The Xi Qi grand army surged forth like a tidal wave, with each wave of attacks like the wild wind before a storm, pressing the defenders of Chaoge city walls to the point of breathlessness. From the scorching sunshine, through the chill of the night wind, to the first light of dawn, the brutality of the battle exceeded everyone's imagination.

Arrows rained down from atop the city walls, each one charged with the determination and courage of Chaoge's defenders. Every thunderous clang of the siege machines seemed to declare the impregnability of Chaoge. Huge stones and boiling oil continuously poured down from the battlements, setting Xi Qi's siege ladders and battering rams ablaze.

Though the Xi Qi grand army was brave and fearless, they had to concede that, in front of the solid defenses of Chaoge city, each step forward came at a heavy price. The bodies of the assaulting soldiers piled up like mountains, their blood staining the ground below the city red, with cries of agony and the sound of war drums interweaving into a somber battle anthem.

Jiang Ziya stood on a high platform, his gaze piercing, as he saw his warriors exhausted by the relentless onslaught. His heart was filled with mixed emotions. He knew that even the bravest soldiers would be drained from continuous battle.

Night fell once again, and Jiang Ziya knew that continuing in this manner would only lead to more senseless casualties. After a moment of contemplation, he finally ordered, "Generals, heed my command—withdraw! Set up camp for now and surround Chaoge. We shall devise a new plan come morning."

The sounds of Xi Qi's army's bugles gradually ceased, and the soldiers retreating from the siege, though reluctant, knew it was the only choice. They pitched tents outside the city, lit campfires, and encircled Chaoge, forming an invisible iron barrier.

Inside Chaoge, Di Xin stood on the city walls watching the backs of the retreating Xi Qi army, his heart easing slightly. But he was aware that this was only a temporary calm, and that the enemy would not give up so easily. He turned to his generals and said, "Strengthen the watch, repair the defenses, and allow for no oversights."

On the city walls, the defenders busily went about their work, clearing the battlefield and repairing the damaged walls in preparation for the next round of attack and defense. Meanwhile, in the Xi Qi camp outside, the soldiers rested and regained their strength, while the generals gathered in Jiang Ziya's tent to discuss the next tactics.

A temporary curtain fell on the siege battle, but what followed would surely be even more intense. The standoff between the two armies was like the calm before a storm—tense and suffocating.

Di Xin, who had stayed on the city walls for two days and nights without rest, returned to the Royal Palace.

He did not ride in a palanquin but walked back with heavy steps, each one weighing on his heart. Two days and nights of continuous fighting left his body feeling as if it had been hammered by a thousand-pound weight, utterly exhausted. His face bore the deep fatigue of cuts, and the sharpness in his eyes had faded with the protraction of the war.

As he crossed the high threshold of the Royal Palace, Su Daji already came to meet him.

Her eyes were full of worry. Seeing Di Xin's nearly collapsing figure, her heart tightened. She hurried forward, gently untying his battle robe, and used her delicate fingers to knead his shoulders, trying to dispel the fatigue and tension in his body.

Di Xin closed his eyes, letting Su Daji's hands roam over him. Her touch was tender yet firm, unconsciously relaxing him. In this moment, he truly felt a hint of tranquility.

"Sigh..." Di Xin suddenly exhaled deeply, his voice carrying profound helplessness and regret, "If only I had not been so distrustful, had not killed those loyal to me, perhaps I would not be so isolated and without aid today."

Hearing Di Xin's self-reproach, Su Daji felt a pang of pain. She knew that although Di Xin was a king, in this chaotic world, he too was just a man forced to continually make choices.

She knelt on the ground, her eyes blurred with tears: "Your Majesty, it is all my fault; it is because of me that so many have rebelled. Perhaps if I offer my head to be sent out of the city, they will retreat."

Di Xin opened his eyes and looked down at the tearful Su Daji kneeling on the ground, feeling an inexplicable agitation yet also pity. He knew that Su Daji truly had his interests at heart.

He walked over slowly, helping her up: "Daji, rise. This chaos in the world is not solely your fault. Even without you, the lords of the realm would find other excuses to rebel. I absolutely will not sacrifice you, my beloved, to the threats of these traitorous officials."

"Your Majesty!"

Su Daji looked up, her tears shimmering in the candlelight. Seeing Di Xin's resolute gaze, her sense of injustice and fear slowly calmed.

She knew that no matter what, Di Xin would not give up on her, nor would he give up this city.

A faint smile curled the corners of Su Daji's lips, and under her care, Di Xin soon fell into a deep sleep.

She gently withdrew from his embrace, looking at his peaceful sleeping face, her heart tumultuous. She rose quietly, crossed the dim palace, and went up to the high Deer Platform.

This tower was built by Di Xin at great expenditure to the state to please her.

For its construction, countless advising ministers were killed, and many slaves lost their lives.

The moonlight bathed her, wrapping her in a silver frost.

She whispered a Spell, and a ripple spread through the air. A nine-tailed white fox appeared slowly, then transformed into an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her skin whiter than snow, eyes shining like Star, and her figure graceful, like an Immortal stepping out of a painting, each movement full of allure and charm.