Chapter 99: Sitting Above the World, Laughing Among Friends

Within the Jianwu Dynasty, there was an elite force of heavily armored warriors. For a hundred years, they’d guarded the borders, undefeated and unstoppable in every battle. They were called the Armor-Breaking Army.

Every soldier in their ranks had reached the seventh level of the Sword King Realm, while their general, Yu Wenrong, stood at the peak of the Sword Emperor Realm.

Their armor, forged from pure steel, was unbreakable, able to withstand any foe’s assault. In their hands, swords gleamed with unmatched sharpness.

Even their warhorses were expertly trained, thundering across the battlefield with speed and precision, providing unwavering support to their riders.

On the border of Demon’s Road, a squad of armored warriors charged forward, each step ringing out like thunder, a steel tide nothing could resist.

Their armor caught the sunlight, flashing with a cold, metallic gleam, every stride full of courage and unwavering resolve.

On this day, these warriors received urgent orders—to greet the Crown Prince, Xie Jinxuan, who had traveled from afar.

Without hesitation, they set out at once. The sound of their horses echoed across the land. Through mountains, rivers, deserts, and grasslands, they pressed on relentlessly.

Determination burned in their eyes, and it was clear they’d prepared themselves to face any hardship that lay ahead.

With perfectly synchronized steps, they marched straight to the border of Demon’s Road, waiting in silent formation beneath the dynasty’s unique flag.

Yu Wenrong, commanding ten thousand troops, stared ahead. Towering and broad-shouldered, his muscles rippled with strength, as if he could shoulder the world itself.

His chest was solid and powerful, showcasing his endurance. Every swing of his thick arms carried the force of a thunderbolt, as if nothing could stand in his way.

Muscles tightened along his legs, every step grounded and unshakable, radiating an aura of absolute stability.

His gaze was both sharp and resolute, sending a message to the world—no matter what comes, he’ll face it head-on with unrivaled strength and willpower.

The soldiers under Yu Wenrong were just as formidable, a powerful aura surrounding every one of them. Gripping their weapons, they watched the horizon, ever ready to face the unknown.

Then, as snowflakes drifted down, two figures suddenly appeared, growing clearer with every step. Yu Wenrong focused all his attention on them.

The two drew closer and, in the next heartbeat, stood before the entire force.

“Your humble subject, Yu Wenrong, leading the Armor-Breaking Army, pays respects to Your Highness!” Yu Wenrong dropped to one knee in the heavy snow, fist pressed to his chest.

“The entire Armor-Breaking Army welcomes Your Highness!” Instantly, a thousand armored men lowered their shields and knelt as one, a thunderous shout ringing out.

The sound shook the snow off the trees, sending it tumbling down in unison.

Seeing this, Xie Jinxuan beamed. “General Yu Wen and brave soldiers, you’ve come so far—thank you for your efforts. Please rise at once!”

Xie Jinxuan hurried forward, helping Yu Wenrong to his feet with a sweep of his arms.

“We are deeply grateful, Your Highness!” Yu Wenrong stood, brushing snow from his shoulders.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your favor!” The Armor-Breaking Army rose as one, footsteps perfectly in sync, eyes burning with determination.

Yu Wenrong cast a careful glance at the youth standing beside Xie Jinxuan, then asked respectfully, “Your Highness, may I ask who this is?”

“This is my close friend, Gu Xiaoyao.” Xie Jinxuan turned with a smile, giving Gu Xiaoyao’s shoulder a friendly pat.

Yu Wenrong’s eyes lit with understanding. “In that case, please, Your Highness and Young Master, follow this old servant back to the capital to meet His Majesty!”

“The new year is almost upon us. It’s best not to linger here. We’ll do as you say, General Yu Wen.” Xie Jinxuan and Gu Xiaoyao nodded, following Yu Wenrong away from the border.

The mighty column rumbled south, shaking the earth beneath their feet. In moments, they’d vanished, leaving only deep tracks behind in the snowy field.

………………

The Jianwu Dynasty was centered in the grand city of Tiandu.

Within its borders, people lived in peace and prosperity. The nation flourished, and its citizens wanted for nothing.

A spirit of harmony and tranquility filled the air, like a breathtaking painting come to life.

Laughter rang through every street and alley. Children played, while elders sat in the shade, content and unhurried.

Golden rice ripened in the fields, a sign of a rich harvest. In the cities, shops lined the streets, and trade thrived.

The wise and valiant emperor ruled with strength, his generals loyal, and his soldiers well-trained. Together, they guarded this peaceful realm.

After half a day on the road, Gu Xiaoyao and company finally passed a sky-piercing tower—the Falling Star Tower, where one could gaze across the entirety of the Sword Qi Continent.

Xie Jinxuan smiled and asked, “Brother Xiaoyao, would you like to join me for a look from the top?”

“Of course, Brother Jinxuan!” Gu Xiaoyao strode ahead, stepping up onto the Falling Star Tower.

………………

Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan sat atop the tower, surveying the land below. Gu Xiaoyao was in awe—standing there, it was as if all of the Jianwu Dynasty lay before his eyes.

“Brother Xiaoyao, since we’re up here with time to spare, why don’t we play a game of chess?” Xie Jinxuan leaned beside Gu Qingyi, hands behind his back, both gazing out over the world.

“Sounds good, Brother Jinxuan! I’ll take the white pieces!” Gu Xiaoyao turned, grinning as he sat down at the board.

As they played chess and joked back and forth, it felt like the whole world was in their hands.

The Falling Star Tower soared above the clouds. From here they could see endless beauty, and even sense the spiritual energy that filled heaven and earth.

Gu Xiaoyao, dressed in white, looked every bit the handsome, elegant young man as he held the white chess pieces.

Xie Jinxuan, clothed in black, his features sharp and serious, eyes deep and unreadable, took up the black pieces.

In this moment, the two faced off with all of humanity as their chessboard, their conversation turning at times to affairs of the world and the endless variety of the human heart.

Their words were light and easy but always touched with a sense of care for all living things.

“Brother Xiaoyao, what do you think of how the world is laid out these days?” Gu Xiaoyao asked, dropping his piece on the board.

“It all looks calm on the surface,” Xie Jinxuan replied with a faint smile, “but beneath that, danger is everywhere.”

“A storm’s brewing—you can’t be too careful,” Gu Xiaoyao said as he placed another piece.

“Exactly! The world seems peaceful now,” Xie Jinxuan agreed, adding his move, “but there are plenty of eyes watching hungrily from the shadows.”

Gu Xiaoyao laughed aloud. “When the chariots come, we’ll block them. When the flood rises, we’ll dam it. You and I don’t need to worry about those things for now.”

Their laughter echoed through the Falling Star Tower, as if the whole world were celebrating with them. Their chess match felt like a magnificent performance, one that no one could help but admire.