Chapter 161

Xu Peng's fists clenched until his knuckles cracked.

He jerked his head up, his gaze sharp as daggers piercing through He Zong.

"My lord, I finally understand." His voice was low and controlled. "You allowed the water supply to be poisoned. You let the rumors spread. You've been planning to surrender all along."

He Zong's face paled instantly.

"Phoenix City's defenses are impenetrable. Without these 'accidents,' we could have held out for at least half a month." Xu Peng stepped forward, his voice relentless. "Yet you repeatedly ordered reckless attacks, wasting our soldiers' lives. I warned you time and again, but you turned a deaf ear."

His voice suddenly rose. "He Zong, what is your true agenda?"

The hall fell deathly silent.

He Zong's face turned ashen, his fingers trembling as he pointed at Xu Peng. "How dare you slander me!"

"Slander?" Xu Peng sneered. "You cowardly hide behind the people while plotting betrayal. What a noble governor you are!"

Murderous intent flashed in He Zong's eyes.

"Guards!" he bellowed. "Xu Peng has committed insubordination. Take him away and give him thirty lashes!"

Xu Peng stood abruptly, his sword unsheathing with a metallic ring.

"From this day forth, I sever all ties with you, traitor!" He swept his gaze across the room. "Brothers, who will follow me out to fight? We'd rather die than surrender!"

Before the words faded, his blade struck.

The soldiers who had spread the rumors barely had time to react before they fell, blood spraying.

He Zong stumbled back in shock. "You—you dare—"

"Well struck!" A roar erupted in the hall.

Dozens of soldiers rallied behind Xu Peng. "We pledge our lives to the general!"

Wiping blood from his sword, Xu Peng smirked at He Zong. "Try punishing me now. Maybe in your next life."

He raised his arm and shouted, "Open the gates! Charge—!"

The city gates swung wide.

The Liang army, caught off guard, scrambled in disarray. Xu Peng led the charge, cutting through enemy lines like a storm.

He Zong stood atop the city wall, his expression darkening.

"Bring me a bow," he ordered coldly.

His aide hesitated. "My lord, this—"

He Zong snatched the bow, drawing the string taut. "If he wants to die, he won't drag the entire city down with him!"

The arrow whistled through the air.

Xu Peng was about to strike down an enemy commander when he sensed danger. He twisted aside just in time, spotting He Zong's icy glare from the ramparts.

"He Zong!" he roared. "You dare betray us?!"

A second arrow followed.

Seizing the opportunity, the Liang general swung his blade. Trapped between attacks, Xu Peng's advantage vanished.

Below the walls, the battle raged on, blood staining the cobblestones crimson.