Chapter 153: The parlay

Unrivaled was captured. The Jiao army couldn't process the fact for some time. The most powerful enemy commander was lying unconscious at their feet. Although the procedure of subduing him was cowardly, they managed to win anyway.

"have pride in your efforts. Unrivaled is a peak Qi general level practitioner. You are not supposed to win against him in a one on one fight. Each one of you gave it your best efforts to beat an enemy far more powerful than you." Di Tao's words managed to spark a light in everyone's eyes.

Su Menqi came forward and stood before the Jiao army. "This message is for every soldier who stands alive to this very day. We have been through a lot, losing our comrades and brothers in the fire of warfare."

"Even in the worst of times, we stood tall, facing all the adversities acting against us. The enemy tried to undermine us multiple times, but the passion for our motherland fanned the flames of victory for us."

She bowed before all the soldiers: "An apology couldn't compensate the loss we incurred, but I do it nevertheless. For the brothers, we lost and the brothers we made, we shall hereby declare this war, won."

Every single man in the room felt their veins filled with pride and power. Loud cheers followed the words of their commander-in-chief.

"Send messengers to Tamar. Inform them about our victory. Half the soldiers will hereby be responsible for transporting the body of our deceased brother back to their homes. Give them a proper burial and compensate their families well."

"The rest will follow me to annihilate and capture every single human inhabitation until we reach the Chu capital. The royal Chu family needs to answer for their crimes."

The soldiers began to clang their weapons together and heavily tapped the ground. The march to the enemy capital begun.

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Tamar-

The tribunal was on fire after hearing the news of Unrivalled's capture. "They managed to do it.". The general instructed his subordinates to call a meeting of elders.

"We need to send all possible support troops into the Chu country. Take control over the captured area immediately."

A man entered the general's quarter at that time. "I was expecting your arrival, Jiao Bo. Unrivaled has been successfully captured and the enemy stronghold destroyed. Su Menqi and her army are now proceeding towards the Chu capital. take all the back-up troops and assume control over the captured areas."

Jiao Bo was elated to hear the news. "Send messengers to the royal court immediately. We need to inform the citizens about the victory too."

"Go ahead and do your best to put an end to this process. We need to relieve our heroes from their arduous duties."

"I supposed you already got the news regarding the capture of Long Tao."

"I have. I suppose we are going to use Unrivalled in exchange for him. His contribution to this war is unaccountable. He is responsible for eliminating at least 3-4th of the enemies. "

"But will the exchange be fair.". An elder insisted.

"Are you indicating that the barter might not take place." The general said with an emotionless tone.

............…..

"I am just saying that we need to put some thought to this matter." The elder's tone got nervous.

"You managed to remain alive since you spoke to me in private. I assure you would have been decimated to pieces if you had proclaimed it in public, or before the king." Jiao Bo said in an irritated tone.

"Know your place while speaking. Any further words in this line of thought would result in direct execution." The elder shut his mouth immediately. It took some time for him to fathom how sensitive the matter was.

Any thoughts in similar lines were instantly decimated by the warning. "I will be leaving for the capital city to discuss the demands to be made from the Chu country."

"We hold a massive advantage in troop numbers, why should discuss a peace treaty with them?" Another elder asked the general.

"Do you fathom how big an area Chu country holds. We can't maintain control over such a large area in a short period of time. We need to strengthen our power within the captured area first. We can then discuss expanding the borders in the future."

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The Chu royal court-

"what did you say? How can Unrivalled be captured? He was a peak Qi general level practitioner." The second prince's voice sounded incredibly anxious.

"Su Menqi attacked the camp during night-time, by lighting it on fire. Most of the people inside were taken care of by the explosion. They ganged up on Unrivalled. She sacrificed quite a large number of Qi masters to tire him out, after which his Qi reserves were depleted."

"All the commanders, along with Su Menqi and a mysterious man attacked him at the same time. Poison was used to render him unconscious."

" What is the current situation within the borders?"

"Su Menqi is advancing towards the capital city at an incredible speed. They are destroying everything on their way, not even taking hostages. She will arrive here by 10 days."

The messenger sent by Su Menqi came forward and said "She requests you to prepare a proper answer for the deceased troops. As per the other matter, I hope his highness knows what's best for his kingdom."

The other matter referred to here was Long Tao. As expected Su Menqi was going to use Unrivalled general to barter against Long Tao.

...............…..

"What is to be done next?"

"We have lost the war. The winner gets to decide the terms. We need to return Long Tao, otherwise, the capital city will be razed to the ground, along with the rest of the country. We can't let that happen."

"We are going to admit defeat so easily." The second prince was not willing to accept this fate. He just took up the mantle of king. How can he let go of half his kingdom? 

"Are you going to face off against the Jiao country. They outnumber our troops by three times. Su Menqi actions are pure to establish the Jiao country's dominance."

"Every single village and town in her way is being burnt to the ground. All the people there killed mercilessly. Are you going to take the blame for that?"

"Do you even have any military strength to face off against her?" The second prince became aware of the harsh truth. The barter was just for Long Tao. The real price was not yet decided. Jiao country won't allow him to slide away just like that.

...............….

The underground lair-

Long Tao's screams could be heard throughout the prison. Even the torturers were exhausted from such a long process. "Are you ready to confess."

Long Tao continued to smile. The man was irritated from this view and was about to hit his face when a voice was heard. "Hold your hands."

A figure entered the cell. Multiple healers were invited in. "heal him."

Long Tao up, bearing the same smile on his face. After an initial heal was done, the man took a seat before Long Tao. "You have one last chance to give us the details. We are tired of giving you any more time."

'Hee-hee'. "The war is already lost and you still try to act tough before me." The man's expression hanged instantly. "Judging from your expression, Unrivalled has been captured by Su Menqi right. She must be rushing towards this place as of now. Can you even take a chance by hitting me again?"

He looked at the torturers. "I dare you to peel off my skin one more time. Why don't you try?" A nervous look spread on the man's face. He stood off to leave. "Remember this, when I get out, every single one of you is dead." Lunacy was visible in Long Tao's eyes. All three people could feel their spine go cold from his stare.

...............….

Ten days later-

The whole capital was vibrating from the incoming army. When Su Menqi's battalion finally reached the gates, they were confronted by scared guards. "Go tell your king to come out. He has 5 minutes to rush his ass here, or I will run this whole place to the ground."

The guards ran towards the palace with the message. As expected, the gates were soon opened. "I request general Su to enter with her group of commanders."

"Do you take us to befool? Does this feel like a bargain to you people?" An arrow directly blasted the face of the minister. The army rushed in, breaking the gates of the capital city. "Surround the palace, and take every single citizen as a hostage. Start slaughtering them as time passes. No mercy is to be shown."

Su Menqi's inhumane action alerted the royal court. The second prince lost all confidence. He was confronting a she-devil. 

The palace wall was soon destroyed and the whole building surrounded. Su Menqi entered the mansion along with the rest of the commanders. A soldier, who was pulling the unconscious body of Unrivalled, accompanied them. 

"Where is Long Tao?"

Su Menqi didn't waste any time. Long Tao was tied up and accompanied to the hall. The second prince said in a tamed voice "we would like to see Unrivalled."

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Long Tao's figure was assisted on its way to the Jiao camp. All of the soldiers were looking at his condition with razing. The eldest princess, who arrived here not too long ago came forward. 

"I would like to discuss the peace treaty with you, King Chu."

The second prince was about to speak up when a voice canceled him midway "There is no requirement for a damn peace treaty." Long Tao's figure was standing up. He ate lots of healing pills which was concocted by his avatar. 

4 additional figures came forward. Di Tao was one of them. "Start the killing. Make sure to capture every single Chu royalty member and those Black-hooded figures alive. Kill everyone else."

He turned around and said to the army. " I hereby order you to kill every single citizen of this city and then burn it to ground. No mercy is to be shown." The princess was shocked at hearing it.

The Chu king began to escape when a figure appeared before him. It Was Di Tao. "Where are you going dearest."

...…���............…

Soon enough all royal descendants were captures along with the hooded figures and the ministers. The four figures were able to completely overpower all of them. Each one of the avatars was using demonization art.

"Didn't I tell you, The day I leave, is the day you die.". Long Tao started torturing each one of them.

...........

"Stop it, Long Tao. We can talk this through." The eldest princess insisted. 

"Shut your mouth, you bitch. Know your place." Jiao Mingue was taken back by this attitude. Never had she seen this picture of Long Tao. The long torture seems to have taken a toll on his mind.

Su Menqi came forward and hugged him. "Calm yourself down, please." A tear flowed down her cheeks.