Chapter 35: The Hostage

In the Floating Land, in the White City, a swift battle had just come to an end.

Qian Ye ascended into the air, surveying the entire city, capturing every detail in his gaze. For one of his caliber, both in combat and intellect, far surpassing ordinary people, a single glance was enough to memorize the terrain. When the fight began, there would be no need for further observation, allowing him to move as if he were in his own home.

Having examined the terrain and defensive arrangements, Qian Ye descended next to Song Zining, asking, “What do we do now?”

“Sleep,” Song Zining responded without hesitation.

The dark races’ attack was only a probing one, which is why they withdrew after facing resistance. But with the full-scale offensive of the Imperial forces, they would soon understand the critical nature of time and seek to amass a formidable army, sparing no expense to crush this place.

As long as the White City stood, the Eternal Night transport fleet withdrawing from the landing field would remain under threat. The dark races could not tolerate this and would surely fight to the death. The next day or two would indeed be the hardest.

Reviewing the entire battle plan in his mind, Qian Ye asked, “How about the outer space situation?”

Song Zining replied, “According to the information we have, the First Imperial Guard Fleet will lead the outer space fleet, and the Right Chancellor has returned to the Floating Land, participating in the battles there.”

Qian Ye frowned slightly, “The Right Chancellor is involved in ground combat? What part is he responsible for?”

Understanding Qian Ye’s concern, Song Zining answered, “There’s no need to worry. This time, the Right Chancellor won’t be in charge of specific combat commands but will oversee the logistics between the Empire and the Floating Land.”

Somewhat reassured, Qian Ye still felt a vague shadow of unease, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint its source. Perhaps it was because of Commander Lin? Recently, all the schemes and plans came from his hand, seeming normal, but upon deeper thought, all the news about him seemed secondhand—no one had actually seen him in person?

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, Qian Ye caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. Without hesitation, he flashed behind the figure and yanked them back.

The person was dressed as a common mercenary, and when turned around, Qian Ye was startled, “You?”

Dressed like a lowly soldier, the person was none other than Princess Jiusi (19th Princess).

Qian Ye’s expression darkened. The 19th Princess’s intentions were unclear, and her presence here was highly sensitive. She should have stayed on the Hall of Valor, where she would be both safe and controllable. Yet, she had managed to slip away and sneak into the White City.

By now, the ground battle had reached a deadlock, and the Darkflame floating fleet had already entered outer space, tasked with securing the void routes and preventing any encirclement. It was impossible to recall a war cruiser for just one princess.

Princess Jiusi showed no sign of panic, instead making a cute face and saying cheerfully, “You finally caught me.”

“What are you doing here? Why aren’t you on the Hall of Valor?” Qian Ye demanded coldly.

“Here is where the real action is! I have the blood of the great Qin imperial family, and I am well-trained. How can I avoid a fight?!” Jiusi retorted confidently and boldly.

Qian Ye looked at Song Zining, who, despite Carol’s potential oversight, wouldn’t have missed such a significant matter. As expected, Qian Ye saw a familiar flicker in Song Zining’s eyes, signaling that he understood: hostage.

The current emperor of the Great Qin was of mediocre talent, but his children continued the strong lineage and aptitude of the royal family, especially those with impressive maternal backgrounds, rivaling even the late emperor’s daughters, Haomi and Gao Yi. Jiusi was slightly weaker, due to her less prominent maternal lineage, but in her generation, only three or four princes and princesses surpassed her.

Such a young, promising princess arriving in the White City would, if the news got out, force the commanders and generals on the Floating Land to rescue her. Otherwise, if she fell in battle, it would be one thing, but if she were captured by the dark races, the accusation of dereliction of duty would be severe.

As for how the news would spread and be confirmed, it was not a concern; if she were here, it wouldn’t stay secret for long. The military would eventually learn of her whereabouts, and by then, the Empire would have no choice but to follow the original plan and force a breakthrough through the Floating Land.

However, once on the battlefield, everyone’s fate was in their own hands, and such maneuvers would only reduce some visible human interference.

Qian Ye couldn’t help but look closely at Jiusi. Her small face was filled with anticipation and curiosity, showing no understanding that she was, in essence, a hostage.

Sighing inwardly, Qian Ye thought of this underage princess, raised in the deep palaces of the inland, unexposed to the brutality of war, now thrown into the most dangerous battleground.

Placing Jiusi before Song Zining, Qian Ye said, “Assign her a position.”

Jiusi immediately protested, “I want to stay with you!”

“What for? To drag me down?” Qian Ye left without another word.

Song Zining, however, grabbed Jiusi, smiling, “Why stay with him? Come with me.”

“With you? What for?”

Pulling Jiusi up, Song Zining rose into the air. Seeing Jiusi maintain her own levitation, he deduced she must be a War Captain.

Despite the many thoughts racing through his mind, Song Zining showed none of them. They reached a high point in the city, already guarded by three mercenaries.

Surveying the area, Song Zining picked up a sniper rifle and handed it to Jiusi, “Stay here and take out their officers.”

Eyes lighting up at the massive sniper rifle, Jiusi, like a child with a new toy, checked and familiarized herself with the weapon with surprising skill.

With Jiusi settled, Song Zining watched for a while before leaving. Regardless of her intent, she couldn’t follow Qian Ye. In the heat of battle, Qian Ye would be the primary target for the powerful forces of the Evernight, making his side the most dangerous.

The Darkflame mercenaries in the city were either resting or eating. These veterans knew the coming battles would be increasingly brutal, and a full stomach was essential, as there might not be another chance to eat.

As night fell, an aged mercenary, his leather armor worn to a shine, sat in a trench. His old force gun rested at his side. He leaned against the wall, eyes closed, dozing.

An officer entered the trench, glancing at the old mercenary but holding back any reprimand, gesturing for increased vigilance while letting the old man rest.

Suddenly, the officer felt inexplicably restless, glancing again at the old mercenary. At that moment, the old mercenary’s strange, slit-pupiled eyes snapped open, sending a shiver down the officer’s spine.

Without acknowledging the officer, the old mercenary leapt to the firing port, sniffed, and yelled, “I smell the stench of werewolves!”

Before he finished speaking, a giant claw reached through the port, aiming for his neck.

Reacting quickly, the old mercenary ducked. The claw scraped his helmet, sparking. Fortunately, his neck held strong.

The werewolf seized his helmet, trying to crush it. The old mercenary kicked off the wall, escaping. The werewolf was left with just the helmet.

Escaping death, the old mercenary drew his ancient force gun, charged, aimed, and fired, blasting the werewolf’s arm in the port.

The deafening roar nearly burst the ears of nearby new recruits. The force gun spewed a long flame, exploding the werewolf’s thick arm, severing it mid-section.

The severed arm, still gripping the crumpled helmet, landed at the other end of the trench. Outside, the werewolf’s pained howls filled the air.

The loud shot and howling served as the best alarm, and the entire defense line sprang to life. Soldiers rushed to their positions, and flares lit the sky, illuminating the battlefield.

Instantly, the Darkflame mercenaries saw the vast horde of werewolves!

Caught off guard, many werewolves, blinded by the bright light, screamed and fell, rolling in agony. Only the strongest rubbed their eyes and continued.

Within moments, the werewolf charge disintegrated, giving the defenders precious time.

The flares, containing concentrated Dawnforce, were lethal to the keen-eyed werewolves. A direct glare could cause temporary blindness, permanent damage, or total blindness.

These expensive flares, usually reserved for fortress-level defenses, proved their worth, halving the werewolf advance. The stealthy approach, relying on their innate darkness skills, was thwarted by the alert old mercenary.

Meanwhile, the elite werewolves had infiltrated the defense lines, beginning close combat. A towering werewolf tore a mercenary’s arm off, roaring in fury.

But in that moment, three mercenaries attacked, driving bayonets into the werewolf’s vital points. No matter how strong, the werewolf succumbed, collapsing.

Similar scenes played out across the line, as the elite werewolves, outnumbered, faced the experienced and coordinated mercenaries. Before reinforcements arrived, the hundred elite werewolves were decimated.

Yet, the horde of werewolves, seemingly endless, continued to pour in.