Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As a top assassin, Caesar learned most of his stealth skills from Moya. Now that Moya was personally involved and had the cover of night, they quickly arrived at the outskirts of Ganzhou City.
However, he was physically exhausted, and the city walls were slick with dried blood, making it difficult to climb. He wanted to call out, but his accent was thick and not pure Tang, which would likely lead to him being shot by the garrison below as soon as he opened his mouth.
Fortunately, Moya was quite resourceful and cleverly wrote a message in Zoroastrianism code, shooting it into the city with a bow from a distance. By the time the garrison realized what was happening amidst the commotion at the city wall, he had already vanished into the darkness and retraced his steps.
The garrison, accustomed to stray arrows, initially thought it was an attack from enemy forces. However, upon closer inspection, they found no sign of an enemy assault. After hiding behind the battlements for a while without seeing any follow-up arrows, doubts began to arise. They quickly lit torches and searched the area, eventually discovering a feathered arrow. Upon closer examination, they found that the arrowhead was wrapped in soft paper. When they unfolded it, the writing looked like a jumble of squiggles and was indecipherable.
The garrison did not dare take this lightly and reported up through the ranks until it reached Li Jing. Li Jing promptly summoned an interpreter from the army, but even that person could not make sense of it. They speculated that it might be ancient Western script—mysterious and incomprehensible—leaving many scholars at a loss.
Strategist Liu Shuyi suggested that Li Jing consult with Li Family scholars who were well-versed in astronomy and geography and had studied Western mathematics; perhaps they could understand it. Li Jing quickly sent for Li Chunfeng.
When Li Chunfeng arrived, he too felt overwhelmed but managed to make out some parts of the message. Although he did not grasp its full meaning, he recognized its origin and reported back to Li Jing that this document was written in Zoroastrianism code and suggested consulting Xu Zhen for further insight.
Li Jing had never been fond of Xu Zhen meddling with foreign teachings and was particularly dismissive of supernatural matters. However, given the unusual circumstances, he felt compelled to investigate thoroughly and thus called for Xu Zhen.
Having studied scriptures with Moya daily, Xu Zhen easily understood the coded message. It indicated that Qibi Helix's forces were approaching the city and planned to launch a surprise attack at midnight tomorrow. She joyfully relayed this information to Li Jing, causing excitement to ripple through the entire camp!
Ganzhou had been under siege for two months. Although there had been several assaults by enemy forces during this time, Li Jing's extensive combat experience allowed him to command effectively and maintain composure suitable for defending the city. The soldiers had been harboring frustration and fighting spirit; upon receiving Qibi Helix's confidential report, they were all eager to act.
Though Li Jing maintained a stoic expression, he felt joy inside and immediately ordered troop movements and adjustments while instructing soldiers in each camp to eat well in preparation for battle.
The entire Ganzhou City sprang into action. Although Commander exaggerated food supplies to stabilize morale, everyone knew that after the supply routes were blocked, rations had begun to dwindle. Today’s slaughtering of pigs and sheep indicated that a decisive battle was imminent; spirits lifted as everyone prepared their horses and weapons, ready for orders to break through!
Xu Zhen's headquarters had been transformed into a dedicated artillery unit named Divine Fire Camp. This garnered respect from knowledgeable individuals while some in the army scoffed at the newly established Divine Fire Camp.
After arranging various matters upon her return, Xu Zhen calmed down and analyzed everything carefully with Zhang Jiunian but found it hard to feel happy.
The secret letter used Zoroastrianism code; although Caesar had a basic understanding of it, he could not grasp its essence. This meant that this coded message could only have come from Moya's hand. With Moya already at the front lines, it confirmed that Qibi Helix had brought Li Mingda here.
Although it is unclear what Gao Zhensheng is planning, Li Mingda's involvement in the battlefield is enough to make Xu Zhenxin uneasy. Discussions with Zhang Jiunian have yielded no conclusions, leaving him feeling somewhat empty.
Fortunately, under Liu Shenwei's treatment over the past few days, his injuries have healed, giving him some confidence. After inspecting the Divine Fire Camp thoroughly, he finally felt at ease enough to sleep.
Moya returned safely, which naturally pleased Qibi Helix. However, there was concern that the message sent by arrow might be ignored, and that Li Jing would remain unaware of the military situation. Feeling somewhat anxious, preparations were made as they patrolled the military camp, readying themselves for a gradual advance towards the enemy under the cover of night for a surprise attack.
Although Li Mingda had fought alongside Xu Zhen in several battles, they were all minor skirmishes, and he had never personally taken to the field. Over the past few months, he had trained with Li Dejiang, Zhou Cang, and Li Wushuang, acquiring some skills and gaining confidence. He felt a surge of excitement at the thought of reuniting with Xu Zhen, which calmed his nerves considerably.
Asena Lier was not incompetent; her wolf cavalry was fierce and valiant. Although she had dismissed Murong Hanzhu verbally, she had already set up adequate defenses, waiting for Qibi Helix to make their move so she could strike decisively.
All factions were preparing in their own ways, each believing their plans to be foolproof yet subtly flawed.
As evening approached, light rain began to fall. The weather turned cold and by nightfall transformed into the First Snow, drifting down gently as temperatures plummeted. Many soldiers hurriedly donned warmer clothing. The inclement weather added a somber tone to the impending battle, as if foreshadowing its tragic nature.
The Ganzhou Garrison gathered west of the city as eight large carts rumbled down the streets under the watchful eyes of the troops.
"This must be the newly formed Divine Fire Camp..."
For ordinary soldiers, Divine Fire Camp was like a mysterious woman partially veiled; they had heard its name but had never seen it. For higher-ranking officers, Divine Fire Camp was merely a product of Yan Lide's antics. However, upon witnessing the massive bronze cannon rolling in—weighing over a thousand pounds—everyone fell silent.
The troops of Divine Fire Camp were all from Xu Zhen's main forces; only they knew how to operate artillery. They formed eight formations, each protecting a heavy cannon.
The cannon carriages were specially designed and required eight strong horses to pull them. They also needed numerous handlers for loading ammunition, managing fire sources, and ensuring the cannons were well-guarded—an extremely complicated process. It was no wonder Xu Zhen deemed these cannons essential for defending the city rather than for offensive maneuvers.
However, fearing that Qibi Helix's forces might falter and be unable to synchronize their attack in time—potentially leading to Asena Lier's forces overwhelming them—Li Jing chose to take proactive measures by allowing Qibi Helix to strike at the enemy's rear.
Xu Zhen understood the importance of this battle. Although she could not obtain intelligence from Hou Junji's side, she could infer from Gao Zhensheng's displayed demeanor that Hou Junji and Li Daozong had likely already captured Fushi City!
This means that whether or not this battle can be won will become the decisive key to the entire war, and the Divine Fire Camp has become the key within the key.
Because the heavy artillery had not been tested in actual combat, facing such immense pressure in its first battle made Xu Zhenxin feel somewhat uneasy. Moreover, the soldiers from other camps must cooperate with the Divine Fire Camp. If the other Brothers charge first, there is a concern about being accidentally hit by their own artillery. The archers' formation cannot reach as far as the artillery, so the Divine Fire Camp must take the lead.
If the Divine Fire Camp fails to achieve results, they will inevitably fall into a passive position, making this battle even more difficult. More importantly, the Brothers already had no confidence in the Divine Fire Camp. If they fail under such immense pressure of public expectation, it would be a heavy blow to the morale of the troops.
Li Jing assessed the situation and understood its intricacies. However, those eight pieces of heavy artillery gave him a surreal feeling, as if such devices should not exist in this world; they seemed to transcend worldly possessions.
As light snow began to fall, Xu Zhen was also worried about the gunpowder getting damp. Therefore, she made additional preparations, storing the gunpowder in sealed pottery, which added some complexity to their tasks.
However, what was meant to come would eventually arrive.
Li Chunfeng noted the time and reported to Li Jing. This Old War God gazed down at the city and nodded. The flag-bearer behind him waved the flag, and as Li Jing rallied his spirits and commanded the entire army to stand at attention, he resolutely ordered, "Open the city!"
Though his voice was not loud, it pierced through the wind and snow, dispelling the cold and igniting a fiery passion within all soldiers!
Who among the army would not admire the Great Tang War God? To fight alongside a War God in one's lifetime is a privilege; even if Zhen Lang were to fall in battle, what regrets could there be?
"Victory for ten thousand years!"
"Victory for ten thousand years!"
The soldiers struck their weapons against their shields and armor, chanting in unison to boost morale. The fierce and desolate killing intent filled Ganzhou City, overshadowing even the early First Snow.
Xu Zhen took a deep breath and waved her hand. The Divine Fire Camp sprang into action. With great effort from eight horses pulling forward, the heavy artillery rumbled ahead. To be cautious, two pieces were left on the City Wall. Following Xu Zhen's instructions, the Brothers used sliding levers and other tools to build a sloped bridge. Working together, they managed to position the heavy artillery on the City Wall while many Soldier Slaves transported and neatly arranged large stones to firmly secure the artillery on top of it.
For some reason, once these two pieces of heavy artillery were set in place, Li Jing's heart suddenly calmed down. It was as if he was not looking at two pieces of artillery but rather two towers guarding the national gates for eternity!
The movements in Ganzhou City quickly awakened Asena Lier's troops. The wolf riders and Death Warriors donned their armor and marched out of the tents, forming ranks. The plains in front of the city, recently covered in white by the First Snow, were now darkened by the enemy forces in an instant!
The Tang Dynasty placed great emphasis on cavalry, establishing many pastures to raise warhorses. Killing a horse was a serious crime, which is why their cavalry was so valiant. This was also the foundation of the Tang Empire's repeated victories. However, during the Tuguhun, horses were equally vital. These Barbarians lived and died on horseback, making a living while mounted, excelling in mounted archery and charges, showing no fear against the Tang Army!
Asena Lier understood the stakes; Li Jing would surely fight desperately to break through. The best strategy would be to block the Tang army at the city gates, otherwise, once the Tang army formed their lines and engaged in conflict, they too would suffer significant losses.
He decided on a conventional attack. Without heavy cavalry, he placed the Infantry Phalanx at the forefront, with archers behind them and light cavalry occupying both flanks.
As soon as the enemy entered the Archer's range, they could unleash a torrential Arrow Rain to deplete their forces. The light cavalry would then charge from the sides to disrupt the enemy formation, allowing their infantry to engage in close combat and use their numerical advantage to overwhelm the enemy completely!
Asena Lier was an experienced general and anticipated that Li Jing would likely start with Archers followed by a large number of light cavalry seeking a breakthrough. Once a gap was opened, they would gradually expand it. Therefore, he positioned his Infantry Phalanx at the front to prevent Li Jing's army from breaking through and aimed to keep them pinned at the city gates with his Archers!
He had not forgotten Murong Hanzhu's secret intelligence and had left enough troops behind. If Qibi Helix dared to take advantage of the situation, he would not be an easy target!
"All troops advance!"
Asena Lier sat atop his Dragon Breed steed, drew his gem-encrusted curved sword, pointed toward Ganzhou, and issued the command to attack!
Comment 0 Comment Count