Chapter 641: Kill a portion, capture a portion, and then release a portion

Inside the camp's council hall, the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

Although Li Chen's official rank was only Commandant, he naturally sat in the main seat.

Army Supervisor Wang and Captain Zhou Meng sat on both sides, their demeanor respectful, even carrying a trace of restraint.

As for Batu, Feng Shuo, and the others, they could only stand below with their hands hanging down.

Army Supervisor Wang spoke first, his tone carrying a bit of confusion and ease: "Commandant Cheng, according to intelligence from all sides, that detachment of Great Luo is still entangled with demonic beasts outside the pass, and progress is slow. With the treacherous nature of Cold Iron Pass, coupled with the surrounding natural barriers, we are actually not afraid of their sneak attack at all. Moreover, using cavalry to attack a pass is truly... uh, contrary to reason."

He almost said the word "brain-dead," but braked in time.

Other generals also echoed, all feeling that the other party was seeking their own death.

Li Chen smiled slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table: "What you all say is common sense, but precisely because of this, we might be able to take this opportunity to lure the enemy deep and turn the tables on them."

Army Supervisor Wang's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked: "What brilliant plan does Commandant Cheng have?"

Li Chen said calmly: "Don't the Great Luo troops feel that the demonic beasts are difficult to deal with and the paths are hard to traverse? Then we shall 'help' them. We will secretly send people to clear the demonic beasts they cannot clear;"

"We will clear the paths they find difficult to traverse, and at the same time, appropriately reduce the frequency of patrols in key areas, giving them the illusion that there is an 'opportunity to be exploited,' so they can attack boldly."

"When the time comes, we only need to open the pocket, and they will be turtles in a jar!"

Once these words were spoken, the eyes of all the generals in the tent lit up! This was military merit delivered to their door!

Zhou Meng immediately clasped his fists and requested orders excitedly: "Brilliant plan, my lord! This subordinate requests orders! I am willing to lead my troops, and I will ensure that the attacking enemy never returns! Especially that Xie Ergai, son of Grand Duke Andrei; if we can capture him alive, we will surely make the Great Luo Dynasty pay a painful price!"

Li Chen waved his hand and laughed: "Captain Zhou's bravery is commendable, however, this battle must emphasize strategy. What you need to do is kill a portion, capture a portion, and then release a portion."

"Release a portion?" Zhou Meng was stunned, somewhat confused.

"Especially that Xie Ergai," Li Chen emphasized, "you must let him go."

Zhou Meng was a straightforward soldier, scratching his head and asking: "My lord, how exactly should this be operated? In battle, swords have no eyes; what if we accidentally..."

Li Chen had already thought of the explanation: "When the time comes, a 'mysterious powerhouse' will suddenly appear to save him. You only need to feign defeat and let him leave; there is no need to pursue him deeply."

Although Zhou Meng did not understand the deeper meaning, based on his absolute trust in Li Chen, he immediately clasped his fists: "This subordinate understands! I will surely act according to your orders, my lord!"

Army Supervisor Wang also immediately stated: "This subordinate will go arrange the manpower to secretly clear the demonic beasts and adjust the defense deployment. It will surely be done flawlessly, and we will never let the other party become suspicious!"

The plan was thus set.

In the following days, Xie Ergai was pleasantly surprised to find that the many "troubles" that had previously hindered their advance had begun to decrease inexplicably.

Some particularly fierce demonic beast groups entrenched on the main roads seemed to have been driven away or hunted by a more powerful existence, quietly leaving their original territory.

Several secret paths that were originally thought to be difficult to traverse also became much "safer"; even the patterns of the Tian Ce patrol teams seemed to become predictable and easier to avoid.

All this seemingly coincidental "smoothness," in Xie Ergai's eyes, was simply Heaven helping him!