Chapter 866: Chapter 599 The Grand Finale (Final Chapter)_8
Pei Jue walked swiftly.
Thousands upon thousands of soldiers parted to make way for him.
Holding their breath, the world fell silent.
Even Wen Xingsu’s soft laughter became strikingly clear.
"Do you know the condition I demand? Without even asking, you dare to come here?"
Pei Jue paused in his stride, "Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you."
Wen Xingsu asked, "What if I want your life?"
Pei Jue: "That too."
Without hesitation, his gaze resolute.
He stood quietly there, amidst the crowd, as if surrounded by countless soldiers.
He had grown thinner.
Just like Feng Yun, who rested in Wen Xingsu’s arms.
Her gaunt face reflected the torchlight, haggard, weary, yet her dark eyes gleamed sharply.
Their gazes met.
Separated by a short distance, it was as though they were trying to pierce through each other’s hearts.
They had braved adversity together, standing back-to-back on the battlefield, fending off enemies, and shielding each other from blades and arrows...
Some words need not be said aloud; they reside within the depths of the heart.
Feng Yun had said more than once that Wen Xingsu was her family, the person she trusted most.
For Wen Xingsu, she would shut others out.
She would even exclude Pei Jue.
Suddenly, Wen Xingsu laughed—a bitter laugh.
He knew, and Pei Jue always knew, about his feelings for Feng Yun, but he never spoke a word. Instead, Pei Jue granted him high positions, entrusted him with heavy troops, relinquished power, and gave him confidence...
From the General Who Defeats Invaders and Dragon Cavalry General to the commander of all military affairs.
From the Northern Yong Army to the Southern Yong Army and the Eastern Yong Army...
It was Pei Jue who had nurtured his ambition step by step.
Had allowed him to become the sole force capable of challenging him in the Da Yong Imperial Court.
Wen Xingsu slowly lowered his head, looking down at the unconscious woman in his arms, his voice low and hoarse, as if speaking not of life and death but of intoxicating words of love.
"Alright, then I’ll take your life."
He tightened his grip around Feng Yun’s waist, looking coldly at Pei Jue, "Take your weapon and end yourself here and now."
The biting wind howled, brushing against the red plume atop his helmet.
Pei Jue stared at him, his gaze piercing through the mist-filled winter night, icy and unyielding."Not until I see Lady Yun safe will I grant your wish."
Wen Xingsu chuckled, "Your affection for her seems nothing extraordinary."
Pei Jue: "I need to see her safe."
Wen Xingsu: "Seeing your corpse will ensure her safety."
Pei Jue gazed silently at him for a moment.
"What you want is nothing more than the kingdom. I’ll give it to you."
Wen Xingsu laughed softly.
A gentle, familiar expression.
"You have no idea what I truly want..."
Pei Jue: "That doesn’t matter."
No matter what someone does, a price must be paid. Once you act, even if there are variables, even if the outcome differs from expectation, you can only be swept along, plunged into the torrent—there’s no escape just by wishing it.
He glanced at Feng Yun, "I will immediately issue an edict to abdicate. Once the decree is made, you will release her."
"No. Power does not require a decree."
Wen Xingsu tightened his hold around Feng Yun.
"I want you to die—die on the front lines, die in her presence."
Pei Jue raised the Biyong Sword, pointing it at him. The cold blade glimmered faintly under the firelight.
"Swear it."
Wen Xingsu: "Alright, I swear. If Pei Jue ends his life on the battlefield, I will release Feng Yun to the Capital, reunite her with her child, and never lay a finger on the Da Yong again. If I break this oath, may the heavens strike me down and my death be wretched."
Pei Jue met his gaze, "Alright."
He raised his arm high, the blade of the sword slowly drawing free...
The movement was slow.
So slow it seemed to twist at the hearts of those watching.
Clang! The Biyong Sword was unsheathed, glowing coldly.
Everyone watched as Pei Jue twirled the sword and raised it high...
"Your Majesty!" Tens of thousands cried out in anguish.
Thud! A dagger plunged into Wen Xingsu’s chest.
Without a second’s hesitation—decisive, firm, silent.
Pei Jue looked at Wen Xingsu’s face, which changed abruptly, and without even a shred of doubt, he spurred his horse and raised his sword, charging forward.
"Charge!"
"Kill!"
The soldiers roared like an ocean tide, surging forth.
The cold wind cut their faces; the firelight seemed to transform into dim golden sparks.
Wen Xingsu’s body wavered, swaying atop his horse.
At the moment he fell from his steed, his arm instinctively supported Feng Yun’s waist.
Out of habit, ensuring she wouldn’t fall.
Feng Yun stayed motionless, her hand gripping tightly the dagger—a gift from Pei Jue, the Jian Shui...
Sharp as iron to mud.
Its blade light and nimble.
The dagger had been hidden on her person for a long time, never leaving her side.
She had had many chances to drive it into Wen Xingsu’s chest.
But she hadn’t done so.
One reason was she couldn’t escape unscathed.
The other was she lacked determination...
Until she saw Pei Jue’s Biyong Sword poised to strike, about to spill blood on the spot.
She drew the blade, without hesitation.
"Mother!"
Rui Bao’s cry echoed distantly from atop the city tower.
