405(bad(2) - Senior Sister Is on Top

The demon realm was shrouded in spiritual energy, and the divine beasts, gifts from the heavens, had left their legacies here. Although transcending the tribulation was easier, it was still an insurmountable peak that millions could not overcome in their lifetime. Apart from those mighty beings who perished in various conflicts, the number of Ascendant cultivators remaining in the Eastern Region could be counted on two hands. Now, three of them had already been dispatched, nearly half of all Ascendant cultivators in the Eastern Region. In the face of absolute power, any schemes and tricks lost their relevance. Both sides ceased playing games, meeting head-on, determined to fight to the death. Tang Muxi had initially thought the battle would be decided within three days, but unexpectedly, the siege of the city dragged on for seven days. From attacking outside the city to the defense and offense within, by the time they finally occupied it, the buildings had all collapsed, and the surroundings were littered with ruins. Eight thousand troops had almost halved, with countless commanders falling, and even Feng Kai, Wen Dai, and Si Jun suffered varying degrees of injury. This was despite deploying three divine weapons simultaneously; without their protection, they would have likely perished entirely. After the battle, Tang Muxi activated the Lamp of Salvation, attempting to use its divine power to heal the entire army's wounds. However, the number of wounded was too great. Halfway through, she exhausted her strength and had to alternate with Wen Dai to keep the lamp burning. This was a large city where many Eastern Region citizens once lived. After occupying it, Tang Muxi instructed the Grand Elder to send two thousand reinforcements to both consolidate the city's defenses and take charge of post-war management and reconstruction. Many in the army had sustained soul injuries. Even with the divine lamp's healing, some effects lingered. Tang Muxi left them in the city to rest and recover, ultimately leading four thousand soldiers towards the Eastern Region's capital. With three consecutive victories, their morale was high. They easily swept aside any remnants they encountered along the way. In just one day, they reached the capital's gates. The final battle had just begun, but to their surprise, the city's defenses were deactivated, the gates wide open, with no one guarding them. Chapter 231 "Reporting, Your Highness, the scouts have checked around the city thoroughly and found no signs of magical traps!" Instead of feeling relieved at the report, Tang Muxi felt even heavier in her heart. Unwilling to accept it, she frowned at the empty city walls and ordered, "Search again! Send another team into the city and report any anomalies immediately." The subordinate accepted the order and left. Last evening, Tang Muxi and her people had reached the capital's gates. Expecting a fierce battle, everyone had been ready to fight with all their might. However, they found the city gates wide open, the defensive formations and weapons deactivated. The once heavily guarded city now appeared deserted, like an abandoned ruin. If this had been a border town, Tang Muxi might have believed that the soldiers and civilians had fled upon hearing of the powerful approaching army. But this was the capital, the stronghold of the Eastern Region's officials and traitors. Losing this place meant the collapse of the Eastern Region's regime. Even if the officials escaped with their families, they would become walking dead in the eyes of the people, their power rendered useless. Tang Muxi couldn't believe that the Eastern Region's court, which had sent two Ascendants and three Tribulation Transcendents a few days ago, killing half of their forces, would flee at this critical moment. There must be some scheme at play. "General, I heard you once visited the Eastern Region's capital. What was the situation in the city then?" She remembered Feng Kai and couldn't help but ask. "Reporting, Your Highness, when I arrived, the defenses were strict. Even though I entered without permission, they refused us entry until they reported to the court. Later, the Eastern Region's Grand Elder Xun Yi came to receive us, and as soon as I drew my sword to cut off his pressure, we were surrounded by a thousand cultivators." Just drawing your sword? Tang Muxi's mouth twitched. Causing trouble at someone's doorstep and then being surrounded was no surprise. But listening to Feng Kai's tone, he seemed quite aggrieved. She gave Feng Kai a deep look, seeing that he remained oblivious and focused, and suppressed her urge to complain. "Entering the territory twice, this time should have been more cautious, yet they deliberately open the gates, inviting us in," Tang Muxi sighed, looking at the gates, "This bodes ill." She didn't understand military strategy, rarely involving herself in such matters in the past or present, but even a fool could see something was off. Those Eastern Region elders and officials clearly had something planned. As soon as they entered the city, a trap would be sprung. This was an obvious plot, but they had no choice but to fall into it. Without entering the city and killing the traitors, neither the Eastern Region nor the Dharma would truly be under her control. A day passed quickly, and by dusk, the subordinates reported again, finding nothing unusual, just like in the morning. No matter inside or outside the city, nothing was out of place. It was clean, leaving no clues. Tang Muxi was not surprised by this result. Since the enemy dared to set up such a trap, they would not reveal any flaws. Sending more people to investigate would be futile. To make the rebels show themselves, she had to personally lead the army into the city. Only by placing themselves in danger could they draw the snake out of its hole. The next morning, she gathered Wen Dai and others in the camp to seek their opinions. "Our army has camped outside the capital for two days, yet the enemy remains hidden. They must be luring us in. This plan is sinister, but we have no choice but to follow it. The last scheme in Baixuan City is still fresh in my memory. If you don't wish to follow me into danger, feel free to speak up. I won't blame you." Tang Muxi thought her words were sincere, but to her surprise, everyone smiled. Tang Muxi: ? After a while, Wen Dai was the first to speak, "Your Highness, you worry too much. We have followed you here, through three battles, facing life and death. Now that the capital is in sight, how could we be afraid at this moment?" Although only Wen Dai spoke, the expressions of the others showed unanimous agreement. Tang Muxi sighed, "I was considering your well-being, not wanting everyone to jump into the fire with me. Fine, since you are all unwilling to stay safe, let us face the danger together once more."