Deng Chanyu sneered as she wielded her sword toward Ao Yi, shouting loudly, "Surrender now!"

Ao Yi was in a sorry state, but he gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Seeing Ao Yi defeated, Wen Zhong's expression changed. He knew that he couldn't hold back any longer and immediately waved his hand towards the back, shouting solemnly, "Yuyi Immortal, come to our aid quickly!"

Following Wen Zhong's command, Yuyi Immortal floated forward.

He drifted to the front of the formation, positioning himself in front of Ao Yi and said indifferently, "You should retreat for now."

Though Ao Yi was reluctant, he knew the overall situation was crucial and had to retreat resentfully to one side. His gaze remained fixed on Deng Chanyu, silently vowing to regain his honor in the future.

Seeing Ao Yi defeated and Yuyi Immortal appearing on the battlefield, Deng Chanyu showed no fear; instead, she confidently said, "No matter who takes action, the result will be the same."

Having said that, she once again threw the Five-Colored Stone, which transformed into a dazzling light, shooting straight towards Yuyi Immortal.

Seeing this, Yuyi Immortal scoffed dismissively, and suddenly a Primordial Treasure Umbrella appeared in his hand. The umbrella opened, radiating light in all directions like a brilliant sun hanging in the sky.

Under the radiance of the Primordial Treasure Umbrella, the attack from the Five-Colored Stone was like a moth to a flame, pulled in by an invisible force, and was absorbed directly into the Umbrella.

Deng Chanyu saw her Five-Colored Stone being absorbed by the Primordial Treasure Umbrella, and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly realized that her opponent was far stronger than she had imagined. Knowing that continuing the fight would only lead to her demise, she hesitated no longer. Her figure turned into a streak of light, retreating towards the rear.

Yuyi Immortal noticed this and his eyes flashed with contempt, but he did not pursue. Instead, he watched Deng Chanyu's fleeing figure with a cold, mocking smile at the corner of his mouth.

Deng Jiugong, watching from the ramparts and seeing his daughter defeated, felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer. He immediately brandished the Commander's Seal, ordering the sound of retreat while commanding his soldiers to hang the Peace Token and solidify their defenses, determined to hold Qingxia Pass to the death.

Seeing Deng Jiugong holding his ground, Wen Zhong sneered inwardly. He was in no hurry to storm the city, instead, he sent a messenger to the city gate to challenge Deng Jiugong to battle, hoping to provoke him into leaving the city.

But Deng Jiugong, experienced and unyielding, refused to open the city gates for a battle.

Seeing the unwavering stance of the other side, Wen Zhong devised a plan. He commanded a portion of his soldiers to don the armor of the Great Shang army, pretending to be defectors from Chiling Pass, in an attempt to trick the city gates open.

These soldiers loudly declared under Qingxia Pass that they were unwilling to serve the rebels and hoped to surrender to the court. Although Deng Jiugong was skeptical, he knew that the defending forces were insufficient, so incorporating these soldiers would be beneficial.

He ordered a strict review, but under Wen Zhong's meticulous planning, the soldier's disguise was flawless, ultimately deceiving the gatekeepers and gaining entry into Qingxia Pass.

Once inside, these soldiers quickly revealed their true allegiance, swiftly took control of the city gate, and opened it to welcome Wen Zhong's main forces. Wen Zhong took advantage of the situation, leading his elite troops to storm into Qingxia Pass, catching Deng Jiugong's army completely off guard and inflicting a severe defeat.

Seeing the city gate lost and Qingxia Pass breached, Deng Jiugong knew the situation was hopeless. Clad in armor, facing the increasingly chaotic battlefield, his heart felt dead. He turned to Deng Chanyu and said, "Chanyu, you must leave, this place is no longer safe. Your father is willing to die for his country, but you are still young and should survive."

Deng Chanyu's eyes flashed with determination. Clutching her sword tightly, she shook her head firmly, refusing, "Father, I vow to live or die with you. I will not live alone."

Seeing his daughter's resolve, Deng Jiugong was both moved and helpless. Just as he was about to persuade her again, Wen Zhong arrived on horseback. He looked at Deng Jiugong and his daughter and couldn't help but sigh.

He slowly walked forward, his tone earnest and persuasive, "General Deng, you are a loyal servant of Great Shang, and I, Wen Zhong, do not wish to be your enemy. Nowadays, the world is in chaos, with lords rising in rebellion due to Di Xin's tyranny, bringing misery to the people.

Now that we have taken Qingxia Pass and have spared the civilians in the city and not slaughtered the defeated troops, if you are willing to surrender, I guarantee the safety of you and your daughter."

Deng Jiugong did not speak, his expression showing considerable hesitation.

Wen Zhong stood before Deng Jiugong, his tone firm yet sincere, "General Deng, do you and your daughter really wish to remain loyal to that debauched and ruthless Di Xin, who massacres the innocent?

Now that rebellion is widespread, this is the trend of the world. Do you still wish to persist in your views, even at the cost of your lives?"

"Stop your nonsense! Our king is not as despicable as you say!"

Deng Jiugong glared, his eyes wide with anger as he looked at Wen Zhong, but his heart was quietly turbulent. He knew the truth of Di Xin's actions; he was acutely aware of it.

Wen Zhong, seeing Deng Jiugong's silence, continued, "Our rebellion is not for personal gain, but for the sake of the people. General Deng, you are a man of loyalty and righteousness. Why not join us and strive for the greater good of the world?"

Deng Jiugong remained silent for a long while, eventually sighing deeply, and slowly lowered his sword. His eyes revealed a sense of relief, "Enough, enough, I, Deng, have been loyal all my life, and I do not wish to serve a tyrant. If I die today, probably no one will remember. If I can benefit the people of the world, I am willing to surrender."

Deng Chanyu gripped her sword hilt tightly, her eyes flickering with reluctance and determination, but eventually, she too put down her sword and bowed to Wen Zhong: "General Wen, if it spares the civilians from the horrors of war, Chanyu is also willing to surrender."