Chapter 9

In the marketplace, at the Song army's main camp! Outside Gao Xianzhi's tent!

As Lin Chong knelt on the ground, revealing numerous fierce scars on his upper body, more and more people followed him in kneeling. In a blink, five hundred people who were familiar with Lin Chong had knelt down.

The news leaked, and the surrounding soldiers learned of the Crown Prince's heinous crimes, including the murder of military families in the rear. Those who had already received the bad news but were suppressed by Gao Xianzhi also knelt down with Lin Chong.

That was the Crown Prince, a significant figure. Would the commander treat everyone equally to appease the soldiers? If my family were to suffer, would the commander sacrifice me because of the other party's status?

Soldiers often have life-and-death friendships. When one person kneels, close friends follow, like a domino effect.

Five hundred, one thousand, two thousand, four thousand, eight thousand, ten thousand, twenty thousand...!

"Please, Commander, enforce the law and execute those who killed our loved ones!"

"Please, Commander, enforce the law and execute those who killed our loved ones!"

"Please, Commander, enforce the law and execute those who killed our loved ones!"

...

At first, hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands, the soldiers' voices rose to the heavens, roaring with anger and frustration. More and more voices joined, forming a deafening roar.

Almost all the soldiers were shouting, their voices covering the entire marketplace.

Not far away, the Crown Prince of Song heard the thunderous roar and saw the increasing number of kneeling soldiers. His heart turned cold.

This wasn't just a mutiny; it was a rebellion, far more powerful than the recent unrest. The soldiers' eyes were bloodshot with rage.

"How could this happen? How could this happen?" the Crown Prince of Song was shocked.

Inside Gao Xianzhi's tent.

Gao Xianzhi released the shattered teacup in his hand, his face turning grim. "Gu Hai? You're as cunning as an old fox! You've been kidnapping military families to create panic in our camp? You've been planning this for days, just to force me with the entire army today?"

For a long time, Gao Xianzhi couldn't calm down. After a tumultuous internal struggle, he finally regained his composure.

Outside, the voices shook the marketplace, demanding justice. More and more soldiers knelt down.

Gao Xianzhi stood up and slowly walked out of the tent.

Not far away, the Crown Prince of Song ran over in panic, looking at Gao Xianzhi as he emerged from the tent.

"Commander!" everyone shouted.

"Commander! Please enforce the law and avenge Xiaodie. I am willing to exchange my life for hers!" Lin Chong cried out.

"Thud, thud, thud...!"

Lin Chong's forehead was covered in blood from repeatedly banging his head on the ground.

His face, a mix of blood, tears, and mud, looked incredibly tragic.

Looking at Lin Chong, Gao Xianzhi took a deep breath. Although this rebellion was caused by Lin Chong, Gao Xianzhi didn't blame him. Instead, a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes.

Gao Xianzhi understood that even without Lin Chong, Gu Hai would have caused this situation. Lin Chong had followed him for many years, always executing his orders without hesitation, always leading the charge, and the scars on his body were from completing Gao Xianzhi's tasks. Over the years, Lin Chong had never shed a tear, even for the most severe injuries. Now, kneeling before him, he seemed to have completely broken down.

"Please, Commander, enforce the law and execute those who killed our loved ones!"

Hundreds of thousands of kneeling soldiers shouted in unison, their morale unbreakable. Everyone looked at Gao Xianzhi, waiting for him to align with the army's morale.

Execute the Crown Prince?

Gao Xianzhi looked at the hundreds of thousands of kneeling soldiers, his mind momentarily blank. He seemed to see Gu Hai in full armor, standing before him. At this moment, Gu Hai was the commander, leading the hundreds of thousands of soldiers against him.

The commander of the eight hundred thousand troops was no longer him but the illusory Gu Hai?

In the illusion, Gu Hai raised his sword, pointing it at him. With a single command, the hundreds of thousands of soldiers would charge at him, tearing him to pieces.

Gao Xianzhi felt a chill run down his spine.

"Commander?" the Crown Prince of Song, who had rushed over, looked extremely worried.

The Crown Prince of Song was not a fool. With the army in rebellion, could he not see the situation? The morale of the army must not be lost; if it were, the Song Dynasty would be in danger. The foundation of the Song Dynasty would collapse. The morale of the army and the nation were paramount! But on the other side was his son. Song Zhengxi, you bastard, why did you kill the military families?

"Please, Commander, enforce the law and execute those who killed our loved ones!" the army shouted again.

Gao Xianzhi snapped out of his daze, looked at the army, and said solemnly, "Soldiers!"

The army immediately fell silent, all eyes on Gao Xianzhi.

"I have said before, whoever kills a military family member will be executed immediately!" Gao Xianzhi declared fiercely.

His fierce declaration made the army even more silent.

"Whoever it is, even the Crown Prince, the law will be enforced. I, Gao Xianzhi, promise you that if the Crown Prince is indeed guilty of killing military family members, I will strip myself of all military titles and petition the Emperor to enforce the law immediately!" Gao Xianzhi declared fiercely.

The Crown Prince of Song stumbled, as if all his strength had been drained.

The soldiers, who had been worried, were now more trusting of Gao Xianzhi. The commander was a man of his word and would keep his promise.

"Commander, do you really mean it? How can I trust you?" Lin Chong asked, his eyes red.

Others might not know, but Lin Chong was clear. Not long ago, Gao Xianzhi was still trying to cover up for the Crown Prince. Was he deceiving him again?

Lin Chong, having experienced the recent conspiracy, was now afraid to trust Gao Xianzhi.

Gao Xianzhi looked at Lin Chong and sighed.

"I am a man of my word. If you are worried, come with me to the capital, Songcheng. If the facts are true, I will immediately petition the Emperor to execute the Crown Prince! Is that acceptable?" Gao Xianzhi said solemnly.

"Commander, are you going to the capital yourself?" the soldiers looked surprised.

At this moment, Gao Xianzhi had no choice. This matter must be handled seriously, or the soldiers' suspicions would grow, giving Gu Hai an opportunity.

"Thank you, Commander, thank you, Commander!" Lin Chong repeatedly bowed.

"Soldiers!" Gao Xianzhi looked at the hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

"Today, why has our camp come to this? I will say it again, it is all Gu Hai's plot. But I know some of you may not believe it. However, I, Gao Xianzhi, have never broken a promise. I hope you trust me. I have said, whoever kills a military family member will be executed immediately! It is an unbreakable military order. Lin Chong and the royal city soldiers will accompany me to the capital to witness the enforcement of the law. I hope you do not fall for any false information. Because everything is Gu Hai's plot!" Gao Xianzhi declared loudly.

The soldiers looked at each other, frowning. Indeed, these things never happened before, but now the entire army was in rebellion. Was it really caused by Gu Hai?

Some believed it, while others remained skeptical. How could Gu Hai, who was not a god, have such power?

"My request is simple. While I am away, do not believe any rumors. No matter how much you suffer, wait for my return. I will give you justice. During this time, follow military orders. How about that?" Gao Xianzhi declared loudly.

The soldiers looked at Gao Xianzhi. With their former admiration and Gao Xianzhi's integrity, many responded.

"Yes!"

"Obey the Commander's order!"

"Obey the order!"

...

The soldiers shouted in unison, promising not to believe any rumors while Gao Xianzhi was away and to wait for his return.

"Lin Chong, you and the others come with me to the capital. Prepare immediately. We will depart in an hour!" Gao Xianzhi ordered.

"Yes!" Lin Chong and the others shouted.

Gao Xianzhi calmed the army and returned to his tent.

Inside the tent, the Crown Prince of Song was in a daze, looking at Gao Xianzhi with a complex expression. Gao Xianzhi was going to execute his son, but he was powerless to stop it. He felt helpless, angry, and frustrated, yet could do nothing.

"Prince, as we discussed, immediately organize the eight hundred thousand troops and march to Hulao Pass. Quickly, quickly, quickly!" Gao Xianzhi said grimly.

"I will, but when will you return?" the Crown Prince of Song asked bitterly.

Gao Xianzhi had no time to comfort the Crown Prince. The fate of the nation was at stake, and the Crown Prince should understand.

"I will travel to the capital as quickly as possible, which will take eight days. From the capital to Hulao Pass, it will take about fourteen days. I might be delayed in the capital, so it will take about twenty days to return. You will lead the entire army to Hulao Pass, which will also take about twenty days. By the time you reach Hulao Pass, I will be back!" Gao Xianzhi said solemnly.

"Is the final battle starting now?"

"Yes, I have studied Gu Hai's military strategy. He once said, 'Surround with ten, attack with five, divide with two!' Ideally, we should 'surround' to psychologically crush the remnants of the Chen army. However, our opponent is Gu Hai. The longer we wait, the more disadvantageous it becomes for us. We must launch a strong attack. I understand that a strong attack will provoke a desperate fight from the enemy, causing heavy losses for us. But we must choose the lesser of two evils. Organize the troops immediately and head for Hulao Pass. After breaking through the pass, the Chen Dynasty will be destroyed, and everything will be over!" Gao Xianzhi said solemnly.

"I understand! But could this be a trap by Gu Hai? Could he be ambushing you?" the Crown Prince of Song frowned.

"If it were a normal 'lure the tiger away from the mountain' strategy, it would be. This is the best opportunity. However, he is Gu Hai, and I cannot predict him. But don't worry, I have precautions. I will bring a group of elite soldiers with me. Also, the Song Jia Sect has experts above the innate realm who will gather the first-hand information. They will follow me, providing some protection."

"I will also assign the royal secret guards to you!" the Crown Prince of Song said, gritting his teeth.

Sending numerous experts to protect Gao Xianzhi to kill his son was a painful decision for the Crown Prince.

Gao Xianzhi did not refuse, nodding.

"We have spies in Hulao Pass. Prince, work with them and be careful!"

After giving instructions, he quickly left the camp for the capital, Songcheng.

--------------------

In Songcheng, Tian Mansion.

Gu Hai was sipping a cup of tea when Gu Han rushed in.

"Father, a message from a pigeon. Gao Xianzhi has left the camp with a group of people, heading straight for Songcheng. Should we detain him?" Gu Han asked, excited.

"No need. He cannot be detained. Gao Xianzhi is surrounded by strong warriors. Assassinating him is impossible. Follow the plan!" Gu Hai smiled, taking a sip of tea.

"Yes!"

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