Chapter 236

In the Da Qian dynasty, the winds and clouds shifted, and heaven and earth were overturned.

As Xiong'an City fell overnight.

The Pacification Rebellion Army, once famed in all directions and led by Tan Mengjun, now fell into an unprecedented desperate situation.

The night was as dark as ink, the stars dim.

Most of the mid- and high-ranking officers of the Pacification Rebellion Army gathered around the commander's tent, their faces no longer showing the former heroic spirit, only endless fatigue and despair.

Inside the commander's tent, lights burned bright, yet they could not dispel the gloom in people's hearts.

Report—

A sharp order signal shattered the night's silence; a blood‑soaked messenger stumbled into the tent, shouting, "Xiong'an City… Xiong'an City has fallen!"

It was as if a heavy bomb had exploded among them; the soldiers stared at each other, their eyes full of disbelief.

Xiong'an City was their only retreat, the lifeline linking them to the rear.

Now this stronghold had actually been breached by the Flame King's Red Chariot Army, leaving them a true lone force.

At this moment, the commander of the Pacification Rebellion Army, Tan Mengjun, sprang to his feet, swayed, and nearly fell.

What did you say? Say it again!

He gripped the desk with force, his eyes blood‑red as he stared at the messenger.

Commander, it's absolutely certain.

The five great families of Lingyang Commandery rebelled; the Red Chariot Army launched a surprise attack on Xiong'an, the garrison caught off guard and annihilated.

We… we have no retreat left.

The messenger lay prone on the ground, his voice trembling.

At that moment, Tan Mengjun felt the world spin; he staggered a few steps and collapsed back into his chair.

It's over, everything is over.

The Pacification Rebellion Army that the Da Qian dynasty had painstakingly plotted.

The Pacification Rebellion plan in which Qian Huang Si Xiao Fei of the Qian Huang Si had placed great hopes, all turned to mist at this moment.

Flame King, Flame King, indeed worthy of being the first among the three great surnamed kings to dare rise in rebellion against Qian.

You knew our forces were strong, that a frontal clash would be hard to win, yet you so quickly devised this scheme to cut off our rear.

Tan Mengjun sat in the chief seat and gave a bitter laugh.

Inside the tent lay dead silence, only Tan Mengjun's ragged breathing growing heavier.

The soldiers stood silently, knowing that nothing they said now could soothe the commander's wounded heart.

They likewise understood that, without a retreat, the days ahead would only grow harder.

Commander…

What should we do now?

A general could not hold back and spoke up.

Tan Mengjun slowly lifted his gaze, sweeping it over everyone's faces.

He saw their confusion and fear, and also their trust and reliance on him.

As commander, others may falter, but he must not collapse at this moment.

He drew a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the panic and despair in his heart.

XiaoChuan, what do you think we should do next?

Tan Mengjun turned to the silent first War God of the Pacification Rebellion Army, the Flying Immortal Spear God Gong XiaoChuan, and asked.

Gong XiaoChuan heard this, frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure.

He knew that this was not the time to panic; they needed to calmly analyze the situation and devise a countermeasure.

"Commander, the Yan King's move clearly aims to cut off our retreat and drive us into a desperate situation."

Gong Xiaochuan said in a deep voice, "But we absolutely cannot just surrender; we must quickly come up with a plan."

Tan Meng looked at Gong Xiaochuan, a flash of admiration crossing his eyes.

Now Gong Xiaochuan, as the first War God of the Great Qian Dynasty's rebellion‑suppressing army, is not only highly skilled in martial arts but also possesses both wisdom and courage.

At this moment, he needs Gong Xiaochuan's wisdom and courage.

"Commander, given the current situation, we have two options."

"One is to break out at night and seek another way out; the other is to hold our position and wait for reinforcements from the rear."

Gong Xiaochuan glanced at Commander Tan Mengjun on the main seat, pondered briefly, and said in a deep voice:

Tan Meng, hearing this, fell into deep thought.

He knew that both options had their pros and cons.

Breaking out could escape the predicament, but the risk is extremely great; holding out and awaiting aid is relatively safe, but no one knows when reinforcements will arrive from the rear.

"Xiaochuan, which option do you think is more secure?"

Tan Mengjun pondered for a moment, but still decided to ask the opinion of the current military leader of the rebellion‑suppressing army.

"Commander, there is no absolute safety on the battlefield."

"Breaking out and holding position each have their advantages and disadvantages; the key lies in our resolve and strength."

"If we are resolute and strong, then whether we break out or hold fast, we may still achieve victory."

Gong Xiaochuan shook his head, expressionless, and said.

Tan Mengjun, hearing this, could only give up and began to pace back and forth in the tent.

He knew that Gong Xiaochuan was speaking the truth.

On the battlefield there is no absolute safety, only relative advantages and disadvantages.

What they need to do now is, based on their actual circumstances, choose the path most likely to succeed.

「Xiao Chuan, you're right. 」

Tan Mengjun took a deep breath and said, "We cannot be bound by adversity; we must muster courage and wisdom to overcome difficulties."

"Convey my orders: the entire army will prepare and stand by; at dawn tomorrow we will break out and fight to the death with the Red Imperial Army!"

Gong Xiao Chuan heard this, and a gleam of sharpness flashed in his eyes.

He knew that Tan Mengjun had already made a decision.

As soldiers, they only need to obey orders and bravely kill the enemy.

Yes!

Gong Xiao Chuan loudly assented, turned, and walked out of the big tent.

With Gong Xiao Chuan's departure, Tan Meng's heart also eased a little.

All soldiers, listen to my words.

The loss of Majestic Peace City is indeed a great loss for our army.

But as long as we still have a breath, we absolutely cannot give up resistance!

Although the Flame King is cunning, this also proves he fears our anti-rebellion great army!

In our recent clashes with the Red Imperial Army, we have defeated them countless times; this time will be no exception!

Then he slowly stood up, straightened his back, faced the remaining soldiers in the tent, and spoke firmly.

Yes!

Someone shouted loudly, "We will never surrender!"

Never surrender!

More people waved their weapons, letting out earth-shaking shouts.

The fire of fighting spirit reignited in their eyes, and their hearts were once again filled with the conviction of victory.

Tan Mengjun watched this scene, and a warm surge rose in his heart.

He knew these soldiers were the elite troops conscripted from Great Qian, all iron-willed men.

They fear neither death nor hardship nor fatigue.

Convey my orders: the entire army will prepare, reinforce the camp defenses, and stand ready in strict formation!

At dawn tomorrow, we will fight to the death with the Flame King!

He again took a deep breath and loudly issued the order.

Fight to the death! Fight to the death!

The soldiers' shouts shook heaven and earth, rushing straight to the clouds.

They knew this battle would be the most difficult of their lives.

As night deepened, the big tent of Tan Mengjun's army was brightly lit.

Tan Mengjun stood before the map, his gaze torch-like as he stared at the front line.

His heart was filled with determination and fighting spirit; he knew this battle would be the pinnacle of his military career.

It might also be his last battle!

(End of chapter)