Zhangsun Lie’s resolute attitude moved Lin Xun and brought a warm current rising in his heart.

Ever since he had come to the empire, he had come across many enemies, but he also made friends along the way, including Instructor Xiaoke, Mister Spirit Vulture, Third Old Zhu, Ning Meng, Shi Yu, Toady, Zhao Tailai, Shen Tuo…

Now that he was at the Blood Kill Battlefield, Zhangsun Lie might have scolded him more than anyone else, but he knew that the general never regarded him as an outsider!

For example, any other selfish higher-up would have likely sacrificed him in the little storm today.

But Zhangsun Lie didn’t!

For example, Zhangsun Lie could have just stood and enabled Qin Chu, but he spoke out against the other man’s hypocritical actions!

How could Lin Xun not be moved by him?

Qin Chu’s expression morphed indefinitely and he kept silent for a while. Then, he suddenly said aloud, “Brother Zhangsun, the arrow has already exhausted your energy today. Even if you choose to take action, you likely won’t be able to stop me.”

“So what if I risk my life?” Zhangsun Lie uttered coldly.

Qin Chu’s expression altered subtly. “You should be aware that what I am doing is for the sake of the cultivators in the eight camps, including the 7th army camp!”

“Nonsense!” Zhangsun Lie spat out. “At this time, you are still putting on an act…even if you want to borrow the treasure, do you have to force someone to do something he doesn’t want to? You might be a Life Death Stage King, but your methods are low and despicable. If we weren’t on the Blood Kill Battlefield, I would definitely kill you!”

“I devote my heart to the moon, but it only sheds light on the ditch.” Qin Chu sighed. Then, his face turned terrifying with a fierce glint in his eyes. “How could you all still refuse to come to your senses in the face of righteousness? Since that’s the case, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

Boom!

His aura changed dramatically, becoming more oppressive and threatening. He stared at Zhangsun Lie coldly. “I am also curious to know how many moves you can block from me!”

Indescribable anger rushed up in Lin Xun’s heart. Qin Chu didn’t hesitate to resort to violence just to ‘borrow’ a treasure.

However, Zhangsun Lie looked at Qin Chu very calmly. “Qin Chu, your eyes have been clouded by treasures. If you turn around now, it is still not too late.”

“Ridiculous!” Qin Chu snorted. “I am doing this wholeheartedly for everyone, so why should I turn back?”

Zhangsun Lie sighed, becoming frustrated.

At the same time, a burst of applause from outside the hall broke the tense atmosphere.

“Qin Chu, I applaud you! You are doing this wholeheartedly for everyone! If the soldiers of the empire were all like you, then we wouldn't need to worry about defeating the Magi Brute Race.” Accompanied by a soft and hoarse voice, a gorgeous woman in a black cloak gracefully strode into the hall.

Her long black hair was rolled up in a bun, accentuating her fair and smooth neck and highlighting her perfect face shape. She had full red lips, a high nose bridge, and a pair of large and captivating eyes.

But upon a closer look, within her charming eyes were visions of the sinking sun and moon and the destruction of all things in the world. They seemed to be able to suck in people’s souls.

Undoubtedly, the extremely stunning woman was also an extremely dangerous woman!

Lin Xun had met quite a few Life Death Stage Kings, but this woman had a more unfathomable terrifying aura.

The aura was almost similar to that of the mysterious Queen of the Dark Night!

To Lin Xun’s surprise, Zhangsun Lie respectfully bowed with a cupped fist salute, “Paying my respects to Commander!”

He finally realized her identity.

Zhao Xingye!

She was the only female general with powers of the Life Death Stage in the Blood Kill Battlefield and was the supreme commander of the eight camps of the empire!

Zhao Xingye’s name didn’t sound like a woman’s name. In addition, she had an astonishing and legendary past. Her hands had been stained with blood from the countless battles she had fought, earning her the title Bloodthirsty Queen!

Commander Zhao Xingye was also the younger sister of the emperor.

Who would dare to disrespect a woman of such status, power, and beauty?

However, her appearance tonight surprised everyone including Lin Xun.

“You...why are you here?” Qin Chu’s expression dramatically changed, and he almost lost his composure. Although Zhao Xingye was extremely beautiful, he was only filled with deep fear.

“If I didn’t come, how could I have heard General Qin Chu’s heartfelt words?” Zhao Xingye’s voice was soft and hoarse and her mannerism was calm and dignified like a beautiful poppy flower. Her unique aura was unlike any other person's.

Qin Chu uttered awkwardly, “General Zhao, don’t joke around.”

But Zhao Xingye shook her head. “I’m not joking. The enemy almost invaded this time and put us in an extremely critical situation. I am very grateful that General Chu is dedicated to serving the empire.”

The more polite she was, the more Qin Chu felt that something was wrong. But he could only remain silent.

Meanwhile, Zhangsun Lie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He surreptitiously winked at Lin Xun, as though telling him to wait and see and not say anything.

Lin Xun understood the signal. He also sensed that the atmosphere had become strange upon Zhao Xingye’s arrival.

He even suspected that Zhao Xingye might have already come earlier and watched everything unfold in the hall. She likely only appeared now because she couldn’t sit back and let a conflict between Zhangsun Lie and Qin Chu break out.

Sure enough, what Zhao Xingye said next confirmed Lin Xun’s speculation.

“I have already seen what had happened just now. General Qin is commendable to think about borrowing a treasure to protect the eight camps of the empire,” Zhao Xingye complimented softly as she took a seat.

“Commander is over praising me,” said Qin Chu hurriedly.

However, before Qin Chu could heave a sigh of relief, Zhao Xingye added, “However, since it is someone else’s treasure, it is best to not force others to part with it. Otherwise, what is the difference between this and a robber?”

Qin Chu donned a serious expression and said apologetically, “Commander is right.”

How would he dare to express his opinion? He was well aware of how terrifying this woman in front of him was!

Zhangsun Lie and Lin Xun exchanged glances with each other. Did Zhao Xingye plan to be a peacemaker to resolve the dispute?

They both guessed wrong. Zhao Xingye smiled slightly and swept her bright and charming eyes over Qin Chu. “General Qin Chu, since you agree with me, then I would like to take this opportunity to ask you whether or not what you said just now is true?”

What?

Qin Chu was taken aback, but he didn’t dare to ask the commander and could only nod his head. “I, Qin Chu, have never said anything false!”

Zhao Xingye applauded again. “General Qin Chu is indeed dedicated to serving the empire and worthy of being a role model for us. Since that’s the case then, on behalf of the empire, I must thank you for your generosity! I believe that everyone in the empire will always remember General Qin Chu’s sacrifice!”

As she was speaking, she rose to her feet and solemnly saluted Qin Chu.

Qin Chu wrinkled his brows in confusion. What is going on? What generosity and sacrifice? Why do I not understand this?

However, Zhangsun Lie couldn’t help but laugh heartily as though he understood. “Earlier, I misunderstood General Qin Chu. I feel so ashamed now!”

What…does he mean by that?

The bad feeling in Qin Chu’s heart intensified. Finally, he couldn’t help asking, “Commander Zhao, this...”

“Oh, General Qin Chu, don’t worry, your Qin Clan’s contribution and sacrifice are enough to earn the commendation and support from all living beings in the world. I will also personally ask the empire to give you credit to thank you and the Qin Clan for their generosity.” Zhao Xingye beamed.

Boom!

A thought struck Qin Chu like a bolt of lightning. He finally realized what was going on, and his face clouded over. “General, I…I…What?”

Lin Xun suddenly said in surprise, “Hey, Elder, have you forgotten that I asked you just now whether your Qin Clan is willing to give up on all its wealth and power for the empire cultivators who are shedding blood and fighting on the Blood Kill Battlefield? You promised that, if the empire needs it, you and your Qin Clan won’t ever refuse.”

“I…” Qin Chu was lost for words. Many different expressions rapidly flitted across his eyes. I only said that and didn’t mean it! How could Zhao Xingye take it seriously?!

Lin Xun almost failed to stifle a laugh. This old guy acted so righteous and selfless just now and pretended to be doing everything for the empire.

Serves him right. Zhao Xingye made him have a taste of his own medicine and left him dumbfounded.

Lin Xun could only imagine that the old guy was so angry that his lungs were about to rupture. His blood was probably pulsing through his veins.

He had shot himself in the foot!

So satisfying!

So painful!

Lin Xun couldn’t help admiring and being impressed by Zhao Xingye. As soon as she arrived, she forced Qin Chu into an awkward situation with just a few words. She was amazing!

Zhangsun Lie also chuckled. Qin Chu’s deflated look made him feel very satisfied.

“General Zhao, this...this matter...” Qin Chu drew a deep breath, but he didn’t know how to fix his awkward situation.

“General Qin, don’t tell me you want to go back on your word. I’ve already recorded everything you have said. As a Life Death Stage King of the Qin Clan, you will disappoint the world if you can’t even keep your promise.” As Zhao Xingyue was speaking, she brought out a jade disk and, with a flash of divine light, Qin Chu’s voice sounded in the air. “If the empire needs it, how would my Qin Clan refuse?”

The voice was deep, unwavering and sonorous, and filled with righteousness as it echoed in the hall for a long time.

A laugh finally escaped Lin Xun’s throat. Zhangsun Lie’s eyes crinkled up in the corners as he smiled. Lu Wenting also couldn’t help letting out a stifled laugh.

But Qin Chu wore an expression completely different to theirs.

The corners of his lips were twitching, the veins on his forehead were about to burst, and his face was ashen. He looked like he was about to collapse and vomit blood.