuang City's army. They're... they're back!"
"What a terrifying aura! I feel like I can't breathe. They've truly come from the mountains of corpses and seas of blood."
"Look at their armor—torn and bloodstained."
These were heroes—fighting and bleeding for the survival and dignity of the human race.
From the walls of Hugo Village, people stared at the returning troops. Seeing their broken armor, their mutilated limbs, they understood just how brutal the battles had been.
"Welcome back, my Lord. Welcome home... heroes!"
Yang Ye raised his hand in salute, solemn and proud.
"Welcome back, my Lord! Welcome home... heroes!!"
The hundred thousand soldiers shouted in unison, their voices burning with reverence.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
The returning troops marched steadily. Upon closer inspection, of the 20,000 that had set out, only 13,000 remained. Over 6,000 elite soldiers had fallen.
Many carried stretchers, each bearing a fallen comrade. Their mutilated bodies had been repaired as best as possible. All soldiers wore white armbands and stood with solemn faces.