Chapter 20

Although the defenders of Tai Ping Gate had slain tens of thousands of enemies, their own losses were not small either.

Originally the garrison at Tai Ping Gate numbered only about twenty thousand, but now only eight thousand remain, and almost all of them are wounded.

Thus, Tai Ping Gate can be said to have reached the point of exhausted resources.

After all, it is merely a gate; whenever Tai Ping Gate was blocked by foreign tribes, Cangzhou's interior would swiftly send reinforcements.

This time, Cangzhou Inspector Chang Ke sought to further consolidate his military authority over Cangzhou.

He had clearly decided that even abandoning Tai Ping Gate was acceptable.

At this moment, inside the Xiongnu great camp below Tai Ping Gate.

Several Xiongnu tribal chiefs were drinking inside the tent, each holding a large cup of kumis.

Suddenly, a commotion came from outside the tent.

The big tent flap was flung open, revealing a rebellious yet resolute middle-aged man striding in.

The Xiongnu tribal general Tie Fulín, ranked fourteenth on the foreign generals' list as a War God.

It is precisely because this battlefield's sole War God–level commander is present that Tai Ping Gate's situation is so dire.

Over these many days, Tie Fulín has repeatedly led Xiongnu warriors onto the Tai Ping Gate ramparts, inflicting heavy casualties on its defenders.

Although repeatedly repulsed by the Tai Ping Gate defenders, relying on his own War God–level strength and lacking any equal opponent to restrain him, he always withdrew unscathed.

"Your Highnesses, give Tie Fulín another ten thousand men, and this lowly officer will surely capture Tai Ping Gate!"

At this moment, Tie Fulín clearly had just come down from the battlefield, the bloodstains on his armor not yet wiped dry.

Tiefulin, it's not that we're unwilling to fight to the death; you also know how the tribes are faring now.

Ah!

A Xiongnu Grand Khan sitting nearby gave Tiefulin a bitter smile and said.

The Xiongnu have been steadily declining in recent years, and the severe winter disaster has caused even greater losses.

At this moment, every able-bodied Xiongnu was exceedingly precious, yet they fell one by one beneath Tai Ping Gate.

Besides, whether we can take Peaceful Pass isn't just our Xiongnu concern.

Why should we sacrifice the lives of our Xiongnu youths to fill it?

The Xiongnu chieftain seated at the head spoke resentfully.

Evidently, although only the Xiongnu tribe had moved south this time, the other tribes of the great steppes were watching this southern advance closely.

Furthermore, to ensure the Xiongnu's southern campaign bore fruit, all the major tribes of the steppes lent support to the Xiongnu.

However, the tribes' support was not at the front lines but in the Xiongnu's deep rear.

They are waiting!

Waiting for an opportunity, a chance to seize Tai Ping Gate in one strike!

As for whether there is any idea of using Tai Ping Gate to weaken the Xiongnu,

that depends on one's benevolence or wisdom.

At this moment, on a hillside flank of Tai Ping Gate, Su Ye, who had rushed night and day with the White Tiger war cavalry and all the cavalry of the Azure Dragon Legion, stood quietly on the slope with Yao Guangxiao and the White Tiger.

Gazing far off at the dense mass of the Xiongnu great camp below.

Li Jing, Zhu Que, and others, leading the Azure Dragon Legion of the Heavenly Spirit Army, the Vermilion Bird Battalion, and the Black Tortoise Guard, were still on their way.

"My lord, according to the Net's intelligence, the support from the various tribes of the steppes for the Xiongnu has arrived."

"Moreover, judging by the situation, the Xiongnu seem especially confident about this support."

Since the tribes of the steppes have no intention of launching a major southern incursion, their support for the Xiongnu naturally would not be troops or cavalry.

As for arms and materiel, the entire great steppe lacks them.

Indeed, the very purpose of this southern advance by the steppe is precisely that; how could they possibly aid the Xiongnu?

Then what exactly has given the Xiongnu such strong confidence?

Some even believe it has the power to settle matters with a single blow.

"War God!"

"And moreover, a top‑tier War God!"

Even that War God must be an existence that the northern borders at present cannot resist.

"My lord, it appears that the top few on the foreign generals' list have arrived."

They're really playing big!

Hearing Yao Guangxiao's calm words beside him, Su Ye narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Supervisor of troops, launching a night raid, do you have the confidence to lead the cavalry to bore through the Xiongnu great camp and slay that foreign enemy commander in battle?"

Watching Tie Fulín reappear on the battlefield directing the siege, Su Ye turned his head slightly and asked the White Tiger beside him.

"With the White Tiger war cavalry, we can!"

Looking at the countless bundles below, the White Tiger spoke in a low voice.

Only the Azure Dragon Legion's cavalry will do.

Rather, with the White Tiger war cavalry, the White Tiger is confident that after boring through the Xiongnu great camp, he can bring them back unharmed!

As for whether he can slay Tie Fulín in battle, the White Tiger didn't even mention it.

To the White Tiger, the only foreign general on the list capable of making him glance sideways is the one ranked first.

This is judged merely by his reputation; they haven't crossed swords yet, who knows?

As for that absurd Tie Fulín below, whose aura and Dharma Aspect are so thin, the White Tiger hasn't even given him a proper look.

In a charge, killing him with a second move would count as the White Tiger being clumsy today.

"Very well, get ready."

"Tonight, we'll give the Xiongnu a welcoming gift and treat them well."

After all, it's not easy to have come from afar, so don't go back!

Looking at the straight banner in the Xiongnu camp, Su Ye's eyes flashed a hint of cold; he smiled slightly and turned to leave.

That night

Su Ye once again brought Yao Guangxiao to that hill.

The only difference was that this time there was no sign of the White Tiger.

The time is almost here!

Standing at the hilltop, the cool breeze blew, fluttering their garments.

Gazing at the Xiongnu camp under nightfall, the firelight flickered; the night's tranquility and the warmth of the bonfire intertwined, making one feel intoxicated.

But this beauty was soon shattered.

The formation of the White Tiger War Cavalry was like a giant dragon, winding and coiling, mighty and imposing; suddenly they launched a charge at the Xiongnu camp.

The warhorses neighed, hooves raised, galloping swiftly; the White Tiger War Cavalry in white armor swiftly gathered from all directions of the hill, like a thunderbolt army, rushing toward the camp at astonishing speed.

Their warhorses' hooves were like thunder's feet, making the earth tremble beneath them!

The cavalry sped forth, their spears and swords like frost.

The White Tiger War Cavalry held long spears, the tips flashing with cold light; the leading riders waved their spears forcefully, the tips slicing the air and emitting a sharp sound.

"Breaking the Army!"

The White Tiger War Cavalry charged to the enemy camp, their spears thrusting at the foe like daggers, instantly tearing open the Xiongnu camp.

Countless Xiongnu panicked and fled in disarray.

At this moment, the White Tiger War Cavalry gave full vent to their courage and ferocity!

"Don't panic! Don't panic!"

"Form ranks!"

Tie Fulin, who had been preparing to rest in the big tent, suddenly heard the commotion outside, followed by a thunderous roar; his heart sank at once.

As a man of the steppe, he had spent his whole life as a cavalry commander.

How could he not recognize that as the sound of a cavalry charge, and it was right nearby!

He never imagined that the dying defenders inside Taiping Pass would dare to charge the steppe people's formation!

By the way, Tie Fulin's 106th basic martial skill could rank in the top ten, because this list is from the previous generation; the war gods of this chaotic era have not yet begun to show their prowess!

(End of chapter)