Chapter 106: Enter the City

At the same time as the White Tiger breached the city, the army outside also launched its final charge under Li Jing's command.

The remaining soldiers of the Cangzhou Grand Army behind him shouted as they charged toward the city wall, their steps firm and powerful, as if they wanted to trample the wall flat.

Li Jing rode on horseback, waving the long sword in his hand, personally commanding the soldiers to charge and break through the formation.

For a moment, the shouts of killing shook the heavens, the battle fires raged, and the entire city fell into chaos.

The setting sun was like blood, its afterglow scattering over the mighty pass that had just endured a fierce and bloody battle.

This ancient pass, standing between the mountains, now appeared both solemn and desolate in the glow of the evening clouds.

The city wall, having endured countless wind and rain erosions, still stood tall and imposing, but the flags flying on its top had been replaced with the attackers' insignia.

When the last shred of resistance was crushed, when the last enemy soldier laid down his weapon, Li Jing rode on horseback and slowly walked into this pass.

His armor was covered in bloodstains and dust, yet it could not conceal the dignity and aura emanating from within him.

His gaze was deep, as if able to see through all falsehood and mist; his demeanor was steadfast, as if he would never easily give up no matter how great the difficulty or setback.

Behind him, the Cangzhou Grand Army followed Li Jing's steps, each spirited and with high morale.

Although their armor was damaged and their faces weary, the light in their eyes was brighter than ever.

They knew they had become victors, having proven their worth with their own courage and wisdom.

Li Jing entered Yao Hua Pass while inspecting the interior of the pass.

Here the city walls are tall and sturdy, with the arrow towers and watchtowers still retaining their original appearance.

He imagined how, under the enemy's occupation, these facilities had once given them advantages and psychological comfort.

But now, everything has become a thing of the past.

Under his leadership, the Cangzhou Grand Army was like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, unstoppable, and captured this seemingly impregnable mighty pass.

He walked to the edge of the city wall and looked down upon the valley below and the distant mountains.

Here he could clearly see the enemy's defeat and flight.

Those Qi troops, as disheveled as stray dogs.

Afterward, Li Jing came to his senses and began to arrange the follow-up matters.

He ordered the soldiers to clean the battlefield, repair the city walls, and strengthen defenses to ensure this pass would not be retaken by the enemy.

Shortly thereafter, Su Ye also formally stepped into this mighty pass that originally belonged to Qi Zhou; his attire was relatively simple, yet his every gesture bore an innate dignity.

At this moment, Su Ye's eyes revealed depth and complexity, both joy for the victory and worry for the future. Su Ye

By his side, Yao Guangxiao, dressed in Buddhist robes, had a compassionate countenance, yet his eyes gleamed with the light of wisdom.

Holding Buddhist prayer beads, each turn of a bead seemed to make his thoughts flow along.

Together with Li Jing, the three of them proceeded slowly one after another along a small path inside the mighty pass.

Around them lay the battlefield not yet cleared after the war—broken swords and halberds, torn flags and drums, and arrows scattered across the ground—silently recounting how brutal the just-concluded battle had been.

The air was filled with the smell of gunpowder and blood, stimulating everyone's nerves.

Li Jing was the first to break the silence, his voice loud and powerful: 'This Yao Hua Mighty Pass has always been a contested battleground since ancient times, situated at the gateway between Cangzhou and Qi Zhou, easy to defend but hard to attack.'

'To be able to capture it today is truly no easy feat.'

Su Ye nodded, indicating his agreement.

'Indeed, this victory did not come easily; I never imagined that a single Yao Hua Pass would hold us up for nearly a whole month.'

Su Ye's gaze swept over the surrounding ruins as he spoke slowly.

Yao Guangxiao, clad in Buddhist robes, gently turned the prayer beads in his hand and said: 'To conquer these continuous mountains of Qi Zhou, reliance cannot be solely on military force.'

'The mountains of Qi Zhou are continuous and unending; almost every few steps there is a major pass.'

'To want to take this place is to embark on a protracted war.'

His voice was calm and firm, as if it possessed a power to soothe hearts.

The Commander-in-Chief, hearing this, furrowed his brow slightly, as if pondering something.

After a moment, he spoke: 'What you say is quite correct, sir. But the situation remains undecided, and enemy forces still surround the vicinity.'

'We must first ensure safety before we can discuss anything else.'

Li Jing's tone conveyed a sense of pragmatism and caution.

As the three conversed, a tense yet orderly atmosphere spread among them.

They knew that although they had captured the Yao Hua Mighty Pass, the true challenge had only just begun.

The three came to a council hall inside the pass and sat around a table.

'Medicinal Master, you have earned great merit in capturing the Yao Hua Mighty Pass this time; you have truly worked hard.'

Su Ye spoke first, breaking the silence.

Li Jing hastily rose and respectfully replied: 'Serving our lord is the duty of us soldiers; capturing this mighty pass is entirely thanks to our lord's wise leadership and the strategists' brilliant plans.'

Su Ye smiled slightly, gesturing for Li Jing to sit down.

'Next, we will face countless passes within the continuous mountains.'

'These passes are strategically perilous, easy to defend but hard to attack; I wonder what good plan you have, sir?'

He looked toward Yao Guangxiao, clad in Buddhist robes, and said.

'My lord, with our current forces, if we wished to capture each of these passes one by one, it would likely consume a great deal of time and energy.'

'Moreover, if the enemy concentrates its forces on a certain pass for a counterattack, we might also fall into a passive position.'

Yao Guangxiao gently turned the prayer beads in his hand, pondered for a moment, then said.

'Then, according to your opinion, sir, how should we respond?'

Su Ye, after hearing this, furrowed his brow slightly and asked.

Yao Guangxiao continued: 'Dao Yan believes we should adopt a strategy of dividing forces to launch combined attacks.'

'Leave a portion of the troops under the Medicinal Master's leadership to continue along the route and capture the next passes.'

Additionally, they sent out several detachments via other routes to other passes, to scatter the Qi army's attention.

At the same time, Cangzhou's interior is currently empty; not long ago, the Luowang again reported that Great Qian wishes to marry into our Cang and Yun provinces.

My lord can lead part of the great army back to Cangzhou to respond to any possible sudden developments.

Su Ye listened, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.

For now, conquering the mountains of Qi Zhou is a matter of gradual effort.

His staying here is actually useless; it's just an eyesore.

Because of him, Li Jing has to come ask him for instructions on everything he does.

Commanding the great army leaves him with his hands tied.

He looked at Li Jing and asked, "What do you think, Healer?"

Li Jing pondered for a moment and replied, "Sir, you are absolutely right."

Dividing troops for joint attack can both ensure we continue to assault the passes and guarantee Cangzhou's safety. However...

He paused, then continued, "But this way, I fear I can no longer continue to follow at my lord's side."

(End of chapter)