Chapter 147: The poem etched for eternity, heaven rains fire stones, wiping out a 300,000-strong army — can this battle still be foug

We are about to fight.

To the soldiers of Tongguan City, there was no surprise or abruptness.

Because they had long prepared for war.

Even during the peace talks, the entire Tongguan army camp never halted, constantly preparing for battle.

Now that they have received the news, they feel no fear or dread; all soldiers earnestly prepare to welcome tomorrow's great battle.

The whole Tongguan City began to bustle, especially the cavalry, which from the outset began inspecting their warhorses and donning their armor.

No detail can be overlooked; otherwise, on the battlefield, overlooking a single detail means death for oneself.

In the main camp, soldiers wiped their swords or spears, while some officers gave orders to the commanders of a thousand, who then passed them down to the commanders of a hundred, conveying tomorrow's tasks one by one.

The two states went to war.

The most important thing is morale; boosting morale is the most important task.

The most direct way to boost morale is to win the first battle.

If the first battle is won, morale will rise and the momentum will be like breaking bamboo.

If the first battle is lost, morale will collapse and they will suffer successive defeats.

The first battle does not decide everything.

But the first battle is indeed very important.

Within the camp, everyone was earnestly preparing for war, awaiting tomorrow's storm.

Gu Jin Nian returned to the army's main camp.

The entire camp seemed somewhat gloomy.

Tomorrow they will go to war, facing the enemy's Xiongnu iron cavalry, which even the Central State Dynasty must wary of.

To say one lacks confidence is quite normal.

"Come, roll the dice."

Someone spoke up, taking a few dice from their bosom, wanting to roll a few rounds with everyone.

There are few entertainments in the army, gambling being one of them.

"Fine, let's play a few rounds."

"Let's see how my luck is."

"I'll play a few rounds too."

Perhaps because they were to go to the battlefield tomorrow, many joined in; even some soldiers who usually didn't gamble also played a few rounds.

Gu Jin Nian sat silently, saying nothing inspiring and offering no comfort to the crowd.

It's not that war doesn't need compassion, but Gu Jin Nian couldn't utter such words.

They will go to the battlefield tomorrow; it's very possible that after parting today, they will never see each other again.

And I myself cannot go to the battlefield; to speak words of encouragement or consolation would indeed be laughable.

Better to remain silent and quietly watch them.

After a while.

Some had won quite a bit, but their faces were not happy; in the army there is an unwritten rule: before battle, if you win a lot at gambling, you have used up your luck, making it highly likely you will die on the battlefield.

Those who lost simply considered it as saving up luck.

So even if they had lost quite a bit, some soldiers' faces were not too grim.

Dong! Dong! Dong! The Chou hour.

The war drums began to beat.

Every ten breaths it beats once, solemn and heavy.

The soldiers' hearts also gradually came under the influence of the war drums; after playing a while, they no longer gambled with silver.

There is a feeling that makes one feel something indescribable.

Quiet and silence.

Desolation and fearlessness.

The sky remained dusty.

The stars shone brightly, shedding light down; everyone was unable to sleep, and had no thought of sleeping.

Some people chatted idly.

Some people silently pondered.

More people were writing family letters, having prepared themselves for sacrifice.

Gu Jin Nian took all of this in.

His heart was also filled with heaviness at this moment.

"Young Master."

"If we win this battle and return, when we go to the capital, can we invite our brothers for a drink?"

Someone spoke up, and upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, burst into a hearty laugh.

Soon, many eyes turned toward them.

Their eyes held anticipation, and because of tomorrow's battle they had let go of their inner reservations, so they dared to speak to Gu Jin Nian like this.

Had it been peacetime, even if Gu Jin Nian didn't care about noble status, nobody would dare act so casually.

"Of course."

"I will host a banquet in the capital with the finest wine, to feast all the soldiers."

Gu Jin Nian spoke with a smile, giving an affirmative answer.

Hearing this, the soldiers burst into loud laughter.

As for Gu Jin Nian, he was even more filled with admiration.

They went on their way.

In the camp, there was silence; there were zealots, but in the face of war, most people were still filled with worry.

Gu Jin Nian understood that they were not afraid of death, but afraid of not being able to see their families.

The busiest spot in the whole camp was the relay station; many wanted to send a letter home, and outside the main camp the queue stretched like a long dragon, each person allotted a limited time.

Yet even so, it remained overcrowded.

Many soldiers in the army were waiting to write letters.

Seeing this, Gu Jin Nian also lent a hand; he took out paper and brush, writing letters home for the soldiers.

Before, how could the soldiers dare let Gu Jin Nian hold the brush and write for them? But now, at this point, they no longer cared about such formalities, each vying to write letters.

In the end, Gu Jin Nian fetched more paper and brush, using his talent to control these brushes, putting characters on the paper.

Sounds rose one after another; Gu Jin Nian could listen to many at once, so writing letters went quickly.

Meanwhile,

The Western Border.

Prince Ning's Mansion.

Hooves thundered like thunder.

Prince Ning, clad in a black python robe, with a cold and stern expression, returned to the mansion.

At the mansion's entrance.

Someone had already been waiting there.

Prince Ning's consort, waiting anxiously, heard that her son had been seized by Gu Jin Nian, her heart filled with worry.

Now seeing Prince Ning return, yet not seeing her son, the consort's expression instantly turned anxious.

After Prince Ning dismounted and entered the mansion, she immediately asked.

"Your Lordship."

"Where is Xin'er?"

"Why hasn't Xin'er come back?"

Prince Ning's consort, a little fearful, looked at Prince Ning and asked thus.

"He's already dead."

Prince Ning spoke lightly.

Upon hearing this, the consort was struck as if by lightning, then grabbed Prince Ning's sleeve, her face full of pain.

"How did he die?"

"You went, yet they wouldn't hand over the person?"

"Your Lordship, Xin'er is our child; who would dare kill him?"

Prince Ning's consort was overcome with emotion; upon hearing the news of her son's death, how could she not be agitated? Yet upon saying this, Prince Ning directly shook off his consort, his expression icy and devoid of any feeling.

He couldn't be bothered with his wife, and went straight to the study.

Leaving behind his consort, who burst into tears.

He stepped into the study.

Prince Ning sat upright in the Grand Tutor's chair, his expression calm as he spoke.

"Prepare the medicinal pills and send them at once to the Tongguan Pass military camp."

He was calm and direct, ordering the pills to be sent, hoping to retrieve the Black Water Iron Cavalry as soon as possible.

He was worried that if the Duke of the Nation's Guard sent the Black Water Iron Cavalry to the battlefield, it would be disadvantageous to him.

"Subordinate understands."

Someone spoke up, giving a response.

"Your Lordship, the Eldest Heir already knows of this; it is said he has already gone to Longzhong Relay Station—should we stop him?"

"Otherwise, given the Eldest Heir's nature, he's likely to make a mistake."

A soldier spoke up, mentioning the Eldest Heir, Li Lengqiu.

"No."

"Let him go."

Prince Ning's gaze was tranquil and calm; he did not intervene.

Upon saying this, the other fell silent at once, his eyes showing surprise.

The Youngest Heir, Li Lengxin, had done wrong and was killed.

Now the Eldest Heir, Li Lengqiu, should remain calm; after this matter is settled, we can slowly settle accounts; if we do not intervene now, according to their understanding of Li Lengqiu...

This Eldest Heir is even more arrogant than the Youngest Heir; moreover, Li Lengqiu is protected by a strong expert of Prince Wu.

This could easily cause a major incident.

Who would have thought that Prince Ning would not stop the Eldest Heir?

This is thought-provoking.

Is it to let the Eldest Heir vent his frustration and return, or to do something else? He dare not think too much, and can only obey the prince's order.

Soon, after these soldiers left, a figure approached.

It was a middle-aged scholar.

He walked quickly up and spoke outside the study.

"Subordinate Hou Jun greets Your Lordship."

As the voice sounded, the coldness on Prince Ning's face eased slightly, becoming a bit warmer.

Mr. Hou, come in quickly.

Ning Wang spoke, and soon a middle-aged scholar entered the study.

Your Highness.

We need to prepare for battle.

Upon entering the study, Hou Jun's first words were very solemn.

Prepare for battle?

How?

Ning Wang looked at Hou Jun, somewhat curious.

The Xiongnu State and our Da Xia Dynasty have formally declared war.

At noon tomorrow, the two sides will engage in their first battle; the Xiongnu State will deploy 200,000 troops, including 100,000 Xiongnu iron cavalry.

The Xiongnu State intends to stake its national fate on this first battle; although the Zhen Guo Gong is strong and has mustered 300,000 troops, facing the Xiongnu iron cavalry, he may be willing but unable.

If the first battle is lost, His Majesty will surely issue a military order, commanding the Prince and Prince Qilin to fight together; the Black Water Iron Cavalry and the Scarlet Lotus Iron Cavalry are Da Xia's greatest military strength.

So the Prince must make preparations.

Hou Jun spoke, informing Ning Wang of this matter.

Upon hearing this, Ning Wang became very silent.

What if I, the Prince, do not send troops?

He looked at Hou Jun and asked thus.

Your Majesty.

We cannot refrain from sending troops.

If we do not send troops, the sovereign will surely use this as a pretext to criticize the Prince, thereby dividing authority and governing.

However, the Prince can merely go through the motions without exerting effort.

The envoys of the Fuyu Dynasty have already visited my subordinates and discussed with them; if the Prince goes on campaign, both sides can wage war indirectly, and the Prince can take the opportunity to demand various supplies and military provisions.

Hou Jun spoke, pointing out a clear path for Ning Wang.

Upon hearing this, Ning Wang nodded, quite satisfied with the plan.

However, Ning Wang's voice sounded again involuntarily.

What do you think, can Da Xia win this first battle?

Ning Wang looked at the latter and asked thus.

As soon as these words were spoken, Hou Jun did not hesitate.

Almost certain defeat.

Even if we invite the Zhen Guo Gong to take command, Da Xia's iron cavalry cannot defeat the Xiongnu iron cavalry head‑on, even if they fear no death.

Moreover, war is a matter of one burst of energy, then waning, then exhaustion; the Xiongnu State will surely send its iron cavalry to charge, sparing no cost, to slaughter Da Xia's soldiers.

In that case, Da Xia's morale will sink, only getting worse; this battle is doomed to fail.

Hou Jun gave a serious analysis.

Ning Wang nodded, yet he remained silent; after a while he spoke involuntarily.

Will we win or not?

Ning Wang's expression grew somewhat grave; after all, the Zhen Guo Gong has appeared, so there is still a chance of victory.

Impossible.

Hou Jun shook his head.

Your Highness, although the Zhen Guo Gong is strong, a war of this scale cannot be settled by one person.

With both sides fielding nearly 500,000 troops locked in combat, even three Zhen Guo Gongs could not change the overall situation.

This battle, Da Xia will surely lose; the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty have already been negotiating with the Xiongnu king over how to demand reparations.

At this moment, Hou Jun felt that Ning Wang was worrying too much.

Indeed.

The scale of engagement of 500,000 troops is indeed something a single Zhen Guo Gong cannot change.

Unless the Zhen Guo Gong reaches the Seventh Realm; even if he does, large‑scale slaughter would violate heavenly principles and incur the world's disdain.

Only the Eighth Realm, being outside the Five Elements, would avoid the world's aversion.

The Sixth Realm has strength, but expecting one person to withstand a million‑strong army is impossible.

Alright.

Then let's proceed with this plan.

Ning Wang stopped talking and formulated a plan for Da Xia's defeat.

At the same time.

The Xiongnu State.

War drums beat, thunderous like rumbling thunder, the entire Xiongnu frontier is now in a state of war.

Large numbers of cavalry rushed toward the Twelve Cities, occupying the most advantageous positions.

The Twelve Border Cities are of great strategic importance, and they store vast amounts of grain, making logistics perfect.

Before seizing the Twelve Cities, the nearest major camp is also forty li away, and the routes are all mountain roads, making grain transport difficult; after taking the Twelve Cities, their utility becomes immense.

The battlefield of the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu State is Luolong Plain, vast in area, a huge barren land where even weeds do not grow; it is said that a dragon fell here.

This makes it impossible for anything to grow, and this very region happens to be the two nations' battleground.

Capturing this place would allow a direct strike at Huanglong to seize the Twelve Cities; if Da Xia loses it, they could still defend outside Tongguan City for a time.

At this moment, Da Xia's troops have already arrived; warhorses gallop, raising clouds of yellow sand, and the dense infantry, neat and uniform, stride forward in unison toward this place.

The two armies were separated by several li; since it was a plain, one could see them at a glance.

Both sides had prepared their armies in advance; before dawn, the war drums had already begun to beat, as if they wanted to make the very stars tremble.

Inside the Xiongnu king's court.

Everyone gathered together at the Military Strategy Bureau to deploy troops and formulate battle plans, while the Xiongnu king personally directed operations from afar.

He fielded 100,000 Xiongnu cavalry and 150,000 infantry—a major move for his first battle, and he understood the significance of the opening engagement.

The Xiongnu state's fortune had already been weakened three times; if they lost this battle, the blow to the Xiongnu state would be severe.

Therefore, he didn't hesitate and dispatched 100,000 cavalry on the campaign.

The Xiongnu state possessed 200,000 cavalry and another 200,000 in reserve; the entire populace were soldiers, all skilled in horseback archery, the 200,000 cavalry formed the main force, while the reserve cavalry constituted their final strength.

In comparison, the difference between them was indeed great, for they had only received training and had never truly seen battle.

But this was already enough.

100,000 cavalry were enough to sweep aside everything.

"In this battle, the cavalry will charge; no matter what traps the enemy may have, under the iron cavalry I will leave the Da Xia soldiers with no place to bury their dead."

"I must win this first battle, and win in a way that makes Da Xia tremble with fear."

After the Xiongnu king laid out his strategy, he turned to the Great Jin envoy and the Fuyu envoy and said.

"Gentlemen, follow me to the Heaven-Reaching Tower, and I will show you just how strong the Xiongnu cavalry truly is."

The Xiongnu king spoke.

He invited the two men to visit the Heaven-Reaching Tower; the tower stands close to 200 meters high, it was forged after capturing the twelve border cities, and its purpose was to observe the battlefield.

The two envoys naturally agreed, for they too wished to see how strong the Xiongnu cavalry was.

Doing so could enhance their own dynasty's strength.

Soon, after nearly half an hour.

The Xiongnu officials gathered atop the Heaven-Reaching Tower, which soared into the clouds and offered a view of the battlefield—of course, this required a certain level of martial prowess, otherwise ordinary people would not have such keen eyesight.

"Mr. Chen Song, after this first battle ends, I will add three conditions before I agree to peace."

"First, one million taels of silver—Da Xia must pay this indemnity, though it may be offset with warhorses and grain."

"Second, Da Xia must send two princesses to marry into my Xiongnu state."

"Third, control over the twelve cities should remain with my Xiongnu state; they may be returned to Da Xia, but sovereignty shall not revert to Da Xia until a hundred years later."

The Xiongnu king spoke.

In fact, he did not actually want to pursue peace at all.

If it weren't for the concern over national fortune, why would he seek peace at all?

If fighting broke out, would he be afraid?

Of course, this presupposes that the Fuyu and Great Jin dynasties are willing to provide continuous aid; otherwise, he would not want to fight.

Now Da Xia repeatedly refuses to give him face; even if that were forgivable, the Great Jin and Fuyu dynasties also deny him face.

Then the Xiongnu king would care about nothing else; he would go straight to war, not only wanting to fight but also wanting to make Da Xia fearful and terrified.

This would make it easier for him to dictate terms.

Upon hearing this, the Great Jin envoy and the Fuyu envoy said nothing.

Indeed, it was only fitting that Da Xia should pay the price for its arrogance.

Thus.

It was already the mao hour.

The speed at which both armies assembled was increasing.

Meanwhile, inside the Da Xia capital.

Within the imperial Military Strategy Pavilion.

The Ministers of the Six Ministries and Emperor Yongsheng were examining the battle plans.

Through troop deployment and formation, everyone realized one thing.

That the Xiongnu cavalry remained an insoluble problem.

To win this battle, they must deal with the cavalry; although there are some trap tactics awaiting the cavalry's charge to their doom, numbers decide everything.

Traps can kill a portion of the cavalry, but it is absolutely impossible to pitfall‑kill them all.

The effect is not significant.

"With the Prince Protector present, we ought not to be completely without recourse."

"Send a genuine elite force to resist these cavalry, then let the infantry charge; that could have a certain effect."

"Indeed, all our hopes now rest upon the Prince Protector."

A voice sounded.

This was the idea of the ministers.

Emperor Yongsheng gazed at the sand table, pondered for a moment, then turned to Zhao Yiyang and said.

"Issue the next imperial decree, ordering Prince Qilin and Prince Ning to make all preparations; if the first battle fails, they are to rush to the battlefield at once and fight with all their might."

"Under the Prince Protector's supervision, should the first battle be lost, let the two of them enter the capital."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke lightly.

This war is not fought solely for the state; he also harbors other motives.

Indirectly weakening the power of Prince Ning and Prince Qilin.

Of course, he hopes above all that the first battle will be victorious.

Should they win, Da Xia's fortune will receive a great boost; by honorable means they will retake the twelve cities and fulfill his mission.

And it will also further weaken the Xiongnu state's fortune.

A modest victory in the opening battle will do.

He does not demand a great victory, because it is impossible.

"By the way, hasten Gu Jin Nian's return, have him hurry back; this is my imperial decree."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke again.

He issued another imperial edict.

He needs Gu Jin Nian to return quickly; after all, the war has begun, and if the defenses fall, Gu Jin Nian will be in trouble.

A martial king cannot guarantee Gu Jin Nian's safety.

War does not afford that many possibilities.

Thus.

At the hour of Chen.

The sky was already bright.

Inside Tongguan City.

Within the camp.

The army was fully equipped and ready to march at any moment.

On the training arena,

the departure ceremony was also about to begin.

When the two forces clash, someone must step forward to inspire the troops and raise morale.

At this moment,

Duke Zhen Guo ascended the arena, his expression exceedingly solemn.

Looking at the soldiers, there was not a hint of gentleness in his gaze.

However, Grandfather Gu did not deliver a long speech, nor utter any moving words.

He merely stared at the crowd.

Countless soldiers turned their eyes toward Duke Zhen Guo.

Silence fell among them.

After a full fifteen minutes, the old man's voice gradually rose.

"Everyone."

"The grudges of thirteen years ago."

"Today we settle them."

Grandfather Gu's voice was calm, yet it reached every ear.

A simple opening line.

It lacked flourish, but conveyed Duke Zhen Guo's fighting spirit.

"This battle."

"It is Da Xia's battle to avenge a past humiliation."

"This battle."

"It is the first battle of the Yongsheng year."

"This battle."

"We may die, but the nation's hatred must not be forgotten."

Grandfather Gu's voice rose in intensity.

He stared at them, anger building in his eyes—not toward them, but toward the Xiongnu state.

"In this peace negotiation, the Xiongnu only made one demand."

"Rewrite the histories, and return twelve cities to Da Xia."

"Doesn't that sound good?"

"But let me ask you, if we alter the histories, what becomes of those people?"

"The soldiers who died thirteen years ago—what of them?"

"The civilians brutally slaughtered by the Xiongnu—what of them?"

"Though they are dead, they still live on, watching us."

Grandfather Gu's voice grew more fierce.

At this point, he pointed to the heavens and stared at the soldiers.

"Altering the histories is too easy."

"Give me a brush, a cup of tea, and I can rewrite this chapter of history."

"A single stroke of vermilion ink can erase their trace."

"A hundred years later, no one will remember that thirteen years ago the Xiongnu iron cavalry breached our gates, killed our people, and ravaged Da Xia's women."

"But."

"Let me ask you."

"Can this scar be erased?"

Grandfather Gu earnestly questioned the soldiers.

"Impossible."

In the next instant, countless soldiers answered in unison.

Their voices reverberated through the clouds.

"Should this history be changed or left as is?"

Grandfather Gu continued to ask.

"No change."

The soldiers spoke again.

Grandfather Gu shook his head, took a deep breath, and looked at the crowd, saying.

"Change."

"This history book must be changed."

"But it must be changed according to our will."

"In the thirteenth year of Yongsheng, the Da Xia Dynasty fought a great war with the Xiongnu Nation."

"Although countless were killed and wounded, the Da Xia Dynasty defeated the Xiongnu Nation."

"It made a tremendous contribution to the stability of future generations."

"This is the part that the history book must change."

"Everyone."

"Raise your heads and look again."

"People of later ages are watching you; Da Xia's stability and prosperity depend on you all."

"In this battle, we shall surely win."

"With life and blood, we will forge an immortal Da Xia."

"Thousands of years later, Da Xia's battle flag will appear in every corner of the Eastern Wilderness."

"In this battle, I, on behalf of Da Xia's future people, salute you all."

He said this.

Lord Zhen Guogong bowed to them; he is the current national duke, yet at this moment he bowed to this group of soldiers.

Such great honor caused all the soldiers to return the salute in unison.

Grandfather Gu said neither any stirring, passionate words nor any moving, heartfelt words.

He used only the simplest language, yet it made each soldier's blood boil with fervor.

Even Gu Jin Nian, standing aside, could not help feeling an intense heat within.

He longed to grasp a weapon and kill the enemy together with the generals.

The next moment.

The war drums thundered continuously, unlike before when they sounded only intermittently.

Now the war drums almost never cease.

The soldiers rushed together toward the outside of the city.

They marched with the firmest steps.

They knew that this departure might never return, yet they felt no fear, because they understood in their hearts.

In this battle, they fought for the country and for the future common people.

Life and death were no longer important.

Soon, the great army set out; Lord Zhen Guogong mounted a war chariot, and Gu Jin Nian, seeing this, immediately followed. Grandfather Gu originally intended not to allow it, but after seeing Gu Jin Nian's gaze, he gave tacit consent.

The massive army set off in a grand procession.

Straight to the battlefield.

At the appointed time.

Falling Dragon Plain.

Both armies were fully deployed.

From a height, the masses looked densely packed and terrifying.

Separated by several li, rows of Da Xia Dragon Cannons were brought over; they are the strongest weapons against Xiongnu iron cavalry and also the Da Xia Dynasty's greatest foundation.

Without the Da Xia Dragon Cannon, honestly, war would hardly be possible.

Forty Da Xia Dragon Cannons were ready, capable of effectively blasting Xiongnu cavalry, but once the battle truly began, the Da Xia Dragon Cannon could not change the outcome.

It can only be called an advantage.

On the war chariot.

Grandfather Gu personally led the charge, greatly boosting morale.

It also signified that the first battle was extremely important for Da Xia.

At this moment, standing on the nearby war chariot, Gu Jin Nian gazed into the distance.

The Xiongnu soldiers were indeed fierce and tall, especially the cavalry, each looking like a monster, even more terrifying than the Black Water iron cavalry.

Their warhorses, encased in heavy armor, were the most terrifying unit on the battlefield, without equal.

Heavy cavalry! An invincible presence, unafraid of any trap.

Moreover, the Xiongnu's warhorses were also extremely powerful and terrifying.

Such warhorses are daunting.

"The Xiongnu Nation's warhorses truly live up to their reputation; if Da Xia possessed such warhorses, its strength would far surpass the Xiongnu Nation."

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

He arrived at the battlefield without much issue, because the fighting place was not here but ahead.

If truly a great danger arose, he could still escape.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

The war drums kept beating, growing louder, the two armies faced each other, yet they were not in a hurry to start the battle.

At noon.

The great battle was about to begin.

There was still a short time left.

At this moment, many people felt an indescribable sensation in their hearts.

All emotions sprouted at this moment: warlike zeal, hot blood, as well as fear and dread.

But with the commander's order, all fear and dread would turn to smoke, because those behind you would not let you become a deserter.

Rapid breathing filled the air.

Facing war, keeping a heart as still as water is extremely difficult.

Unless one is a veteran of countless battles, it is hard for anyone to stay calm.

Cavalry units lined up, beginning the warm‑up.

These soldiers rode warhorses, clad in golden armor; they were cavalry commanders, and the golden armor was not for show but to let the troops see where their leaders were.

"Jin Nian."

And at that moment.

Grandfather Gu's voice rang out.

"Grandson is here."

Gu Jin Nian spoke immediately, looking at Grandfather Gu.

"The battle will start soon."

"Compose a poem to raise morale."

Grandfather Gu opened his mouth, standing atop a war chariot, and said.

His voice sounded.

It also aroused much curiosity.

But more people were filled with anticipation; they all knew Gu Jin Nian was a poetry immortal, and although they were not well‑educated, they could still grasp some verses.

At this time, producing a timeless masterpiece would indeed boost the troops' morale.

It would be best to have some omen, giving the feeling of an advantage.

Raise confidence.

"This"

Gu Jin Nian did not expect Grandfather Gu to pull this move suddenly.

But after a moment's thought, Gu Jin Nian did not chatter; he pondered in his mind.

Desert solitude and lone smoke.

The plain was quiet.

Everyone stared at Gu Jin Nian, their eyes full of expectation.

Got it.

About half a quarter‑hour later.

Gu Jin Nian thought of it.

He inhaled deeply, and in an instant, Wen Mansion appeared behind him, a majestic righteous aura forming a literary brush.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian wrote in the void.

"Endless clouds over Qinghai darken the snowy mountains, a lone fortress gazes afar at Tongmen Pass."

"Through a hundred battles in yellow sand, golden armor endures; never returning until the royal court is broken."

Gu Jin Nian set down his brush.

He copied the 'Song of the Military Journey', altering only two places: changing Yumen to Tongmen.

He changed Loulian to Xiongnu.

There was no major issue; as for the first line, it was fine to adapt it a bit, no great harm.

The verses fell.

In an instant, talent surged.

Some commanders looked at the poem and could not help but praise it repeatedly.

Especially Lord of the State, who, looking at the poem, could not help but speak loudly.

"Through a hundred battles in yellow sand, golden armor endures."

"Never returning until the royal court is broken."

He recited the poem, spreading it across the land.

Many soldiers who heard the verses also felt their spirits surge.

Morale was lifted at that moment.

And at that very moment.

A gust of fierce wind blew in, raising a sky of yellow sand; many soldiers couldn't help but frown, even reaching out to shield themselves from the sand.

The battlefield felt inexplicably odd.

The soldiers did not know what was happening.

On the Xiongnu Tongtian Tower.

The Xiongnu king and others were watching the battle.

Lord of the State's voice also reached here.

"Gu Jin Nian truly lives up to being a poetry immortal; this poem is indeed superb. In terms of poetry, no one in the world can surpass Gu Jin Nian."

"Yellow sand, a hundred battles through golden armor; if I do not break the royal court, I will not return. This poem alone surpasses all morale‑boosting words."

The Great Jin envoy and the Fuluo envoy could not help but speak.

They are both scholars, so naturally they understand how superb Gu Jin Nian's poem is.

But such remarks sound exceedingly harsh to the Xiongnu King.

"Just a poem."

"Even if it can raise morale, what of it?"

"In warfare, what matters is the ferocity of soldiers, not a scholar's idle words."

"Even if morale soars like a rainbow, under my iron cavalry it is nothing more than trivial."

The Xiongnu King spoke.

He has the standing to say such things.

With those words, the two envoys realized they had misspoken, and they forced a wry smile, ceasing their praise.

Nevertheless, the Xiongnu King's words were also truthful.

Just a poem.

Hoo—hoo—hoo.

Yet on the battlefield a foul wind rose, stirring the yellow sand, and both armies were somewhat affected.

Moreover, it was high noon.

The scorching sun blazed, but suddenly Holy Punishment's Clouds shrouded the terrifying battlefield.

Inside the Heaven‑reaching Tower, a Xiongnu minister couldn't help but frown, full of curiosity.

"What is happening?"

As his questioning voice rose, Chen Song answered.

"It is an omen."

"Just a Confucian‑Daoist omen."

"Gu Jin Nian's poem could become timeless; it is normal for it to summon an omen, no need to worry."

Chen Song understood what it was and reassured the crowd.

"This Gu Jin Nian only knows how to cause omens; what else can he do?"

"If we win the first battle, all the fortunes the Xiongnu Nation lost will return."

"I shall see whether this Gu Jin Nian can further diminish our fortunes."

Mentioning the omen, the Xiongnu King grew angry.

After all, the Xiongnu Nation's threefold loss of fortune was mainly due to Gu Jin Nian.

"The omen can boost morale a bit."

"But morale is useless; bravery is paramount."

The ministers debated.

Just then, as the discussion swirled, a voice of astonishment rang out.

"Look, what is that in the sky?"

Someone spoke, pointing at a speck of firelight in the firmament above the battlefield.

At that moment.

Everyone turned their gaze.

Soon, astonishment flashed in their eyes.

It was a firestone.

A massive firestone fell from the sky, as if to crush everything below.

"What is this? How can a firestone fall?"

Someone shouted hoarsely, their face full of shock.

"Do not worry, it is an omen."

"It is merely an omen."

"How can firestones appear out of nowhere?"

Chen Song's voice rang out.

He remained calm, deeming it just an omen.

Sure enough, after he said that, the crowd felt somewhat relieved.

However.

They were not on the battlefield and could not feel the terrifying pressure.

Above the firmament.

Holy Punishment's Clouds.

The raging wind below was daunting.

Only Gu Jin Nian and Grandfather Gu remained composed; having witnessed countless omens, they felt nothing.

Yet at that moment, someone who saw the firestone in the sky exclaimed.

Another voice sounded.

In an instant, a chorus of voices erupted.

Even the Marquis looked up.

"Indeed my grandson lives up to his reputation; a poem uttered offhand becomes a timeless classic, and each omen is more shocking than the last, more real than the last."

Grandfather Gu couldn't help but feel moved.

He also saw this fire stone.

It fell from the heavens, the surrounding air twisted, emitting an unbearably intense heat.

Mixed with a terrifying aura, it descended toward the battlefield.

However, Grandfather Gu also thought it was an omen, because a fire stone could not simply fall without cause.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but be amazed inside.

After the living tree's metamorphosis, it was unexpected that even the omen had been heightened; it looked incredibly realistic, and its aura was terrifying, far stronger than before.

Yet, in comparison, it was far less dazzling than before.

The previous omen belonged to a showy type, not this monotonous.

And the enemy side.

One hundred thousand iron cavalry, one hundred fifty thousand infantry, inexplicably felt a bit afraid.

They stared at the fire stone, feeling some fear inside, but without any orders issued, they dared not leave.

"It's an omen! Don't be afraid!"

"Just an omen! It's only meant to scare."

"His Majesty has ordered, this is a poetic omen, don't be afraid."

Various voices sounded, steadying the troops' morale.

Upon receiving the command, the Xiongnu soldiers were somewhat reassured.

They also knew about omens; when the nation's fortune was cut before, various omens appeared, stronger than now, so in comparison this omen wasn't particularly strong.

But it was more intimidating than before.

Half a quarter hour later.

It was about to reach noon soon.

The war drums grew increasingly fierce, and this fire star, in the heavens, shattered directly, turning into hundreds of fire stones, mixed with a terrifying aura, continuing to fall.

The target was the place where the Xiongnu soldiers stood.

Although they knew it was an omen, indeed many felt fear because it was too realistic.

At this moment, these fire stones, a few hundred zhang above the ground, their scorching heat was all sensed.

Piercing the cloud layer.

Hundreds of fire stones gradually floated before the eyes, growing larger and larger.

From the ground they didn't seem especially large, but as the fire stones appeared, their size indeed kept increasing.

"Kill!"

Finally, with the king's order issued, the war drums roared, and because of this fire stone omen, the Xiongnu soldiers chose to march into battle half a quarter hour early.

Otherwise, if this continued, their morale would be completely broken.

"Battle!"

Seeing the Xiongnu soldiers set out, the voice of the Marquis also sounded at this moment.

For a moment.

The battle cries shook the heavens and earth.

Yet just as both sides began to move, a fire stone happened to land at the center of the battlefield.

Boom! A huge sound rang out, the earth trembled and mountains shook, shards of stone shot out, terrifying smoke billowed, and a black mushroom cloud rose.

Everyone experienced a ringing in their ears; even those several li away were frightened by the terrifying sound.

"Sss!" In an instant.

Everyone was stunned.

They stared at the fire stones, utterly dumbfounded.

This is not an omen.

Is this real?

Both armies were stunned; no one expected that this was actually not an omen.

Is it genuine fire stone?

Boom boom boom! Before the two armies could recover, finally, fire stones fell one after another.

And they fell precisely, striking the Xiongnu army directly.

"Bang bang bang."

The earth trembled.

The booming roar deafened many; numerous soldiers couldn't help covering their ears, and the warhorses were terrified into panic.

These warhorses had undergone extremely terrifying training.

To put it bluntly,

Even when facing a charge of ten thousand troops, these horses would not be afraid.

But now, they are scared into panic.

Because this is the great power of heaven and earth.

This is not the strength of ordinary people.

Boom boom boom.

Fire stones kept striking the Xiongnu camp, and in an instant, countless casualties occurred.

Beneath a single fire stone, thousands of soldiers perished; the Xiongnu state's proud cavalry also died on the spot under the falling fire stone.

Even if they were ferocious and powerful, even a martial king, faced with this situation, had no way to respond.

The power of a hundred fire stones baptized the Xiongnu soldiers, even those several li away, once over.

Black mushroom clouds formed one after another.

On the Heaven‑piercing Tower.

Everyone fell completely silent.

A suffocating silence.

The Xiongnu King widened his eyes even further, unable to believe everything he saw.

"More!"

At that moment, a voice sounded, pointing at the scene above the black clouds.

Three massive firestones appeared again, moving far faster than before, by an unknowable amount.

In an instant, the Xiongnu King was about to faint.

And on the battlefield.

Duke Zhen Guo was also stunned.

"Can this battle still be fought like this?" He was dazed for a moment, then looked at Gu Jin Nian and couldn't help shouting.

"Jin Nian."

"Another one!"

(End of chapter)