The various forces on the long street were shocked and turned pale upon witnessing this scene!

Such tactics are truly terrifying.

Commander Li Yan and 'Iron Finger' Wu Cheng are both Third Grade experts, capable of releasing their inner qi, considered top-class masters whether in the Jianghu or the imperial court.

But even top-class masters couldn't withstand a single move from this fat old man!

Although the old man appears quite unremarkable, even a bit sly-looking, he shows no mercy when killing.

Including four squad leaders, County Captain Han Lang, the fat old man effortlessly killed several people as if slaughtering chickens!

Even for a Third Grade Meridian Passage expert, an elite like Commander Li Yan is within people's understanding and not invincible.

However, the strength of the fat old man has reached a level that strikes fear into people's hearts!

Even Xiao Xun and Huo Zinan, who were just shouting, now dared not speak, their expressions filled with fear, worried about being targeted by the fat old man.

How could such a ruthless man emerge in Wu'an County?

Could such methods belong to an Innate Expert, or perhaps even…

Xiao Xun was secretly alarmed.

Chen Tang had known the fat old man for so long, but this was the first time he saw him in action.

"What grade is your master?"

Chen Tang couldn't help but ask.

Qingmu replied, "First Grade, Grandmaster."

No wonder.

Upon reflection, Chen Tang found it reasonable.

To sneak into the Imperial Palace, infiltrate the Celestial Prison, and rescue both the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess, without the skill of a First Grade Grandmaster, it would be nearly impossible to escape with two live persons.

The situation on the long street was initially stalemated, with opposing factions wary of each other.

But the appearance of the fat old man instantly broke the deadlock, turning the tide to one side!

His invincibility was part of the reason.

Another more crucial reason.

The fat old man had just said that Black Water Country's army wouldn't come.

The many city defense soldiers present began to waver.

If there was no threat from Black Water Country, most of them would have no desire to rebel with the Huo Family.

Even the people of the Black Water Gang looked shocked, their morale in chaos.

Without the support of Black Water Country's army, they couldn't take Wu'an County, so it might be better to retreat early.

After all, with the fat old man as such a significant variable in Wu'an County, they could only temporarily abandon it.

Seeing this, Xiao Xun couldn't help but speak in a deep voice, "There's no need to panic, don't listen to his nonsense. I've seen the King beforehand, he has already issued a decree, sent out the Tiger Talisman. Once the Grand General sees the decree and receives the Tiger Talisman, the army will certainly be mobilized!"

"Hmm?"

The fat old man's eyes turned, looking at Xiao Xun in the crowd, and he laughed, "You're the Young Leader, right? Let's kill you first!"

If Xiao Xun hadn't spoken, the fat old man's attention might not have been on him.

By speaking, he was seeking his own death!

In the blink of an eye, the fat old man was already over the heads of the Black Water Gang!

"Young Master, watch out!"

A brawny man behind Xiao Xun immediately stepped out, drawing a sword to strike at the airborne fat old man!

This was the expert who had just forced back Yan Qi with a single strike.

But in the fat old man's eyes, this person's move was too slow, full of flaws.

Poof!

The fat old man thrust a bamboo pole through the torrential black water, piercing the brawny man's throat.

The brawny man's body shuddered violently, falling backward, dead instantly!

Xiao Xun's face turned deathly pale with fright.

He somewhat regretted it.

If he had known, he would have quietly escaped instead of quarreling with this old man!

Swish swish swish!

Surrounding Black Water Gang members hurriedly stood in front of Xiao Xun, all making a move, with countless flashes of blades appearing from all directions!

The fat old man's figure drifted among the flashing blades, like a dandelion swaying in the wind, right before their eyes but elusive!

Poof poof poof!

The bamboo pole jabbed randomly.

Many members of the Black Water Gang fell to the ground!

"Little brat, where do you think you're running?"

The fat old man was already locked onto Xiao Xun in the crowd.

Even with hundreds of Black Water Gang members, they couldn't protect him!

"Feng Xu, how dare you!"

At this moment, a voice echoed over the long street.

The next moment, a tall figure swept over everyone's heads, like a giant bird, blocking the moonlight, rushing toward the fat old man!

Swish!

Torrential Black Water!

At the same time, everyone on the long street heard the rushing sound of river water, roaring continuously, overwhelming!

It was as if endless black water was pouring down from the sky, flooding into Wu'an County!

Some among the timid even cried out, instinctively turning to run.

Just one strike had impacted everyone present!

These techniques were no less shocking than those the fat old man brought to everyone!

"Huh?"

The fat old man saw this person, and he put away his smile, his expression became serious, he retreated, stepping as if on clouds, avoiding the opponent's blade without clashing head-on.

"Father!"

Seeing this person, Xiao Xun was overjoyed, shouting excitedly.

The Black Water Gang members also regained their spirits upon seeing him.

Xiao Zhengyuan, leader of the Black Water Gang, a First Grade Grandmaster!

Since the Gang Leader has arrived, it means that the Black Water Country's army is outside the city, and Wu'an County is already in Black Water Country's pocket!

The fat old man, upon seeing this person, suddenly let out a strange laugh and said, "Xiao Zhengyuan, I killed him, why are you anxious?"

"He's my son, didn't you know?"

Xiao Zhengyuan, dressed in black, appeared merely middle-aged, tall and imposing, wielding a long sword with a formidable aura that even surpassed that of the fat old man!

"Are you sure he's your son?"

The fat old man chuckled and said, "While I was making rounds in your Black Water Country, I heard a secret concerning him. Didn't you notice this kid looks a lot like the Black Water King?"

"What did you say!"

Xiao Zhengyuan shouted angrily.

The fat old man shrugged slightly and said, "I only overheard it in your royal palace. Otherwise, why would the Black Water King be so nervous about him? Ever since he entered the palace, a decree was issued, and the Tiger Talisman was sent out."

Xiao Zhengyuan couldn't help but glance at Xiao Xun, his expression uncertain.

Xiao Xun's brow and eyes indeed bore some resemblance to the Black Water King.

But they were originally from the same family, all with the surname Xiao, so bearing resemblance was not unusual.

Yet, the Black Water King was indeed very fond of Xiao Xun, frequently inviting him to the palace. Could it be that…

When did this happen?

Was it the year the Princess Consort invited Shui Yun to the palace?

This treacherous woman actually… behind my back…

Upon learning of a change in the army, Xiao Zhengyuan was temporarily unable to support Pingzhou and, worried about Xiao Xun's safety, hurried over first.

He didn't expect that as soon as he reached Wu'an County, he would hear such shocking news, feeling like a bolt from the blue.

The people from various factions on the long street were all flabbergasted.

How did a fight suddenly reveal such a big secret?

Xiao Xun was stunned upon overhearing this, feeling both shocked and delighted.

Doesn't this mean I'm not the Young Leader, but now a Prince?

No wonder the King valued me so highly…

Xiao Zhengyuan took a deep breath, looked at the members of the Black Water Gang, and said in a deep voice, "Protect Xiao Xun, leave Wu'an County swiftly, and retreat back to Black Water Country!"

Xiao Zhengyuan was still rational.

This matter needed to be confirmed back home first.

He couldn't just believe it based on a few words from the fat old man.

But once the seed of doubt is planted, it will, over time, take root and grow.

"Father, I won't leave!"

Xiao Xun said, "Since the King has dispatched the army, I want to stay in Pingzhou!"

"There's no army left."

Xiao Zhengyuan said expressionlessly, "The King's Tiger Talisman has been stolen by this man!"

"What?"

Xiao Xun couldn't believe it and quickly said, "But the King also issued a decree…"

Xiao Zhengyuan said coldly, "That decree was intercepted by him as well."

"What!"

Xiao Xun was greatly shocked.

The people present, upon hearing this, were also in an uproar.

"It's done!"

Li Yan, known for his composure, couldn't help but get excited and punched the air, saying, "Without the decree or Tiger Talisman, the army of Black Water Country daren't move!"

Li Zhongmou nodded and said, "Exactly, without the Tiger Talisman decree, if the three armies move, it's almost tantamount to rebellion. No matter who the Grand General is, they wouldn't dare take on this responsibility."

"They can only send someone to the palace again to report the situation and seek another decree, which would take a lot of time back and forth."

Li Boxiong couldn't help but praise, "Infiltrating Black Water Country, stealing the talisman and intercepting the decree, stalling the three armies, is truly a brilliant strategy. Who is this esteemed senior?"

Li Yan said, "If I'm not mistaken, this person should be the world's greatest thief who has been famous for many years, known as One Step to the Clouds!"

"I fear only he in the world has this capability."

Seeing the situation turning bad, Du Yinfeng quickly advised, "Young Leader, let's listen to the Gang Leader and withdraw first!"

Xiao Xun clenched his fists tightly, his face ashen, feeling unwilling in his heart.

After tirelessly managing back and forth between Black Water Country and Pingzhou for so long, seeing truly great achievements within reach, and in the blink of an eye, it's all ruined!

Xiao Xun gritted his teeth and said, "If we capture Wu'an County, and once the Governor of Pingzhou raises his army, as long as he can delay Qian Country's troops, waiting for the King to issue another decree, there might still be a chance."

"Young Leader,"

Du Yinfeng said, "Without support from Black Water Country, the Governor of Pingzhou may not be able to hold out. By then, it will be difficult for us to retreat back to Black Water Country."

"Moreover, we can retreat first back to Black Water Country and watch the developments. If the Governor of Pingzhou manages to hold on, there's still time for us to march south."

Xiao Xun took a deep breath and finally nodded, "Alright!"

In the recent battle at the long street residence, the Black Water Gang suffered significant losses, with more than a hundred casualties, leaving over three hundred people to guard Xiao Xun as they retreated towards the East Gate.

Before leaving, Xiao Xun suddenly felt something, turned around, and glanced back.

He saw Chen Tang at the other end of the long street, staring intently at him!

That gaze…

Xiao Xun felt a chill in his heart and quickened his pace, urging, "Go get the horses; let's leave quickly!"

Chen Tang looked at the fat old man.

Their eyes met, and they nodded slightly to each other.

There was no need for words; the fat old man would do his best to stall Xiao Zhengyuan.

As for Xiao Xun, it was up to Chen Tang to handle.

Chen Tang gripped his long sword tightly and marched towards the East Gate.

"Brother Chen, I'll go with you!"

Even though Meng Liangyu, knowing what Chen Tang intended to do, was already exhausted and his old injuries not yet healed, he still stood up.

"Count me in."

Mei Yingxue approached Chen Tang, carrying a blood-stained long sword.

After this battle, she seemed reborn, like a different person, with even a hint of murderous aura between her brows!

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