If just a moment ago there was still doubt about the participation of the Wounded, now seeing the Soldiers kneeling in the rain, actively requesting to fight, those doubts could no longer be voiced. Luzi nodded and walked over to help each warrior from the Qin State to their feet. Seeing them stand tall and proud, his heart surged with excitement. Shanxia faced ten times their number of enemies, if not more, yet not a single person felt fear. On the contrary, they actively requested to go to the front lines. What kind of spirit supports such an unwavering belief in never giving up? It is pride in being a soldier of Great Qin, with courage and conviction that is unstoppable! He wanted to say some inspiring words to motivate everyone but found that there were no words to describe his feelings at this moment. Only when it was time to use what he had learned did he realize how little he knew? Perhaps this is it! With that thought, he waved his hand vigorously.
"Everyone, listen up! Target the front lines! Move out!"
Wei Wujie of Shanxia saw that those who returned were all lacking spirit and immediately understood what had happened. He tilted his head and quietly listened to the reports from the defeated soldiers, so angry that he couldn't utter a word. After hearing half of it, he swatted away the umbrella propped up behind him.
"Nearly two hundred men couldn't defeat a few dozen!? And you lost your Centurion as well? What do you want me to do!? Should I notify the more than two thousand left behind at home to come here? Let them see how pathetic you all look!? Today, I've lost face as Xingling Jun in Chu!"
The Retainers knew something was wrong when they reported the situation and didn't hear Wei Wujie speak. When their master was truly angry, he had a habit of falling silent. It was like a volcano; the longer it was suppressed, the more terrifying the eruption would be. Just when they felt uncertain, they finally heard that familiar voice and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately! It seemed no one would be punished for this!
It wasn't that Wei Wujie didn't want to punish those responsible; it was just that the two Officers who should have been punished were already missing. If they were present in the ranks now, they could have been dragged out and executed on the spot. When leading troops into battle, clarity in rewards and punishments is crucial; if this principle isn't understood, then all those military texts read would be for nothing.
"Gather!"
With Wei Wujie's roar, all able Armed Personnel lined up in formation under the rain.
The cooks accompanying the army did not need to participate in combat; they looked at the sky and counted how long it would take to ascend and descend the mountain. Even if everything went smoothly with the attack plan, it would still be dark before the large group returned. If that were the case, dinner couldn't be prepared too early. Seeing that the main force was ready to set off, one hurriedly approached and asked quietly, "Your Majesty! What about our dinner..."
"Get lost!" Wei Wujie was already furious; hearing someone else meddle only made him angrier. He had intended to scold loudly but suddenly remembered that according to seniority he should address this chef as 'uncle.' So he huffed heavily and said, "Let's talk later; if we lose, there will be no dinner!" After saying that, he ignored the stunned chef and instructed all Retainers to carry only weapons into battle.
Whether or not they would have dinner was secondary; if they returned home in disgrace, they might as well pack up and leave. How could they still call themselves Retainers!? They would have no face left! Dying on the mountain would be far better than returning home to be ridiculed! All Retainers made up their minds; victory or defeat would be decided here and now! Thus, each one bravely vowed to compete with the Qin Army!
The dissipating belief in victory reignited with Wei Wujie's intervention, its momentum so fierce it seemed capable of swallowing heaven and earth. The mist that had enveloped the mountains fled in fear, while the sun could only watch helplessly as this overwhelming killing intent startled away the last bird hidden among the trees.
Today’s tasks must be completed today; delays often lead to unforeseen complications. Li Xin is well aware that the upcoming battle will be the final showdown, and both sides understand this clearly. If this battle fails, organizing another force to ascend the mountain will be a night battle. Engaging in a night battle is rarely done even in open plains, let alone in these dark mountainous areas at night. If all goes as expected, Wei Wujie will undoubtedly mobilize his entire force. This means that only one of the two teams will likely see the sunrise tomorrow.
Since that is the case... let’s fight!
As the clouds disperse, visibility improves significantly; from the mountaintop, everything below in Shanxia is clear. Li Xin, who has set up a barricade on the hillside, has already prepared. Everyone has moved nearby stones to build a wall. Now he leisurely admires the beauty of nature, with a faint mist drifting like ribbons around the nearby mountainside, and the green leaves washed by dew look refreshing. Perhaps this is the resilience of life, drawing admiration from those who feel its charm.
“Enemy sighted!”
With this warning call, Li Xin's thoughts are pulled back to reality. He quickly peers down from under the makeshift shelter and sees numerous figures appearing along the mountain path. In this desolate area, such a large group suddenly appearing cannot possibly be for a temple fair! He loudly orders everyone to prepare and stacks a large bundle of arrows on the stone wall. Grabbing his bow, he tests its feel, hoping not to forget it later. Without proper tools for makeshift modifications, he has no choice but to make do! Next time he goes out, he must bring his own bow; if necessary, he can have Shisan find a place to hide it to avoid dealing with such flimsy equipment when facing enemies.
Shisan is also perceptive; he knows that Li Xin is the anchor point of their current defense. Without bows and arrows for the Archer to use, it would be like pulling the teeth from a tiger. Concerned that this tiger might get too excited and break his bow, he prepares three backup bows. It’s not that he doesn’t want to gather more; there simply aren’t any available. Besides, who would dare to casually haul around military supplies without being apprehended by the Government?
Li Xin does not dictate when everyone should shoot arrows because there is no need for that at all. Initially, he thought this group of brothers were just ordinary Soldiers, but after their recent skirmish, he has begun to see some clues. Whether they are Officers or Soldiers among them, they possess an innate quality. Before Wang Jian left, he didn’t provide any instructions regarding this matter. Although these individuals are not wearing Military Uniforms and their ranks are unknown, many things cannot escape the eyes of a Keen Observer.
One issue is their training; this so-called training is not what one would find in ordinary military methods. The second issue is their inherent psychological qualities, which include concepts stemming from their family backgrounds. This is something ingrained in their very bloodline—a quiet pride. And since Li Xin shares this pride, he can sense it immediately. However, such matters cannot be inquired about unless someone chooses to reveal them. They may appear as ordinary people now but could very well become great generals on the battlefield for the Qin State in the future!
Is it strange? Not at all!
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