Chapter 384: line with translation of chapter title

【4】

Interpretation: A few days later, two urgent military reports were delivered to the desk of the Emperor of Xia's border army.

We need to use glossary for Emperor of Xia? Not exactly. We'll translate "the Emperor of Xia's border army" as "the Emperor of Xia's border army". Could also be "the Emperor of Xia's border troops". We'll go with "the Emperor of Xia's border army". So translation: "A few days later, two urgent military reports were delivered to the desk of the Emperor of Xia's border army."

【7】

Gongsun Chi unfolded and looked; the half of his face smeared with medicine was pitch black, while the other half was white, making his whole face appear half white, half black, like a ghost.

Translation: "Gongsun Chi unfolded it and looked; the half of his face coated in medicine was pitch black, the whole face half white, half black, looking like a ghost."

【11】

Since taking that arrow to his face, he hasn't stepped out of his grand tent for days.

Translation: "Since being struck by that arrow on his face, he had not left his own tent for many days."

【15】

His expression remained unchanged, yet his fingertips began to tap lightly on the table.

Translation: "His expression remained unchanged, but his fingertips began to lightly tap on the tabletop."

【20】

Translation: ""Thud, thud," each sound made the hearts of everyone inside and outside the tent pound wildly."

We need to render onomatopoeia: "Thud" as "Thud". Good.

【23】

Translation: ""Good, good, Xiao Jieyun!""

Gongsun Chi finally spoke: 'For a child, you actually led the army yourself, bringing a hundred thousand troops north!'

Translation: "Gongsun Chi finally spoke: "For a child, you actually personally led the campaign, bringing a hundred thousand troops north!""

【27】

This is to array against me and engage in a full-scale battle.

Translation: ""This is to lay out formations against me and have a great battle.""

【31】

The eighty thousand troops of the new Khan Jifeng of Xilu have also marched out.

Translation: ""The eighty thousand troops of the new Khan Jifeng of West Lu have already set out.""

【35】

Are you trying to create a pincer attack on me?

Translation: ""Is this meant to form a pincer attack against me?""

【39】

Translation: "He slowly lifted his gaze and looked at the several trusted officers in the tent."

My lords, tell me, how should we respond?

Translation: ""My lords, speak up—how should our forces respond?""

【44】

Translation: "Several people's hearts jolted; since the day His Majesty's face was injured, his already fickle temper has become even worse."

We need to use His Majesty -> His Majesty.

【47】

Translation: "We must respond carefully."

Seeing no one speak, Gongsun Chi's gaze darkened: 'Huh? Do you all have nothing to say, just sitting here waiting for their two armies to come and kill me?'

Translation: "Seeing no one speak, Gongsun Chi's eyes grew gloomy: "Huh? Are you all speechless, just waiting for their two armies to come and kill me?""

【52】

Translation: "An officer hurriedly stepped forward: "Your Majesty! Although the Fierce Kingdom's reinforcements are numerous, after a long rush they are weary troops.""

【55】

Translation: ""The West Lu barbarians are nothing but fast horses.""

I request permission to lead a select force to intercept the Fierce Kingdom's reinforcements en route and blunt their vigor.

Translation: ""I request permission to lead a select force to intercept the Fierce Kingdom's reinforcements midway and blunt their spirit!""

【59】

Translation: ""As for West Lu…""

'Intercept midway?' Gongsun Chi cut him off, 'Xiao Ningchen is Xiao Yuanheng's second son; he's certainly no mediocrity.'

Translation: ""Intercept midway?" Gongsun Chi cut him off: "Xiao Ningchen is Xiao Yuanhang's second son; he cannot be a mediocrity.""

【63】

A force of a hundred thousand will surely act in concert, front and rear.

Translation: ""A hundred thousand troops must be coordinating front and rear.""

【67】

Translation: ""If you want to intercept, how many troops should I give you? Fifty thousand? Eighty thousand?""

How many troops do we have left? If Xiao Yuanheng raises an army to attack, how can you cover both fronts?

Translation: ""How many do we have left here? If Xiao Yuanhang raises troops to attack, how can you cover both fronts?""

【71】

The general's forehead beaded with cold sweat as he whispered his retreat.

Translation: "The officer broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead and whispered as he retreated."

【76】

Translation: "Gongsun Chi turned to Wu Luo: "National Preceptor, how much more time does your Gathering Killer Formation need before it can be activated?""

We need to use National Preceptor -> National Preceptor, Wu Luo -> Wu Luo. We translated Gathering Killer Formation as "Gathering Killer Formation". Not in glossary; we translate meaning.

【79】

Translation: "Wu Luo took a half step forward, his face more ashen and withered than before, yet his eyes burned with near‑fanatical light."

Your Majesty, the formation's core is ready, but we need another twenty days.

Translation: ""Your Majesty, the core of the Formation is complete, but it still needs twenty days.""

【83】

In twenty days, it will be the last day of the month, when the killing energy is at its peak, and Your Majesty can launch a campaign against Xiao Yuanheng.

Translation: ""Twenty days later, on the day of the new moon, when the killing qi is strongest, Your Majesty may raise troops to attack Xiao Yuanhang.""

【87】

Furthermore, it is the optimal moment for me, the humble Daoist, to activate the formation and swallow Xiao Yuanheng's army and the fate of the Fierce Kingdom's immortal envoy.

Translation: ""Moreover, it is the best time for me to open the magic formation and devour Xiao Yuanhang's army and the fortune of the Fierce Kingdom's Immortal Envoy!""

【91】

'Twenty days...' Gongsun Chi mused, his tapping stopping, 'Xiao Jieyun's army will need at least over a month to get here.'

Translation: ""Twenty days…" Gongsun Chi pondered, the tapping of his fingertips ceasing, "Xiao Jieyun's army will at earliest arrive after more than a month.""

【95】

But Jifeng's steppe cavalry will likely arrive earlier.

Translation: ""But Jifeng's steppe cavalry will likely arrive before him.""

【99】

A glint of cold flashed in his eyes: 'You all withdraw; summon Gongsun Heng and Bateer to see me.'

Translation: "A cold light flashed in his eyes: "You all retreat; call Gongsun Heng and Bateer to see me.""

【103】

Yes!

Translation: ""Yes!""

Note there is an extra quote; we keep as is.

【109】

Translation: "Soon after, Gongsun Heng and Bateer entered the grand tent."

The two knelt in salute; Bateer appeared ever more dejected and withdrawn, his eyes darting away.

Translation: "The two knelt and paid respects; Bateer looked increasingly wretched and shrinking, his eyes darting."

【113】

Translation: ""Rise,""

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Translation: ""Thank you, Your Majesty.""

【117】

Gongsun Chi turned to Bateer: 'Your Highness, if I give you troops to let you reclaim your khanate, how many men would you need?'

Translation: "Gongsun Chi looked at Bateer: "Great Prince, I ask you: if I give you troops to let you reclaim your Khan position, how many men do you need?""

【121】

The khanate! The Emperor of Xia finally agrees to send troops to aid me!

Translation: ""Khan position! The Emperor of Xia finally agreed to send troops to help me!""

【125】

Bateer shuddered, his eyes flashing with desire, and he blurted out:

Translation: "Bateer shuddered all over, his eyes bursting with longing; without thinking he blurted out:"

【130】

Translation: ""Two hundred thousand! Your Majesty, if I had two hundred thousand elite troops, I could certainly defeat that traitor Jifeng and retake the Royal Court!""

We need His Majesty -> His Majesty, Jifeng -> Jifeng, Ni Ze -> Ni Ze, Royal Court -> Royal Court.

【133】

Translation: ""Two hundred thousand?" Gongsun Chi laughed lowly, as if hearing something utterly ridiculous."

If I give you two hundred thousand, am I here preparing to throw open the gates and invite Xiao Yuanheng in for tea?

Translation: ""If I gave you two hundred thousand, would I here be preparing to open the gates and invite Xiao Yuanhang in for tea?""

【137】

Bateer's face paled as he realized his mistake; his legs gave way and he knelt once more.

Translation: "Bateer's face turned white; realizing he had misspoken, his legs went weak and he knelt again."

【142】

Translation: "Gongsun Heng stepped forward, bowed, and said: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger.""

We need His Majesty -> His Majesty.

【146】

Translation: ""Prince Bateer spoke out of longing for home; please, Your Majesty, do not blame him.""

We need Prince Bateer -> Prince Bateer, His Majesty -> His Majesty.

【149】

Translation: "Bateer gratefully glanced at him."

Gongsun Heng changed tack: 'I've spent considerable time on the steppes, so I have some insight into the new Khan Jifeng.'

Translation: "Gongsun Heng changed the subject: "I have spent much time on the steppes and have some understanding of that new Khan, Jifeng.""

【153】

Oh?

Translation: ""Oh?""

【158】

Translation: ""Jifeng appears generous and unrestrained, but in fact…" Gongsun Heng paused slightly, "he values the words 'love and righteousness' more than his own life.""

We need Jifeng -> Jifeng.

【162】

Translation: ""Otherwise, he would not be so intimate with a young girl from the Fierce Kingdom he had never met, nor would he, for years, refuse to call his father Khan because of a destroyed maternal clan.""

We need Fierce Kingdom -> Fierce Kingdom, Father Khan -> Father Khan.

【165】

Translation: ""This is his greatest weakness: he places too much importance on so‑called favors.""

Your Majesty, I need only twenty thousand elite cavalry to accompany Prince Bateer back to the grasslands.

Translation: ""Your Majesty, I need only twenty thousand elite cavalry to accompany Prince Bateer back to the steppes.""

【169】

No need for ambush or open battle; just delay his forces so that before the Xilu army arrives, Your Majesty's wish can be fulfilled.

Translation: ""No need for sneak attacks or frontal clashes; merely delay his army until the West Lu forces arrive, so that Your Majesty may have his wish fulfilled.""

【173】

Gongsun Chi gave him a look: 'How do you plan to do that?'

Translation: "Gongsun Chi glanced at him: "How do you plan to do that?""

【178】

Translation: ""Jifeng's army already consists of many tribes, and since he just ascended the Khan position, his foundation is necessarily unstable.""

We need Jifeng -> Jifeng, Khan position -> Khan position.

【182】

Translation: ""We only need to spread rumors along the way, saying that Menggen the Great Khan was killed by Jifeng's hand, and then, using Prince Bateer's legitimate status, create unrest to shake their morale.""

We need Menggen -> Menggen, Great Khan -> Great Khan, Jifeng -> Jifeng, Prince Bateer -> Prince Bateer.

【186】

Translation: ""As long as we can delay him for ten days to half a month, preventing him from arriving in time to appear on the battlefield of Your Majesty and Prince Ning's showdown, that will be enough.""

We need His Majesty -> His Majesty, Prince Ning -> Prince Ning.

Now produce translations.

Translation: "Gongsun Chi listened silently, his fingers again beginning to lightly tap the tabletop."

Wu Luo also gave a slight nod: "His Majesty, if we can block the Western Lu reinforcements outside, twenty days later our army will launch a full-force attack, relying on the Formation, and we will surely annihilate Prince Ning's great army before the reinforcements from Lie State arrive!"

"When the time comes, the Immortal Envoy of the Liè Nation's fortune will also belong to His Majesty, and even if the Emperor himself leads an army there, there will be no way to act."

"Our forces can then wield the might of a great victory, calmly retreat to defend the interior, and the overall situation will be settled!"

Gongsun Chi's finger, which had been knocking on the table, paused.

"Approved."

He looked at Gongsun Heng: "I will give you twenty thousand elite soldiers, to be commanded by you, to assist Prince Bateer."

"I do not want you to slay generals and seize flags; I only need you to hold back Jifeng's main army, the later you arrive, the better."

Gongsun Heng knelt on one knee: "I receive the command! I shall not disgrace the order!"

Gongsun Chi looked down at Bateer: "Great Prince, when Jifeng's army's morale wavers, you can then seize back your throne."

Bateer bowed his head, his voice trembling with excitement: "Thank you, His Majesty! Thank you, His Majesty! I will, I will definitely accomplish it!"

Gongsun Chi waved his hand: "Go then, depart tomorrow."

"Thank you, His Majesty." The two bowed and withdrew.

Gongsun Chi rose and walked to the tent entrance, looking toward the Liè Nation Main Camp: "National Preceptor, twenty days; I will give you only twenty days."

"After twenty days, I want to see your Formation, annihilating Xiao Yuanhang's army completely."

"Then use the lives of these myriad soldiers and the sky‑piercing demonic aura to swallow the heavenly fortune on that girl's body."

Wu Luo bowed deeply: "Please, His Majesty, rest assured."

"In twenty days, it will be the time when Prince Ning's great army turns to ash and smoke!"

"Then, His Majesty will be the sole supreme overlord of the world!"

Gongsun Chi nodded: "Everything will be taken care of; it seems tonight I can finally get a good sleep."

A night of peaceful sleep.

Early the next morning, a personal guard, trembling with fear, entered the great tent.

"Your Majesty, a great matter is not good!"

The physician was cleaning Gongsun Chi's wound and reapplying medicine.

"Speak!"

"Rumors are spreading along our borders! Everyone says, everyone says…"

"What are they saying?"

"They say, they say that Prince Ning Xiao Yuanhang, a few days ago, night‑attacked our Main Camp, and among ten thousand troops an Arrow struck His Majesty's face!"

"Now the common folk are saying, that His Majesty…"

The guard lay on the ground, shaking like a sieve, gritted his teeth and said: "He was nailed to the commander's Flagpole! It was only the left and right royal guards who fought to death to pull him down!"

"A‑as, now, outside they all call you, Scar, Scar‑faced Emperor!"