Vanquish Them All

If possible, she did not want to be a member of the royal family. If possible, she did not want to be exceedingly beautiful. If possible, she hoped she would have never met him. She only wanted to be an ordinary peasant woman who could live a plain life with her sun, her moon, and simple food. No... in fact, she would prefer that she had never been born. In this case, she did not have to witness a defeated country and countless ruined families. Her sun would not drop down, and her moon would not fade away.

...

Princess of the Kindom of Shui... 9 years old... 16 as a living sacrifice... the Kingdom of Yun prosperous... Otherwise... the Kingdom of Yun would perish...

...

Red... red... the color of overwhelming red was everywhere. On the smelly and stomach-churning ruins, there were broken limbs piled up like mountains. Voices of moaning, crying, knives, and swords were ringing everywhere. Many people were killed in this place. In the distance, a battle was still spreading like an all-consuming fire. It's predictable that more people would soon be dead. This was not a war of justice. However, there had been few wars of justice since ancient times. Vultures flew far above and watched, as if they were sneering at this ridiculous tragedy.

The color of red, the smell of blood, and the voice of screaming were torturing me. I could not help trembling. However, I must calm down. I was really frightened seeing the bloody fighting on the battlefield, but I felt more scared standing beside the king.

The king was so cruel. Soldiers of the Kingdom of Shui had almost all been killed by us. However, he still gave orders to carry out a massacre to the Kingdom of Shui which had no capacity to fight back and lost its ruler.

More people were slaughtered. This capital city was once prosperous, but now it was filled with the cry of women and children. A simple word "cruel" was not enough to describe everything.

I was only a 12-year-old adopted son, a poor orphan taken in by the king. It was not my first time to witness this kind of bloody situation. I had no ability to stop such a massacre, so I could only choose to be an indifferent onlooker.

Suddenly, the king touched my head, "Zhi, when you grow up, you will become a general who protects the Kingdom of Yun."

I said nothing but bowed my head. I knew that the king was superstitious. It had been prophesied that the Kingdom of Yun would definitely rule the whole world if this country had me. There was also another prophecy:

Princess of the Kindom of Shui... 9 years old... 16 as a living sacrifice... the Kingdom of Yun would be prosperous... Otherwise... the Kingdom of Yun would perish...

I did not know what this sentence meant. I only knew that the king found me, and he destroyed the Kingdom of Shui only for the little princess of the Kingdom of Shui.

At this time, a soldier brought in the little princess of the Kingdom of Shui, Shui Yinzhu. The princess was a little girl as clear as a crystal. She was like a cute jade doll. It seemed that she had no idea the Kingdom of Shui had been conquered. The little girl broke free from the soldier and ran toward me. Behind me, it was the tent door.

To be honest, I didn't want her to come over because from this place I could see the slaughter outside the tent clearly. I tried my best to cover her eyes, but it's too late. She still saw everything she shouldn't see. The face of this little kid turned pale. She could see her dead parents on a tower over the city gate.

She was staring at outside dully. Suddenly, she ran out in desperation. She screamed, "Father, mother, Yinzhu is back. I will be good! I will be good! Father... mother..." She was sobbing with a hoarse voice. She now totally lost her mind.

The king didn't let anyone stop the jade doll princess but gently ordered me to follow her for keeping her alive. Therefore, I witnessed a child who was only nine-year-old running to the battlefield covered by dead bodies like crazy. She now totally ignored the terrible and desperate surroundings. This girl was trembling when she ran, which revealed she was just a young kid. She could only see her parents at this moment. This little girl ran into the silent city. She walked on the dead bodies of soldiers of the Kingdom of Shui.

On the tower, her mother was holding the king of the Kingdom of Shui. Their bodies were kind of stiff now. The little girl leaped into the arms of the dead and cold bodies of her father and mother. Her small hands held them tightly. However, because of her strength, the two corpses which had been hugging together now both fell backwards. The little girl wanted to support them, but she did not have enough physical strength. She had dried up her tears. She kept mumbling with a hoarse voice, "Father, mother, I will be good... please... please... don't leave me..."

However, no matter how she yelled, her father and mother would never answer her. I was staring at her, having no idea what to do. This was too much for a child. Besides, I also heard from the king-this little princess of the Kingdom of Shui would be buried alive to sacrifice for her enemies in the future.

This little girl had cried for a long time before she passed out. I came forward to support her in time, but I could not ease any of her pain. Looking at the nine-year-old jade doll in my arms, I had the urge to protect someone for the first time.

Princess of the Kindom of Shui... 9 years old... 16 as a living sacrifice... the Kingdom of Yun would be prosperous... Otherwise... the Kingdom of Yun would perish...

The princess of the Kingdom of Shui was now 9 years old. If she was buried alive at the age of 16 as a living sacrifice, the Kingdom of Yun would be prosperous. Otherwise, the Kingdom of Yun would perish without the sacrificial offering.

The country was conquered and countless families were ruined. A royal girl became an orphan. No one could protect her. From now on, she could only be independent. No one would cherish a delicate flower which fell down from a gigantic tree.

Huaiyang City was the prosperous capital city of the Kingdom of Yun. In this place, sunlight shined on the white walls and black tiles. Under the wavy eaves, there were shop signs and floating flags. On both sides of the street, there were restaurants, teahouses, and various workshops. This place had everything one expected to find. Hawkers were selling things on both sides of the largest street in the middle. On the edge of the main road, there were many busy streets and alleys. The people of Huaiyang City lived and worked in peace and contentment.

It could be seen from the faces of countless people on the main street that they were living a cozy and happy life. Many things were waiting to be done in this era. But this place was a paradise free from any wars. It was gorgeous in all four seasons.

This was a very lucky city-it was the capital of the Kingdom of Yun, the ruler of the world. Over the past eight years, the Kingdom of Yun had conquered the Kingdom of Xuan, the Kingdom of Wu, the Kingdom of Shui, and the Kingdom of Kong, one after another, unifying all five countries. The incumbent King of the Kingdom of Yun was famous for his cruelty. Although he did not kill all people of the other four countries, he had massacred all the residents of the capitals. The sound of wailing kept ringing in the bloody baptism, like a nightmare haunting people of these four countries. However, they did not dare to cry or talk about it. They could only choose to move on and keep themselves alive.

In the southern part of Huaiyang City, there is a luxurious palace held in awe by everyone. It was resplendent and magnificent, full of grandeur. People could feel the solemnness as soon as they saw it. However, in the corner of this magnificent palace, there was a bleak place-Xiyan Palace. This was a palace that few people visited. Fortunately, it looked clean.

Under a single phoenix tree in Xiyan Palace, there was a 14-year-old girl in white. She let down her hair casually and did not tie it up. Her delicate and flawless face was framed with raven hair. Her eyes were not very big but looked extremely pure and beautiful. However, such attractive eyes were not lively at all. Her nose was pointed and small. Her lips had a unique pink color, which was perfect and not too bright. Although she still had an immature face, she had been very graceful and charming. She was not as beautiful as pretentious peony, but she was elegant just like a lily.

The girl raised her beautiful face and looked at the phoenix tree. Her eyes were empty and her face was straight. She looked dull and gloomy, not lively at all. Time seemed to stand still here. There seemed to be nothing else but this beautiful image that would not fade away. From a distance, it looked like an extremely beautiful picture without a soul.

After a long time, a lively voice came over, "Princess Xi, what have you been looking at?"

A cute girl walked out from the gate of Xiyan Palace which was completely unguarded. She was Yuer, a little palace maid with two buns. This maid looked several years older than the young girl, but she seemed to be more childish. Well, she was the only palace maid of Xiyan Palace so she didn't need to intrigue against others. However, the fact that this girl was simple didn't mean that she was innocent. For example, she had been asking this question many times. It's just that she had never got an answer from the young girl.

The beauty under the tree did nothing but shook her head. She looked at Yuer but her eyes remained empty. The little palace maid had been used to it.

"Today, General Yun Zhi is back. I heard that even the King and the prince went to welcome him back. He is really a great hero of our kingdom. Do you want to have a look, Princess Xi? '"

Yuer wanted to be there so much. However, this princess was just a jade doll without any emotion. She was in a daze every day and everywhere. Yuer was her only palace maid. She could only follow the young girl even though she was unwilling to do so.

Yuer knew it was impossible, but she still looked at the jade doll beauty in front of her with expectation. The beauty walked directly to a room and did not wait for her. Yuer was full of resentment and clenched her fists, but she still had to follow her bitterly. In her heart, she had cursed the young girl for so many times. As long as the young girl was buried alive as a sacrifice, she could leave this bleak Xiyan Palace for good.

Princess Xi was a princess. However, everyone knew that she was only the adopted daughter brought back by the King, the little princess Shui Yinzhu of the Kingdom of Shui which had disappeared. The King had never come to visit her. She was only a 16-year-old sacrifice. He granted her the name Yun Xi just to make her sacrifice as a member of the Yuns. She was nothing but a sacrifice to make the Kingdom of Yun prosperous.

Yuer was the palace maid who accompanied her since she came here at the age of nine. Yuer's task was to keep the young girl alive until she reached the age of 16 for the important task of being buried alive. From then on, Yuer could be free and leave this place. Over the years, she had never been sincere to this young girl. Also, she had never heard this girl say a word or seen her smile. This young girl was always like a jade doll without a soul.

The city gate of Huaiyang City was wide open. There were many people standing on both sides of the main road to the city gate. It was so crowded. People lined the road, looking forward to the return of the young and capable Senior General of the Kingdom of Yun, Yun Zhi.

The King of the Kingdom of Yun and the world was standing on the high tower over Huaiyang City. Although he was no longer in the prime of his life, he was still domineering. His countenance was still as handsome as that when he was young. A handsome young man was beside him, and he looked like King Yun. This man had delicate facial features. He had gentle eyes which were not something that a superior person ought to have. In contrast, his father had eagle eyes which could frighten everyone. He looked extremely gentle and harmless. This young man was the crown prince of the Kingdom of Yun.

Two rows of soldiers standing over the tower were protecting King Yun and the crown prince. They were also waiting for the return of the Senior General.

Dust and sand had been blown up by the wind. In a sandy world, a handsome young Senior General in armor was riding a white horse. He looked heroic, leading countless soldiers. His facial features were handsome and strong with the temperament of a heroic man. However, from his elegant and calm eyes, it seemed that he was containing himself.

Senior General Yun Zhi was leading a well-trained and orderly army forward slowly. They walked into the gate, and people around all shouted "hero" cheerfully. After the young Senior General entered the city, he asked his troops to leave first. He dismounted and hurried to the city tower to pay respects to the most powerful man of the Kingdom of Yun.

King Yun saw the Senior General of the Kingdom of Yun saluting him, so he came forward to help him up. King Yun patted him on the shoulder, "My son, Zhi, you've had a long flight. Let father take a closer look at you... good... you have been totally different after years of training. Young people can always turn into outstanding men in a twinkling."

"I am so flattered, Your Majesty. Fortunately, I lived up to everyone's expectations and put down the rebellion."

"Good, you are a good son who doesn't let me down. Do you have some information about the rebel forces?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Those rebel forces were people of the Kingdom of Xuan. The leader was Li Yi, the former Senior General of the Kingdom of Xuan.

"The Kingdom of Xuan?" King Yun's face changed, but he soon calmed down, "Son, where is Li Yi now?"

"I have decapitated him in front of our soldiers."

"Okay, well done."

"I have also annihilated all rebels and there are no survivors."

"Good. It's always the best to pluck up the evil by the roots. Otherwise, it may revive in the future. These remaining evil people of the four countries should all be slaughtered. It's a shame that some of them escaped that year." From Yun Zhi's performance, King Yun didn't notice anything unusual. Therefore, he finally relaxed.

Yun Zhi was the child whom he had high hopes for. He was an important figure King Yun had trained for his country. However, if Yun Zhi showed any signs of rebellion, he would kill him without mercy.

"Your Majesty, you are right."

"Zhi, you are the muscle and Su is the brain. With the two of you, the Kingdom of Yun can be stable. One day, when Su succeeds to the throne, you should give him a hand. Brothers have to be of one mind."

"Yes, I will definitely fulfill my commitment."

As soon as Yun Zhi finished his words, the crown prince spoke. His tone was warm and he was like a spoiled child talking to his father, "Yes, Your Majesty. You can be at ease. Zhi and I will defend the country you have worked so hard to build." Yun Su went to touch Yun Zhi's shoulder on his own initiative, "Zhi, am I right?"

"Yes."

The more King Yun looked at Yun Su, the more satisfied he felt. He had many children and many sons. However, he always liked the eldest son most. King Yun needed a good king not a tyrant to succeed him. He did not need his son to be as determined and cruel as he was. He did not need his son to expand the territory, for he had already conquered the world. The only thing Su had to do was to keep it.

"Well, Zhi, I will give you a general house called Jicong Mansion and a ton of gold. I will ask my men to send it to your new house. You and Su haven't seen each other for a long time. You two can have a good talk."

King Yun felt very satisfied when he left, looking at his adopted son, the Senior General while touching the shoulder of his son Yun Su. He wanted to leave two young people some space. King Yun believed his son Yun Su would not let him down, and he would win over this general he deliberately arranged for him.

"Goodbye, Your Majesty." The crown prince Yun Su and the Senior General Yun Zhi, two handsome young men but of different characters both knelt down.

When they couldn't see the back of King Yun, Yun Su pulled Yun Zhi up immediately like a close friend. He even forgot to call himself crown prince. It's pure brotherhood between them, "Zhi, you are finally back! I am so bored."

"His Royal Highness, monarchs and ministers should keep a distance."

"What are you talking about? We are brothers who grew up together!"

"But now you are the crown prince, and I am the general."

"So what? Aren't you still my little brother? Or maybe you want to be my elder brother?"

"His Royal Highness, please don't joke with me. I am just a little tired because of the long journey. I want to go back to my place to have a rest. Tomorrow I will pay a visit to His Royal Highness."

"Forget the title 'His Royal Highness' and call me 'big brother' as before, ok?"

"Yes, big brother."

"Zhi, although I have a lot of younger brothers and sisters, you are the only intimate one who really knows me. We have been together since childhood, and we should also be close in the future."

"Okay, big brother."

"Well... you can go back first and take a good rest. Your Majesty has prepared a dinner party for your arrival tonight. You should definitely be there."

"Yes."

Finally, Yun Zhi could leave. However, there was an obvious but secret gulf between the two who used to be close brothers. Yun Su looked at Yun Zhi's back. His smile grew brighter while his eyes were getting gentler.