At this moment, Song Yu also felt a rush of panic.

He swung the whip desperately, lashing the steed beneath him, silently praying to Amitabha Buddha, hoping he could enter the city before the gates closed!

Just then, from atop the city tower came a commanding voice from Dai Junliang—

"Release the arrows!"

Suddenly, a rain of arrows descended from above, shooting down toward the foot of the city tower. In an instant, several Longxi Army soldiers trailing behind Song Yu were hit and fell from their horses.

This gave him a momentary chance.

Yet, the turnaround came swiftly.

Seeing the situation, Xue Xian remained unflustered. He waved his large hand towards his men, and immediately, the troops that had been lurking in the dense forest charged out. They were a team of archers, galloping on horseback, drawing bows as they raced and fired a volley of arrows at those atop the city tower.

"Watch out!"

Seeing the cold gleams whiz by, Yu Wenqian extended his large hand and pulled Shang Ruyi back to his side.

The archer standing in front of them was hit and fell to the ground!

Shang Ruyi stumbled and nearly toppled into his embrace, but steadied herself just before falling, and glanced up at him. She met his eyes, which were as calm and steady as ever, even under the gleaming light of the flying arrows.

He seemed... to know everything.

Yet, it was as though he was still scrutinizing.

This feeling made Shang Ruyi very uncomfortable, yet she quietly brushed his hand off her arm, softly saying, "Thank you, elder brother."

Yu Wenqian looked down at her: "Now, you need to do what you must."

"..." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Shang Ruyi glanced at him again, still saying nothing.

At this moment, Shantong’er, who had been by her side all along, flared up, hastily picking up the copper hammer he’d set aside and was about to rush towards the bottom of the city tower, shouting, "Sister Ruyi, I’ll avenge you!"

Just as he stepped out, Shang Ruyi grabbed him.

She said, "It’s not yet time for you to act."

"...?"

Shantong’er looked at her in surprise, eyes wide.

Yet Shang Ruyi turned back heavily, just as the people beside her stepped forward to drag the fallen archer away. Shang Ruyi calmly took the bow and arrow from his hand, tested it briefly, then quickly and adeptly drew the bow and nocked an arrow.

By this time, Song Yu was less than a bow’s shot distance from the city gate. Countless arrows flew over his head, some aimed at those behind him, aiding his escape, while others targeted the city tower, causing cries and screams. But Song Yu paid no mind, his whip swung like a spinning wheel. His ambition to fight before the city fell apart the moment he faced Xue Xian. He wished for wings on his horse to help him flee this nightmare.

However, the Longxi Army behind him pursued relentlessly!

He could even hear the hooves just behind him, and the wielded blades had already touched his saddle and back.

Faster, faster, faster!

He chanted non-stop, hoping archers atop the tower would help him by shooting the pursuers behind.

And then, as if his prayers were answered, a piercing whistle sounded ahead, a cold gleam streaked through the sky, targeting behind him. A burst of screams followed, and those chasing him fell off their horses.

Song Yu felt a surge of joy—

But just then, a cold gleam suddenly flashed by, like lightning piercing his eyes, and Song Yu instinctively shut them.

The next moment, he felt his steed jolt and come to a halt with a long, fearful neigh!

What’s happening?!

Song Yu widened his eyes in horror, seeing an arrow had landed in front of him. His horse nearly stepped on it, got alarmed and stopped, letting out a terrified neigh.

Could it be someone atop the tower, shot wrong?

Song Yu dared not slow down, despite the pursuers being obstructed; more men seized the chance to rush forward. He hastily turned his horse, avoided the arrow on the ground, and galloped onward. But after just two steps, another arrow suddenly shot into the earth ahead, halting his horse!

"....!"

Song Yu felt a pit sinking in his heart, instinctively looked up at the city tower.

On the tower, the archers still hid behind the parapets. Once their arrows were nocked, they’d swiftly emerge, shooting at the Longxi Army below, countless cold gleams dazzling before his eyes.

And at this moment, Song Yu saw clearly, a cold gleam aimed right at him!

Behind that cold gleam, was Shang Ruyi!