Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Twelve black-clad assassins ambush Yang Xuan Gan on his ship, with three targeting his guards and nine surrounding him and Zhang Xuan. Yu Wen Shu, leading the Sui army, is shocked by the attack. Yang Xuan Gan, armed only with a sword, confronts the assassins, particularly Qiu Ran Ke, the leader of the Black Tortoises. Zhang Xuan, recognizing Qiu Ran Ke, panics and attacks, but is swiftly countered by Zhang Zhong Jian, who blocks his strike. Tensions rise as Yang Xuan Gan insults Zhang Chuchen, a former maid he raised, leading to a confrontation where Zhang Zhong Jian defends her. In a fierce exchange, Yang Xuan Gan attempts to take Zhang Chuchen hostage but is thwarted when Zhang Zhong Jian severely injures him. Yang Xuan Gan leaps into the river, pursued by Zhang Xuan, who aims to support him. After a struggle, Yang Xuan Gan is killed, and his headless body is later recovered by Yu Wen Shu's soldiers. Meanwhile, in the Falling Sunset Plain, Yan Wang Yang Tan encounters Zhang Xuan, who presents Yang Xuan Gan's head as a treasure, gaining the prince's interest and securing an audience at the palace.

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