Northern Region, Snow Dragon Pass.
“His Highness has issued a decree— Open the main gate today, fire the ceremonial cannons, and welcome the Vermilion Bird Army and General Ning Hongye!”
The massive city gate slowly opened.
A crimson-red army, numbering in the thousands, galloped forward at high speed.
Leading them was a woman wearing an Asura mask.
She rode a warhorse, a blade at her waist, armored from head to toe, radiating an intense killing aura as solid as ice.
Even the elite troops following behind her kept a respectful distance, their eyes filled with awe and fear.
Soon, Ning Hongye led the Vermilion Bird Army into the city.
But the streets were deserted. The common folk, having heard that the female god of slaughter had arrived, had all hidden away, afraid of getting into trouble.
“Bang! Bang! Bang…”
Suddenly, a few stones flew toward Ning Hongye, hitting her armor.
They were soft and carried no force, clearly not hidden weapons.
The culprits were a few wild seven- or eight-year-old kids.
“Bad guy! Big bad guy!”
“My mom said you’re a demon who slaughtered cities, killed millions, and even murdered your own father!”
“A heartless demon like you isn’t welcome in the Northern Region!”
These spoiled brats had no sense of fear and kept shouting without restraint.
“How dare you!”
“Insulting General Ning is an unforgivable offense!”
A slender figure suddenly shot out from the Vermilion Bird Army.
Boom!
Just the shockwave from her movement knocked the kids to the ground, making them cry loudly.
“Qingluan, stand down!”
Ning Hongye’s voice rang out, “No need to bicker with a few children. Besides, how many people in this world haven’t cursed me?”
At the command, the female guard named Qingluan stopped, though her eyes were filled with defiance and frustration.
She had pledged her life to a master who had shed blood for the Grand Xia, fighting bravely.
Why then, must her mistress endure such shame?
“Let’s go. Head to the Northern War King’s Manor, annul this absurd engagement, and return.”
Ning Hongye’s voice was cold and emotionless, sharp as ice.
…
Half an hour later, Northern War King’s Manor.
“General Ning has arrived!”
Xiao Yang, dressed in a brocade robe, held his head high as he stepped forward alongside the Northern War King to welcome her.
His eight elder brothers followed behind, their faces gleaming with schadenfreude.
So what if Xiao Yang had outwitted them and obtained nine Spirit Treasures?
To marry the infamous female god of slaughter, one had to consider whether their life was even strong enough to survive it!
They had even placed private bets—whether Xiao Yang would survive three days, ten days, or perhaps a month…
“Vermilion Bird Army, Ning Hongye, greets the Northern War King!”
Ning Hongye dismounted and walked step by step to the manor gates, clasping her fists in salute.
“You are the daughter of an old friend and soon to marry my son. No need to be so formal!”
The Northern War King spoke warmly and quickly invited her inside.
Xiao Yang, meanwhile, was silently sizing up his fiancée.
Damn. This was a walking iron fortress!
She was covered in armor from head to toe. No features, no figure visible.
It was said she’d been disfigured on the battlefield, which was why Xiao Junlin had gone to such lengths to avoid the marriage.
But the system had confirmed her status as a “peerless beauty,” so that couldn’t be wrong!
“Ninth Son, go greet your fiancée!” the Northern War King said again.
“Yes, Father!”
Xiao Yang smiled and walked toward the iron fortress.
[Detected: peerless beauty. Host, do you wish to bind this target?]
“Yes!”
Xiao Yang instantly agreed.
[Binding successful. Cannot be undone.]
[Bound Target: Ning Hongye. Current Affection: 0.]
[Congratulations, Host. First gift to bound target will trigger a top-tier ten-thousand-fold rebate reward.]
Happiness came too suddenly!
Xiao Yang was overjoyed reading the message.
He had been planning to gift the Kirin Golden Armor to Ning Hongye as a greeting gift.
But now, with the first-time rebate reward, he needed to think carefully!
“Hongye, you’ve traveled far to the Northern Region. Rest inside first, and then I’ll prepare the engagement ceremony for you and Ninth Son,” said the Northern War King.
“Wait!”
Suddenly, an icy voice echoed from under Ning Hongye’s armor, “Northern War King, the reason I came this time is to cancel the engagement!”
…
What the hell!
Xiao Yang couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
If you didn’t agree, you could’ve said so earlier!
Now the system binding is locked in, and you want to back out?
Wouldn’t that render everything useless?
Ning Hongye, don’t even think about escaping!
“Impossible!”
The Northern War King’s expression darkened, his voice stern, “This engagement was decreed by His Majesty. How could it be annulled so casually? If word spreads and angers the Emperor, what then?!”
Every word carried immense pressure, unquestionable.
Well said, old man!
Xiao Yang mentally praised his cheap father.
But Ning Hongye still insisted, “I will personally explain to His Majesty. If punishment comes, I will bear it myself. It has nothing to do with the Xiao Clan!”
“Besides, I, Ning Hongye, have served in the military since youth, stained with blood, and once gave orders to slaughter cities, killing over a million.”
“Even if I’m willing to marry, would your son dare to marry me?!”
As she spoke, a sharp gaze like a blade shot out from beneath her armor, sweeping over Xiao Yang and the other princes.
“Hiss…”
Several princes sucked in cold breaths and stepped back, their spines chilling.
Terrifying. Too terrifying!
She was truly a female god of slaughter who killed without blinking!
Just one look was enough to strike fear into their hearts.
They asked themselves honestly—forget marrying, even standing near her made their legs tremble.
And now she wanted to call off the marriage. The Xiao Clan wouldn’t bear any responsibility.
“Since that’s the case, then—”
The Northern War King was just about to speak to cancel the engagement.
Suddenly, a voice rang out like thunder.
“Father, I dare marry her!”
What?!
The hall burst into chaos.
Everyone looked toward the source of the voice.
Xiao Yang stepped out into the spotlight, bearing the gaze of the entire room.
“Is this guy crazy? Giving up a chance to escape and rushing toward death?”
Xiao Junlin sneered, shaking his head with disdain.
“Ninth Son, what is the meaning of this?”
The Northern War King frowned, confused by his youngest son’s actions.
“Father, our Xiao Clan earned our glory through strength! Eight hundred years ago, our ancestor was a mere commoner, yet fought alongside the founding emperor, helped establish Grand Xia, and was rewarded with nobility!”
“Our descendants have guarded the Northern Region for generations, producing countless generals. Just those recorded in the Hall of Heroes number eighteen!”
“I, Xiao Yang, though without official post or military exploits, and unable to fight like my brothers, am not a coward!”
“No son of the Xiao Clan is a weakling. Why would I fear a female general?!”
Xiao Yang’s voice echoed powerfully through the hall.
“Hahaha!”
The Northern War King laughed heartily, praising, “Well said! You are truly my son, Xiao Qiankun’s blood!”
But while Xiao Yang’s words boosted the clan’s reputation, they inadvertently belittled Ning Hongye.
The elite soldiers of the Vermilion Bird Army looked visibly upset.
Hmph!
A completely ordinary prince dared to look down on General Ning? He must be tired of living!
Thud, thud, thud!
Suddenly, Ning Hongye walked toward Xiao Yang.
Her presence alone outshone an entire army!
“Xiao Yang, are you truly not afraid of me?”
Her voice was cold as eternal ice, piercing to the bone.
“I’m not afraid!”
Xiao Yang shook his head firmly, then added, “Miss Ning, not only do I not fear you, I’m grateful to you!”
Then, in front of everyone, he made a move that no one expected—