The city of Rome, once the center of the world, had been under siege for half a month.
During this time, countless Roman soldiers within the city attempted to break out and seek reinforcements.
But they all ended up captured.
A more miserable fate awaited them.
These enemies, collectively referred to as "Yi Zuo," had completely surrounded all areas outside the city of Rome.
To showcase their ferocity, they would decapitate any Roman soldier who dared to resist.
These severed heads were then piled up on the city's ruins, forming a macabre spectacle known as a "Jing Guan."
As the stench of blood soaked into every inch of the land, the gruesome crime spread to every corner.
To intimidate those who were still struggling to survive within the city, the "Yi Zuo" went even further.
They built a large makeshift arena at the gate of Rome, forcing captured enemies to engage in gladiatorial combat.
Sometimes, for their amusement, they would even join the fight themselves.
However, a Roman warrior who had just slain four barbarians in the arena was celebrating his victory when he was knocked unconscious with a single blow to the head.
An "Yi Zuo" chieftain with a scarred face snorted in disdain.
He raised his axe high and chopped off the warrior's head.
This cowardly act ignited a frenzy of excited roars among the surrounding "Yi Zuo" warriors.
Those who were huddled in the corner, desperately clinging to life, understood all too well.
This was a never-ending cycle of battle.
They watched numbly as yet another group of Roman soldiers was pushed into the arena, destined for a brutal fight.
Roman generals, their legs shattered and pinned to the platform, could only watch helplessly as their comrades perished.
Even their enraged roars couldn't save them from the tragedy unfolding before their eyes.
They could only watch, unable even to raise a hand in defense.
How could these brave soldiers, who had dedicated their lives to protecting their homeland, be reduced to mere playthings?
All hope seemed to have vanished.
Beyond the city of Rome, billions of enemies swarmed every corner of the land.
They could appear at any moment, in any location.
Nero, the Roman Emperor, had disappeared without a trace.
Rome was completely isolated, cut off from any chance of reinforcements.
The enemies reveled in their mockery, relishing the powerless roars of the Roman soldiers.
But suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the air, silencing their celebration.
From the southeast corner of Rome's outer wall, hundreds of knights emerged, bearing the banners of the Crusaders.
The flags billowed in the wind, kicking up dust and debris.
As the smoke cleared, everyone present was struck with terror. The "Yi Zuo" encampment had been completely breached.
A massive army had surrounded them, their presence unknown until this very moment.
Leading the charge were thousands of "Ye Wang Qi Shi." Their grotesque appearances resembled demons, their azure skin and skeletal, blood-red steeds a terrifying sight.
Yet, they tore through the enemy ranks, reaping lives like a grim reaper.
Behind them, three thousand "Nuo Duo Shao Nu You Xia" stood ready, their bows drawn, releasing icy blue arrows.
The arrow rain streaked through the sky, a torrent of light that rained down upon the unprepared "Yi Zuo," claiming ten thousand lives in an instant.
The "Yi Zuo" were pushed back, clearing a path for the arrival of small tanks, each with an "Ai Ren Huo Qiang Bu Tan Xie Tong Jun Tuan" standing half-exposed.
The tanks roared to life, followed by a relentless barrage of gunfire from the infantry.
Every inch of land was pounded by a brutal hail of fire and fury.
Countless "Yi Zuo" were sent flying into the air.
The perfect combination of gunpowder and arrows created a devastating curtain of fire.
The Night King Knights charged forward, their ranks unwavering.
From the sky, the "Huang Jia Shi Jiu Qi Shi Tuan" descended on their griffon mounts.
Each dive brought swift destruction to the "Yi Zuo" camps.
As if that wasn't enough, the earth trembled as towering figures emerged, their bodies clothed in simple furs, reaching a height of eight meters.
These "Ju Ren Zhang Lao" wielded bows taller than trees, their arrows thicker than timber.
They drew their bows, aiming the colossal shafts with an unstoppable force that pierced through thousands of enemies before shattering.
For half a month, Ning Cuo had marched from the Xia Sheng Palace, steadily reclaiming lost cities and accumulating "Ba Zhu Dian."
He incorporated the various forces who pledged their allegiance to him, building a million-strong army.
........
"It's Ning Cuo the Preacher! It's you!"
The leader of the Night King Knights frowned and spoke.
"I thought all you Christians had fled. Never mind that now. Let's all retreat back to the city of Rome and talk about this later."
"My orders: rotate cover fire. We all retreat to the city of Rome."
"Retreat together?"
Ning Cuo, astride his Red Hare steed with Thor at his back, was taken aback by the request. He waved his hand, a light smile playing on his lips.
"You all go back to Rome. Thor and I will stay here to cover you."
The faces of the Night King Knights were filled with concern.
"Ning Cuo the Preacher, you don't need to go to such lengths for us. We won't blame the Catholic Church for the betrayal of the Eastern Orthodox Church."
The leader of the Night King Knights spoke with heartfelt sincerity, but Ning Cuo simply waved him off, his eyes focused on the approaching "Yi Zuo" horde.
"Go, go now. I'll hold them off."
The captain remained silent for a moment before clenching his jaw and issuing the order to retreat. The entire force turned back towards the city of Rome.
They had come out to find a way to break through the siege. However, the sheer number of enemies had overwhelmed them. They were exhausted, each bearing their share of wounds.
Moreover, they were still on the battlefield. Any further delay would not only cost them their lives but would also be a waste of Ning Cuo's kindness.
Before they departed, the captain spoke once more.
"If you make it to the city, we will do whatever it takes to get out and support you."
"Go, go quickly. Don't waste any time."
Ning Cuo said, not even bothering to turn around. His eyes were locked on the approaching enemies, a fiery passion for battle burning within them.
As the proverb goes, the best salvation comes from destroying all enemies.
Draw their attention to himself, and he could guarantee they wouldn't chase anyone else. Then, if he killed them all, he would have saved everyone, wouldn't he?
"Thor! Prepare to strike!"
He was back in familiar territory, and Ning Cuo couldn't wait to taste the blood of these foes. He let out a laugh, then leaped into the air, falling like a meteorite.
"Boom!"
The ground shook with the impact. The land within a hundred meters cracked and splintered, a network of fissures spreading outwards.
Amidst the swirling dust, hundreds of "Yi Zuo" were blown away, their bodies unable to withstand the immense force, dying in mid-air.
Ning Cuo charged forward, kicking out with his leg.
His foot pulverized the body of an "Yi Zuo," turning it into a spray of flesh and bone that arced towards the enemy ranks.
He took a deep breath, and sunlight poured down from above, intensifying the heat.
The ground sizzled, transforming into molten lava that coalesced into a fiery serpent.
In an instant, it snaked through a thousand meters, consuming everything in its path.
Dozens of "Yi Zuo" leaders, caught off guard, were incinerated.
Their opulent armor melted away, their muscles sizzling like steaks on a hot griddle.
They screamed in agony, the touch of the molten serpent searing their flesh.
"Fight! This is exhilarating!"
Ning Cuo pounded his chest, taunting the "Yi Zuo" with a mocking gesture.
Simple actions, the most vile insults.
Here he was, the Pope himself, taking action, driven by a single, simple desire.
Either he would kill them all, or he would be killed. If they could manage it, that is!
.....
ps: I've read all your comments, my dear readers. I will follow your suggestions for the direction of the story. There will be absolutely no "Lǜ Zhǔ" elements. You can rest assured. All the female characters will be included. We're going on sale tomorrow! I hope you all will show your support. If you can spare a few points to help with the data, I promise to add a bonus chapter tomorrow. Finally, I want to thank everyone for their support and corrections in the comments section. I've edited the following chapters according to your suggestions to address the protagonist's lack of combat prowess. Thanks again, and I hope we get a good first-day subscription rate. Although I'm a little nervous, emmm.