The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

As they were walking, a soldier suddenly rushed over to report: "Lord Jiangchuan, something terrible has happened! Chaos has broken out in the inner city of Weicheng. The three family heads killed He Zongzheng and then surrendered the city to Zhao Dun. Zhao Dun has already ordered the three armies to enter the city."

Jiang Chuan hadn't expected the situation to change so quickly, but he didn't have time to think about it. He immediately turned around and walked towards where the army was assembled, saying, "Let's go, let's go into the city too."

The army entered Weicheng. Jiang Chuan saw that the city was in chaos. The former battlefield was devastated, the people were displaced, and the soldiers were running around in the city.

Jiang Chuan was placed in a separate courtyard, which was quite quiet and stood in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside.

He sat by the window, clad in armor, a copy of "The Sword of Righteousness" in his hand. Gently turning the pages, his thoughts drifted back to their earlier confrontation.

He began to think about his current strength and discovered that the innate pure yang true qi in his body had become particularly strong. The true qi, which was originally in a gaseous state, was showing a faint tendency to become liquid. This meant that he was one step closer to the Golden Core realm. Thinking of this, Jiang Chuan was quite happy.

Moreover, his sword techniques and spells have improved significantly. In particular, the "Qi Piercing the Rainbow" move from the "Righteous Qi Sword" works very well with his innate pure Yang Qi, making it even more powerful.

Jiang Chuan closed his eyes, carefully sensing the flow of internal energy within his body, and mentally rehearsing sword techniques. Only by constantly becoming stronger could he protect himself and those around him in this chaotic world.

Just as Jiang Chuan was immersed in his understanding of his own strength, there was a soft knock on the door.

Jiang Chuan wondered who it could be so late. He got up and opened the door. Yu Youwei, dressed in a light blue dress, stood quietly outside the door. The moonlight shone on her, adding a touch of mystery.

"Miss Yu, what brings you here so late?" Jiang Chuan asked, somewhat surprised.

Yu Youwei smiled and said, "Young Master Jiangchuan, I will be leaving Weicheng tomorrow to return to Heyang, and then I will return to the Song Kingdom. I came here tonight to say goodbye."

Jiang Chuan was surprised that Yu Youwei was leaving so soon, and said with reluctance, "Take care on your journey, Miss Yu."

Yu Youwei hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Young Master Jiang Chuan, I... I would like to ask you to accompany me for a walk around the city. Would you be willing?"

Looking at Yu Youwei's expression, Jiang Chuan couldn't bear to refuse, so he said, "Okay, let's go for a walk."

The two walked side by side on the streets of Weicheng. The streets were quiet at the time, with only the occasional patrolling soldiers passing by.

The moonlight spilled onto the ground, casting the shadows of the two people.

Yu Youwei broke the silence and asked softly, "Young Master Jiangchuan, have you ever been to the State of Song?"

Jiang Chuan shook his head: "I've never been there, but I've heard that the Song Kingdom has beautiful scenery and a flourishing culture."

Yu Youwei's eyes revealed longing as she said, "Yes, the scenery of Song is particularly enchanting, especially the water towns of Jiangnan, which exude a gentle and refined atmosphere. If you have the chance, Young Master Jiangchuan must go and see it."

Jiang Chuan nodded and replied, "Yes, I'll definitely go and experience it when I have time in the future."

Yu Youwei suddenly asked, "By the way, Young Master Jiangchuan, do you know about the Confucian swordsman Song Zhiwen's family's unique martial art, 'The Great River Sword Intent'?"

Jiang Chuan said, "Of course I know. The Great River Sword Intent is particularly exquisite. Song Zhiwen relied on this sword intent to enter the Supreme Realm at the age of nineteen. His talent is truly amazing."

Yu Youwei laughed and said, "So what? In my opinion, Song Zhiwen is far inferior to Young Master Jiangchuan."

Young Master Jiang Chuan has achieved so much at such a young age; he will surely make an even greater name for himself in Kyushu in the future.

Jiang Chuan smiled and said, "Miss Yu, you flatter me. I just had more opportunities and worked a little harder than others."

"I never imagined I could break the record set by Sword Immortal Li Muzhi and become the number one person in the Nine Provinces in the past five hundred years."

The two walked and talked, and before they knew it, they had been walking around the city for a long time.

As night deepened, Yu Youwei said, "Young Master Jiangchuan, it's getting late, I should head back. It has been a great honor to stroll through the city with you today."

Jiang Chuan said, "I am also deeply honored. I wish Ms. Yu a safe journey."

Watching Yu Youwei's departing figure, Jiang Chuan felt a faint sense of melancholy and turned to walk towards his residence.

The next morning, Jiang Chuan was still asleep when he was suddenly awakened by a rapid drumbeat. He sat bolt upright in bed, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He quickly dressed and rushed out of the courtyard. The camp was in chaos, with soldiers running towards the outer city.

Jiang Chuan stopped a passing soldier and asked, "What happened?"

The soldier said anxiously, "Sir, a large army is approaching from thirty miles outside the city!"

Jiang Chuan was shocked and immediately ran towards the outer city.

Upon climbing the city wall, one could see a vast, dark mass in the distance, with a large army approaching Weicheng, a sight that inspired fear.

Jiang Chuan's gaze fell on the commander's flag. After seeing the words on it, he realized that the flag clearly displayed a large "Jin" character.

Dust billowed in the air as Wang Lang, the Grand Marshal of the Yan Kingdom, led 30,000 elite troops in a grand procession.

General Wu Lianjiang, who was guarding Hulao Pass, had already learned of the news and personally led a group of soldiers to welcome him at the pass.

Wang Lang, riding a tall horse, spotted Wu Lianjiang in the distance.

As he approached, he dismounted and strode towards Wu Lianjiang.

With a broad smile, Wu Lianjiang cupped his hands and said, "Marshal Wang, you have come from afar and must be tired from your journey! This humble general, Wu Lianjiang, is here to welcome you."

Wang Lang returned the greeting, his face remaining impassive, but inwardly he was thinking that the Wu Lianjiang before him was not the real person.

Months ago, the real Wu Lianjiang was killed by Mu Suifeng. The one standing in front of him now is just a substitute arranged by the Taoist sect.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wang Lang made some arrangements for military affairs and then went to Qingfeng Garden with his strategist Yuan Zhe.

This Qingfeng Garden is the residence of Xie Xuan, who is known as the "Sword Emperor" throughout the Nine Provinces.

The two stepped into the garden, where plum blossoms stood proudly in the snow, their fragrance wafting through the air.

Xie Xuan, dressed in a plain robe, sat under a plum tree, leisurely sipping tea.

Wang Lang and Yuan Zhe approached, but Xie Xuan seemed oblivious, still focused on the teacup in his hand.

When the two men approached, he slowly stood up and smiled, saying, "Marshal Wang and Military Advisor Yuan, you have come from afar. I apologize for not greeting you properly."

Wang Lang quickly waved his hand and said, "Sword Emperor, you are too kind. It is our honor to be personally welcomed by the Sword Emperor."

The three sat down as host and guest, and Xie Xuan personally poured them the finest Sparrow Tongue tea from Hulao Pass.

Yuan Zhe picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and praised, "Excellent tea! This tea seems to contain traces of sword intent, leaving a lingering aftertaste."

Xie Xuan said with a smile, "Military Advisor Yuan has excellent judgment."

This tea is like the way of the sword; it may seem ordinary, but it contains profound secrets.

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Wang Lang, then changed the subject and asked, "Marshal Wang, if one day you were faced with a choice between your brother and the country, what would you choose?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Lang thought for a moment and said, "If I were just Wang Lang, I would naturally save my brother; but if I were the Grand Marshal of Yan, bearing the heavy responsibility of the country, then I could only prioritize saving the country." Xie Xuan nodded in satisfaction and said, "Marshal Wang is a man of great righteousness, truly a blessing for Yan."

This southward expedition will bring the Yan state a catastrophe that will determine its fate.

Wang Lang and Yuan Zhe asked anxiously, "What calamity did the Sword Emperor speak of?"

Xie Xuan's expression was solemn as he slowly said, "Xian Zhen, the famous general of Jin who was wiped out at Dushan back then, has returned with his army of the dead."

Xian Zhen's army of the dead now numbers over fifty thousand, and these ghost soldiers are extremely strange; anyone they kill is transformed into a new ghost soldier, and their power will only grow stronger with time.

Upon hearing this, Wang Lang and Yuan Zhe's expressions instantly turned extremely ugly.

With the existing forces at Hulao Pass, plus the 30,000 elite troops brought by Wang Lang, it would be difficult to contend with this terrifying force.

Yuan Zhe said unhappily, "Sword Emperor, in your opinion, how should we respond?"

Xie Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "During the chaos in Zhongzhou, the old sword immortal Kong Zhou resolved a major predicament by killing the enemy commander. Perhaps we can emulate this method."

However, our target this time is not Xian Zhen, but a demonic cultivator named Li Tianxing. This man is the mastermind behind Xian Zhen's Army of the Dead. Once he is eliminated, Xian Zhen's Army of the Dead will be no threat.

Wang Lang and Yuan Zhe were both shocked when they heard the name "Li Tianxing".

Wang Lang exclaimed, "Sword Emperor, you killed Li Tianxing twelve years ago. How could he have reappeared now?"

Xie Xuan shook his head and said, "This matter is a long story, and I have not yet fully investigated the reasons behind it."

But now he has indeed reappeared, and is entangled with Xianzhen's army of the dead. We must devise a countermeasure as soon as possible.

Xie Xuan continued, "I have heard that Marquis Mu Suifeng of Heyang has entered Dangyang Pass. Perhaps he can become our reinforcement. However, we still need to wait for news regarding the specifics. In addition, I have another source of reinforcements, but the time is not yet right, so I cannot disclose it for the time being."

Wang Lang and Yuan Zhe exchanged a glance. Although they were full of doubts, they knew that Xie Xuan must have his reasons for saying so.

At Dangyang Pass, Mu Suifeng had been inside for ten days.

For the past ten days, the situation inside and outside the pass has been unclear. Mu Suifeng has been pacing back and forth inside the pass with a tense expression, secretly pondering how to deal with the situation. The situation is complicated now, and the slightest carelessness could lead to utter ruin.

Meanwhile, in Weicheng, Zhao Dun received a secret message from Xie Xuan, transmitted through a Taoist secret technique. In the message, Xie Xuan instructed him to hold Weicheng for three days.

After reading the secret letter, Zhao Dun felt a vague unease.

He climbed the city wall and gazed into the distance. Below, the enemy's army, densely packed, stretched as far as the eye could see. The endless ranks of ghostly soldiers resembled a black ocean, exuding a chilling aura.

Zhao Dun felt a chill run down his spine, and a strong sense of unease welled up in his heart. Although Xian Zhen had been dead for many years, he still exuded a terrifying majesty as he led the army of the dead.

His red-glowing eyes seemed to possess a magical power, drawing Zhao Dun into a dreamlike world of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Zhao Dun felt as if he were in a bloody battlefield, surrounded by the sounds of fighting and screams. Countless soldiers fell before his eyes, their blood staining the earth red.

Just as Zhao Dun was trapped in the illusion, his deputy Chen Deng noticed something was wrong and quickly reached out to gently push Zhao Dun, anxiously saying, "General, General!"

Zhao Dun suddenly came to his senses, looked at the army of the dead still standing guard below the city, and gave a bitter smile.

He was merely a general born in a "prosperous era" and had never experienced such a brutal war.

But the Xian Zhen before him was a renowned general in the chaotic world, and the gap between him and himself was too great.

Jiang Chuan, standing to the side, was equally shocked by the scene before him.

He couldn't understand how someone who had been dead for seventy years could leave Dushan and now lead an army of 100,000 dead, completely surrounding Weicheng.

Is the world of Kyushu about to descend into chaos and turmoil once again?
Xian Zhen's army of 100,000 dead soldiers demonstrated in an orderly manner below the city.

They were not in a hurry to attack the city, but instead slowly circled Weicheng, again and again.

Each lap around the city seemed to proclaim their invincibility to the city's defenders.

As the soldiers of Heyang Army looked at the ghostly soldiers below the city, fear gradually spread in their hearts, and their morale began to waver.

Zhao Dun keenly sensed the shift in morale within the army and was extremely anxious. If morale could not be stabilized, Weicheng would undoubtedly fall. He immediately ordered all generals to be summoned for a pre-battle address.

Jiang Chuan anxiously searched for Yu Youwei in the city.

When they parted in the early morning, Yu Youwei said she wanted to leave the city, but Jiang Chuan was very worried about the current critical situation.

He didn't know if Yu Youwei had already left the city. If she had, she would surely have encountered Xian Zhen's army of the dead, and at that time, she would be in dire straits.

Jiang Chuan had a strange premonition; he felt as if he were bewitched by "Yu Youwei," and this feeling tormented him greatly.

As he searched the city, he prayed silently that Yu Youwei was still there and safe.

Jiang Chuan searched for Yu Youwei's figure in the streets and alleys of Weicheng.

He hurried along, asking passersby for directions, but all he received were shaking their heads and saying they didn't know.

"Youwei, where are you?" Jiang Chuan murmured to himself.

After searching diligently, Jiang Chuan still couldn't find Yu Youwei. Disappointed, he headed towards the inner city training ground.

At this moment, the inner city square was brightly lit, and Zhao Dun was standing on a high platform, facing the soldiers of the three armies.

Zhao Dun stood tall and straight, his hands behind his back as he surveyed the soldiers below the stage.

He shouted, “Soldiers! Seventy years ago, Xian Zhen’s despicable Jin army was completely annihilated at Dushan, but his army of the dead has attacked again! How can we back down? We will make sure that villain Xian Zhen never returns!”

As the soldiers listened to Zhao Dun's words, their expressions gradually hardened.

They gripped their weapons tightly, their chests heaving, inspired by Zhao Dun's impassioned words.

"May Heaven bless Great Yan, victory is assured!"

"May Heaven bless Great Yan, victory is assured!"

The soldiers shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the night sky, instantly boosting their morale.

Just as Mu Chen rushed over, he spotted Jiang Chuan in the crowd and quickly walked over.

"Jiang Chuan," Mu Chen asked anxiously, panting heavily, "what exactly is going on with that 100,000-strong army outside the city?"

Jiang Chuan said with a solemn expression, "I saw it with my own eyes. The army outside the city is not some illusion; it is a real army of undead." (End of Chapter)