The Xi Qi grand army, under the command of Jiang Ziya, surged toward Mianchi County like a raging tide. The spirited soldiers had only one thought: to conquer Mianchi County, then they could join forces with the lords of the other four hundred towns at Mengjin, and at that moment, their grand undertaking would be fulfilled, and glory within reach. Jiang Ziya stood on a high platform, his gaze piercing like torches, staring at the walls of Mianchi County, silently contemplating strategies for the siege.

However, Mianchi County was no easy target to take down. The General Zhang Kui and his wife Gao Lanying were both unusual talents with many years of cultivation behind them, possessing formidable magical abilities. Zhang Kui, of imposing stature, wielded his Fangtian Halberd as though dragons and serpents were rolling over, its power immense; Gao Lanying, skilled in the notes of music, could play a melody on her instrument that bewitched the minds, leading people unwittingly into illusions. The couple was utterly loyal to Great Shang, having sworn to defend Mianchi County to the death.

Jiang Ziya knew this battle would not be easily won, but he was unwilling to let the high spirits of his soldiers cool. Thus, he ordered Nangong Shi and Huang Feihu to take the lead in the battle to boost troop morale.

Nangong Shi, clad in Golden Armor and carrying a long spear, charged ahead of the troops straight toward the foot of the city. Huang Feihu, draped in battle armor and wielding a steel whip, followed closely behind. Both presented a valorous and powerful sight, swallowing mountains and rivers in their presence, and for a moment, the war drums of the Xi Qi grand army thundered across the land, their morale like a rainbow.

On the city walls, Zhang Kui, seeing Nangong Shi and Huang Feihu's intimidating advance, dared not be careless and immediately dispatched two Deputy Generals to descend and engage in battle. These Deputy Generals were also skilled in martial arts, but under the fierce onslaught of Nangong Shi and Huang Feihu, they were defeated in just a few bouts, each being slain beneath the horses.

Seeing this, the Xi Qi grand army's morale soared even further, shouting their victory. Although Jiang Ziya was pleased with this victory, he knew that the real opponents were Zhang Kui and his wife, and that the battle had only just begun.

Witnessing the slaying of his two Deputy Generals, Zhang Kui knew that the Xi Qi grand army was extraordinary. He took a deep breath and said to Gao Lanying beside him, "Lanying, it seems we must take to the field ourselves."

Gao Lanying nodded slightly, her expression grave. She knew that this battle would determine the fate of Great Shang and that she must exert her full strength.

Thus, Zhang Kui and his wife joined the battle together, Zhang Kui with his Fangtian Halberd and Gao Lanying carrying her instrument. The couple stood atop the city walls, an imposing sight as if they were an invincible pair of deities.

Upon seeing this, Nangong Shi and Huang Feihu did not dare to take it lightly, knowing this battle would be the true test. The two exchanged glances, each seeing the determination in the other's eyes.

Nangong Shi shouted loudly, encouraging the soldiers, "Fellow warriors, join me in storming the city; today, we shall conquer Mianchi County!"

Huang Feihu swung his steel whip, his voice booming like a huge bell: "For Xi Qi, charge!"

The war drums of the Xi Qi grand army sounded once again, and the soldiers roared, surging toward the city walls like a mighty tide. Zhang Kui and his wife also prepared to face this do-or-die battle. The two armies clashed, and a fire of war was about to be ignited under the skies of Mianchi County, a breathtaking battle impending.

The war drums thundered like rumbles of thunder, and the banners fluttered, dust flying on the battlefield beneath the walls of Mianchi County, the cries of combat shaking the heavens. Zhang Kui, in full armor and holding the Fangtian Halberd, stood atop the Black Smoke Beast with a single horn like a War God descended to mortal realms, his majesty chilling.

The Black Smoke Beast, black as ink all over apart from a single horn on its forehead that emitted a soft blue light, traveled as swiftly as the wind, dazzlingly fast to the human eye.

As the elite troops led by Nangong Shi charged at the forefront and saw this, their hearts tensed, knowing Zhang Kui was a renowned General of Great Shang, an extraordinary opponent. They had to face him personally. Nangong Shi spurred his horse forward at full speed, long spear in hand, ready to confront Zhang Kui. Yet, the single-horned Black Smoke Beast moved like a streak of black lightning. In the blink of an eye, it circled behind Nangong Shi, and with a swing of his halberd, Zhang Kui aimed for Nangong Shi's back.

Nangong Shi felt a fierce gust from behind and realized something was amiss. He put forth all his strength to lunge forward, narrowly escaping the lethal blow. His horse, however, was not so lucky, pierced by the Unicycle Beast's horn and collapsing with a pitiful neigh. Nangong Shi tumbled and barely managed to steady himself, pale-faced as he looked at Zhang Kui, his heart filled with shock.

This scene sent a chill through the hearts of Xi Qi's soldiers; they finally realized why Zhang Kui had been able to sweep thousands on the battlefield. It was not solely due to his high martial prowess but also because he possessed such an extraordinary mount.

Just as the morale of the Xi Qi grand army wavered slightly, the horns from the north suddenly sounded, and a strong force surged from afar. The Northern Marquis, Chong Heihu, leading the reinforcements from the northern lords, arrived massively on the battlefield. Chong Heihu, tall and robust, with muscles like cast iron, rode a snowy white warhorse, wielding a pair of hammers, a tumultuous presence as he entered everyone's sight.

Chong Heihu's arrival immediately rallied the morale of the Xi Qi grand army. They shouted the title of the Northern Marquis, their combat spirit surging once again. Chong Heihu admired the valor Zhang Kui displayed on the battlefield but was even more excited by the challenge.

He called out loudly, "I have long heard of General Zhang as Great Shang's valiant hero. Today, Chong wishes to lead the spectacle and settle who stands superior!"

Without waiting for a response, Chong Heihu spurred his horse and swung his hammers, charging straight at Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui did not shrink back upon seeing the challenge; he held his halberd firm to meet him. The Unicycle Beast, under his command, swept toward Chong Heihu like a black whirlwind.

The two heroes met in the center of the battlefield, warhorses clashing, weapons colliding with deafening clatters. Zhang Kui's Fangtian Halberd and Chong Heihu's pair of hammers wove a web of light and shadow in the air, each displaying their prowess in an epic struggle proving difficult to resolve.