Chapter 316: Apologize

Zhao Fengyun fought two opponents alone, yet he didn't lose the slightest bit; instead, the more he fought, the braver he became.

His archery was uncanny, making it impossible to guard against.

However, at that very moment, dust rose in the distance as the Night Slaughter Army's reinforcement cavalry arrived one after another.

Seeing the situation on the battlefield, he immediately joined the fight, engaging in fierce battle with the Heavenly Army brought by Feng Xue and Shan Dian.

Seeing that the Night Slaughter Army outnumbered them and that Zhao Fengyun was fiercely unstoppable, Feng Xue and Shan Dian realized that today's affair could not be succeeded.

This hastily built pass could no longer be held; continuing the fight would only plunge them into a more passive situation.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Feng Xue and Shan Dian exchanged a glance, a hint of helplessness flashing in their eyes.

They knew that continuing to entangle like this would be disadvantageous to them.

Thus, they tacitly chose to retreat.

"Zhao Fengyun, today's battle ended without a clear victor."

Moreover, although this battle was brief, its significance was extraordinary, and the Night Slaughter Army's morale consequently soared.

That was enough.

The two figures vanished swiftly from the battlefield, leaving only a cloud of dust as they sped toward Minglong Pass.

The urgent task now is to demolish all these outposts outside Minglong Pass before the Night King's main army arrives.

Zhao Fengyun stood on the pass wall, gazing into the distance at the fleeing pair; he hesitated for a moment, but still did not pursue them.

"Haha, since you two have no will to fight, why didn't you say so earlier?"

The night was as dark as ink, the moon hung high in the sky, and silver light poured down.

However, judging from the Night Slaughter Army's cautious combat style this time.

At this moment, his heart was filled with anxiety and self-reproach.

Feng Xue and Shan Dian fled the battlefield without looking back, leaving only a mess and the cheers of the Night Slaughter Army.

Earlier, Gongsun Yang had already paid the price for his carelessness.

Although today's defeat was not due to fault in battle, it stemmed from being outnumbered and outstrategized.

"There will be plenty of time ahead; we'll meet again!"

Rashly spending time to pursue them would not be a good thing.

Shan Dian's internal energy surged upward suddenly; in an instant he unleashed several slashes, left a remark, then flickered his form, withdrawing from the combat circle and departing together with Feng Xue.

Without knowing the current details of Minglong Pass.

Relying solely on Minglong Pass, I fear we cannot hold back the Night Slaughter Army for long.

The defeated Gongsun Yang whipped his horse to go faster, passing through layer after layer of tents; the clashing of armor and weapons, the low murmurs of soldiers, were all drowned out by the thunder of his hooves.

Zhao Fengyun certainly did not want to be ambushed again.

Zhao Fengyun laughed heartily.

Although I am a War God, this time I was blocked on the front line by two peak divine generals.

On Minglong Pass, Feng Xue and Shan Dian wore solemn expressions as they looked back at the distant Night Slaughter Army.

We haven't even fought them yet!

This made Gongsun Yang feel he had lost face terribly.

He wanted to immediately report to the Night King and plead guilty.

At that moment, the main commander's tent was brightly lit.

The Night King sat upright before the desk, his deep eyes flashing with cold light, as if pondering something.

As soon as Gongsun Yang entered the tent, he felt a formidable aura wash over him.

"Subordinate Gongsun Yang, I plead guilty before the Night King."

"This front-line defeat is entirely due to my insufficient strength, which caused General Zhao to lend aid; I also ask the Night King to impose punishment."

He drew a deep breath, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a low voice.

"General Gongsun, victory and defeat are common in war; this loss is not solely your fault."

"However, you must understand that as a commander, your responsibility outweighs Mount Tai."

"Please rise and give a detailed account of the battle."

The Night King's brows furrowed slightly, his torch-like gaze fixed on Gongsun Yang, and after a moment he slowly spoke.

Gongsun Yang stood up and reported the front-line situation to the Night King in full detail.

"Although General Gongsun lost this time, it was merely because those two Heavenly Generals were too cunning."

The Night King spoke slowly, his voice carrying an indisputable authority.

Gongsun Yang lowered his head, silent, his fists clenched tightly, as if blaming himself for failing to capture those two Heavenly Generals.

His heart was filled with guilt, as the vanguard general of the Night Slaughter Army.

He deeply knew his responsibility was great, and this defeat was undoubtedly a heavy blow to him.

"Even retaining this combined technique, the fault does not lie with the general."

The Night King's voice sounded again, his words carrying a touch of comfort and understanding.

The ever-changing battlefield often decides victory or defeat in an instant.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yang raised his head to look at the Night King, gratitude flashing in his eyes.

He deeply understood the Night King's magnanimity and talent for employing people, which further strengthened his resolve to serve the Night Slaughter Army loyally.

"General, please rise."

The Night King continued, his gaze revealing trust and anticipation for Gongsun Yang.

Gongsun Yang stood up, straightened his back anew, as if shedding a tremendous burden.

"Thank you, Your Lordship; I will surely exert my utmost effort to atone with merit!"

He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to the Night King.

"General Gongsun's loyalty and talent, I have always seen them."

"This loss is not your fault. On the battlefield, victory and defeat are ordinary matters for soldiers; General, you need not be too hard on yourself."

After hearing this, the Night King pondered for a long time, then slowly spoke.

These words instantly swept away the gloom in Gongsun Yang's heart.

Having regained his confidence and fighting spirit, he resolved to wipe away his past disgrace in the forthcoming battle.

At that moment, footsteps sounded outside the tent; a middle-aged man in fine robes entered—none other than the Night King's capable strategist, Ye Yun.

"General Gongsun, you have worked hard."

After bowing to the Night King, he turned his head to look at Gongsun Yang and gave a slight nod.

"General Gongsun need not be disheartened; on the battlefield, everything changes unpredictably—who can foresee events like a god?"

"What matters is that we learn lessons from it and continually improve ourselves."

Then he turned to Gongsun Yang and said.

"Sir Ye Yun's words are absolutely correct. This subordinate will surely remember this disgrace."

"Next time I see those two rebel generals, this subordinate will make them drink hatred beneath my purple-gold hammer!"

Gongsun Yang nodded, then said fiercely.

"This is excellent. I believe General Gongsun will surely shine brilliantly in the upcoming battle."

Ye Yun looked at the vigorous Gongsun Yang and smiled slightly.

The three exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere inside the tent instantly relaxed considerably.

"Ye Yun, you've come at just the right time. Regarding the upcoming battle, what are your thoughts?"

The Night King looked at his chief strategist, Ye Yun, and said in a deep voice.

"Your Highness, if our army of hundreds of thousands merely camps below Long Dragon Pass, we risk falling into a stalemate."

"In my opinion, we could send a detachment to attack or resist the enemies coming from the eastern side of Qian State and the Heng State area."

"This would both disperse the forces of the Da Qian dynasty and create opportunities for our main army."

Ye Yun lowered his head, pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"That makes sense. Then, in your view, who can undertake this important task?"

The Night King thought for a moment, nodded, and said.

"General Gongsun, having suffered a setback on the front lines, must surely be burning with determination."

"I have a plan that could let General Gongsun redeem himself through merit."

Ye Yun glanced at Gongsun Yang, understanding that this warrior's fighting spirit had not been diminished by a temporary setback, turned to the Night King, smiled slightly, and said:

Upon hearing this, the Night King raised his eyebrows slightly, signaling Ye Yun to continue.

"Why not let General Gongsun and Qi Feng jointly lead a detachment to Heng State?"

Ye Yun slowly revealed his plan: "General Qi Feng is both wise and brave; with her cooperating with General Gongsun, they will surely hold their heads high and erase their past disgrace."

(End of chapter)