Chapter 324: with translation of chapter title

General Qifeng, what's wrong with you?

General Qifeng, what's wrong with you?

We must keep the quotes? The Chinese includes quotation marks; we can keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully; we can keep punctuation. We'll keep the quotes as they are part of the line? The line includes Chinese quotation marks 「」. We should translate the content, but we can keep the quotes? Usually we drop them and use English quotes? The instruction: "Render onomatopoeia / sound effects... as English sound words". For quotation marks, we can keep them as is or convert to English quotes? Not specified. Safer to keep the original punctuation? But we are outputting English lines; we can keep the Chinese quotes? That would be weird. Better to convert to English double quotes? However the instruction didn't forbid changing quotation marks. Usually translators replace Chinese quotes with English quotes. We'll use English double quotes.

Thus: "General Qifeng, what's wrong?"

Seeing Yan Qifeng suddenly fall silent, a hint of doubt flashed across Gongsun Yang's face as he asked.

Translation: "Seeing Yan Qifeng suddenly fall silent, a hint of doubt flashed across Gongsun Yang's face as he asked."

Seeing Yan Qifeng suddenly fall silent, a hint of doubt flashed across Gongsun Yang's face as he asked.

Nothing!

Translation: "Nothing!"

Yan Qifeng regained his composure, shook his head, and said, "What's more, the Great Qian dynasty possesses the foremost national strength in the world as its backing—troops, supplies, and grain flowing incessantly, far beyond our match. Thus, in this battle we can only prevail through strategy, not by force."

Translation: "Yan Qifeng came to, shook his head, and then said: 'What's more, Great Qian has the nation's strongest national power as its backing, with troops, supplies, and grain flowing in endlessly, far beyond what we can match. Therefore, in this battle we can only win by strategy, not by force.'"

What's more

Hmph! What's this about strategy? I think General Qifeng, you're just scared of the Qian army!

Translation: "Hmph! What strategy? I think General Qifeng, you're afraid of the Qian army!"

A flicker of displeasure crossed Gongsun Yang's face; in his eyes, the Qian army wasn't overly strong either.

Translation: "A hint of displeasure crossed Gongsun Yang's face; in his view, the Qian army wasn't all that strong either."

At least in terms of troop numbers here in Hengzhou, they are not at a disadvantage.

Translation: "At least here in Horizontal Prefecture, in terms of troop numbers, they are not at a disadvantage."

And in individual combat ability, these Ye Sha troops, who have long fought against nomadic peoples like the Xiongnu,...

They even steadily surpass the Qian forces in Hengzhou, which have been drained of most of their elite troops.

Translation: "Even more firmly, they can overwhelm the Qian army in Horizontal Prefecture, which has had most of its elite forces drawn away."

Gongsun Yang was left speechless by Yan Qifeng's words, wanting to rebut but not knowing how to begin.

Translation: "Gongsun Yang was left speechless by Yan Qifeng's remark, wanting to rebut but not knowing how to start."

We can wait until everything is clear before making plans.

Translation: "\"Once everything is clear, it's not too late to make plans. \""

A cold smile curled Yan Qifeng's lips; as a woman who has struggled to survive and made a great name for herself in this chaotic world, how could she be someone who clings to life and fears death?

Translation: "Yan Qifeng's mouth curled into a cold smile; as a woman, she has struggled to survive in this chaotic era and earned great renown—how could she be one who fears death and loves life?"

The Great Qian court is busy putting out fires everywhere and cannot spare any more forces to come to Hengzhou to fight them.

Translation: "The Great Qian court is busy putting out fires everywhere and simply cannot spare more forces to come to Horizontal Prefecture to fight them."

In my opinion, we should first hold our positions, strengthen our defenses, and ensure that the several granaries we previously captured are not lost.

Translation: "\"In my opinion, we should first hold our positions, strengthen our defenses, and ensure we don't lose the several granaries we previously captured. \""

After hearing Yan Qifeng's words, Gongsun Yang's anger subsided a little, but he still spoke with some reluctance.

Translation: "After hearing Yan Qifeng's words, Gongsun Yang's anger eased a little, but he still spoke somewhat unwillingly."

Yan Qifeng pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke.

Translation: "Yan Qifeng pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yang furrowed his brows, clearly not fully satisfied with the proposal.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yang furrowed his brows, clearly not fully satisfied with the proposal."

You...

Translation: "\"You... \""

In this battle, Gongsun Yang is certain of victory.

Translation: "In this battle, Gongsun Yang has complete confidence of victory."

Then, according to General Qifeng's opinion, how should we respond?

Translation: "\"Then, General Qifeng, according to your view, how should we respond? \""

Yan Qifeng took a deep breath and then spoke slowly.

Translation: "Yan Qifeng took a deep breath and slowly said."

This method may be steady, but if that Qian army joins forces with the Qian troops in Hengzhou and launches a fierce attack at this opportunity, wouldn't we be forced into a passive position?

Translation: "\"This approach is steady, but if that Qian army joins forces with the Qian troops inside Horizontal Prefecture to launch a fierce attack at this opportunity, wouldn't we be forced into a passive position? \""

In such a situation, to rush out and attack would be overly risky.

Translation: "\"In such a situation, to rashly take the offensive would be too risky. \""

At present, we know very little about this suddenly appearing Qian army—their identity, purpose, and even their strength are unknown.

Translation: "\"Currently, we know very little about this suddenly appearing Qian army—their identity, purpose, and even strength are all unknown. \""

However, he also knew that Yan Qifeng's proposal had merit, so he did not directly oppose it.

Translation: "However, he also knew Yan Qifeng's proposal had merit, so he did not directly oppose it."

Moreover, the Great Qian realm is now beset by rebellions on all sides.

Translation: "Moreover, the flames of war are spreading throughout Great Qian's territory."

Gongsun Yang spoke in a low voice.

Translation: "Gongsun Yang said in a low voice."

Would I be afraid of the Qian army?

Translation: "\"Would I fear the Qian army? \""

At the same time, send spies deep into enemy territory and contact the Night King's intelligence network to investigate this Qian army's details.

Translation: "\"At the same time, send spies deep into enemy rear, and contact the intelligence system of the Night King Manor to investigate this Qian army's details. \""

He is naturally brave and prefers direct, straightforward combat rather than this seemingly passive defensive strategy.

Translation: "He is naturally brave and prefers direct, straightforward combat rather than this seemingly passive defensive strategy."

General Gongsun, you're overthinking. First, although the Qian army's raid showed considerable strength, their numbers are limited and, after a long march, they must be exhausted.

Translation: "\"General Gongsun, you worry too much. First, although this Qian army's raid showed considerable strength, their numbers are limited and, after a long march, they must be exhausted. \""

Launching a fierce attack now would not be wise for them.

Translation: "\"Launching a fierce attack now would not be wise for them. \""

Second, the few granaries we hold are situated in treacherous terrain, easy to defend but hard to attack.

Translation: "\"Second, the few granaries we hold are situated in perilous terrain, easy to defend but hard to attack. \""

As long as we strengthen our defenses, it will not be easy for the Qian army to break through.

Translation: "\"As long as we strengthen our defenses, it will not be easy for the Qian army to break through. \""

Yan Qifeng smiled faintly and shook his head.

Translation: "Yan Qifeng smiled faintly and shook his head."

If that's the case, then let's follow General Qifeng's advice: hold our positions for now and strengthen our defenses.

Translation: "\"If that's the case, then let's follow General Qifeng's advice: hold our positions for now and strengthen defenses. \""

At the same time, contact the intelligence system in the prince's hands to investigate the Qian army's details.

Translation: "\"At the same time, contact the intelligence system in the lord's hands to investigate the Qian army's details. \""

After listening to Yan Qifeng's analysis, Gongsun Yang's doubts were somewhat alleviated, and he nodded.

Translation: "After hearing Yan Qifeng's analysis, Gongsun Yang's doubts eased a little, and he nodded."

When Wei Qing, commanding the Feathered Forest Army whose iron hooves thundered like thunder, charged across the northern Hengzhou plains.

Translation: "When Wei Qing commanded the Feather Forest Army, whose iron hooves thundered like lightning, charging across the Horizontal Prefecture plains in the north,"

iron hooves like thunder

Far to the south, thousands of miles away, another battle concerning the fate of the world on the border of the Great Xuan dynasty also reached its conclusion.

Translation: "Thousands of miles away in the south, on the border of the Great Xuan dynasty, another battle that would decide the fate of the world also reached its conclusion."

On the border of the Great Xuan dynasty, yellow sand fills the sky and banners snap in the wind.

Translation: "On the border of the Great Xuan dynasty, yellow sand filled the sky and banners snapped in the wind."

The two armies face off, their spirit like a rainbow; one side is the Xuan army defending the imperial throne, the other is the rebel coalition seeking to overthrow the court.

Translation: "The two armies faced off, their spirit like a rainbow; one side was the Xuan army defending the imperial throne, the other the Rebel King Alliance seeking to overthrow the court."

Rebel leaders Xia Yeli, Li Mi, Kou Zhong, and Xu Ziling are all present at the front lines, their eyes flashing with ambition and determination.

Translation: "Rebel King Xia Yeli, Li Mi, Kou Zhong, and Xu Ziling were all present at the front, their eyes gleaming with ambition and resolve."

And among the rebel coalition, a figure stands out prominently—none other than the former Southern Imperial Star, Xuan Yuan Po.

Translation: "And within the Rebel King Alliance, a figure stood out strikingly—none other than the former Southern Imperial Star, Xuanyuan Po."

Originally of mixed barbarian descent from the southern frontier's wilderness, he quickly united numerous barbarian tribes in a short time, becoming a force not to be underestimated.

Translation: "He was originally of mixed barbarian blood from the Southern Wasteland border, but in a short time he swiftly united many barbarian tribes, becoming a force not to be underestimated."

This time, marching north with the wildness and fighting spirit of the southern wilderness, he intends to leave his mark on the Central Plains.

Translation: "This time, leading his troops northward, he brought the wildness and fighting spirit of the Southern Wasteland, intending to leave his mark on the Central Plains."

At this moment, opposite him, ranked third on the World's Wind and Cloud List, is "Qing Tian Qiong Cang" Yun Lingxiao.

Translation: "At that moment, opposite him, ranked third on the World's Wind and Cloud Rankings, was 'Azure Heaven Vast' Yun Lingxiao."

Note: The dash and quotes. We'll translate: "At that moment, opposite him, ranked third on the World's Wind and Cloud Rankings, was \"Azure Heaven Vast\" Yun Lingxiao."

Yun Lingxiao wears a flowing white robe, his sleeves fluttering like a banished immortal descended to the world.

Translation: "Yun Lingxiao wore a white robe, his sleeves fluttering, like a banished immortal descended to the world."

His long spear is named Feixiao and his short sword Luohua; both weapons are famed for their lightness and agility, complementing his graceful fighting style.

Translation: "His long spear was named \"Flying Sky\" and his short sword \"Falling Flowers\"; both weapons were famed for their lightness and agility, complementing his graceful movements."

A pale cyan aura flows around his body, revealing his extraordinary strength.

Translation: "A pale cyan qi flowed over his whole body, revealing his extraordinary strength."

His visage is stern, his eyes deep, as if able to perceive all the world's mysteries.

Translation: "His visage was stern, his eyes deep, as if he could perceive all the mysteries of the world."

At this moment, Yun Lingxiao has already defeated dozens of rebel champions in succession, his morale soaring like a rainbow.

Translation: "At this moment, Yun Lingxiao had already defeated dozens of Rebel King Alliance champions in succession, his morale soaring like a rainbow."

Xuan Yuan Po, seeing this, felt a surge of fighting spirit well up within him.

Translation: "Xuanyuan Po watched, and a fighting spirit welled up in his heart unbidden."

Xuan Ming, go out and fight; let this Great Xuan war god witness the strength of our southern wilderness.

Translation: "\"Xuanming, go out and fight; let this War God of Great Xuan see the power of our Southern Wasteland. \""

He could no longer restrain himself, turning to the ancestral shaman Xuan Ming beside him and said.

Translation: "He could no longer hold back, turned to the Ancestral Witch Xuanming beside him, and said."

Yes, after Wu Tiānshēng, the ancestral shaman Xuan Ming, who was originally implanted among the southern wilderness barbarian tribes, was also taken under Xuan Yuan Po's command!

Translation: "Indeed, after Wuti Sheng, the Ancestral Witch Xuanming, who had originally been implanted among the Southern Wasteland barbarians, was also taken under Xuanyuan Po's command!"

The ancestral shaman Xuan Ming, now one of the war gods under Xuan Yuan Po's command, is tall and striking, with a cold, beautiful visage; her black robe like ink further accentuates her mystery and power.

Translation: "Ancestral Witch Xuanming, now one of the several War Gods under Xuanyuan Po's command, was tall and striking, her cold beauty accentuated by a black robe like ink, further highlighting her mystery and strength."

As you command.

Translation: "\"As you command. \""

Hearing Xuan Yuan Po's order, Xuan Ming gave a slight smile, gazed at the opposing Yun Lingxiao, and a hint of fighting spirit flickered in his eyes.

Translation: "Hearing Xuanyuan Po's order, Xuanming smiled faintly, gazed at Yun Lingxiao opposite, and a hint of fighting spirit flashed in her eyes."

Having said that, she slowly walked out of the camp and faced Yun Lingxiao directly.

The two stood facing each other, and the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.

Yun Lingxiao sized up this opponent, unable to help silently admiring their demeanor and strength.

"Great Xuan Yun Lingxiao, please instruct me with your high techniques."

Yun Lingxiao clasped his hands in salute, his voice flat yet full of power.

"Southern Wasteland Ancestral Witch Xuanming, please bestow your teachings."

Ancestral Witch Xuanming gave a cold smile.

As soon as her words fell, she moved, attacking Yun Lingxiao like a ghost.

"Ding! Xuanming's skill Ancestral Witch activates!"

Ancestral Witch: Battle Heaven and Earth, Twelve Ancestral Witches. This is a skill exclusive to the Witch Clan's Ancestral Witches; different Ancestral Witches have different actual effects.

Effect One: Upon activation, martial power +5; the stronger the battle intent in one's heart, the greater the combat power exerted; thereafter each burst of martial power adds +2, up to three activations, and each increase of 1 point in martial power reduces intelligence by 5 points as a cost.

Effect Two: When Effect One is activated two or more times, when facing an enemy it can create an intimidation effect, reducing one enemy's Commander-in-Chief value and martial power by one point; when all four activations of Effect One are executed, it additionally reduces one enemy's Commander-in-Chief value and martial power by two points.

Effect Three: When the demon commands heaven and the witch commands earth, and when battling a skill that includes 'beasts excluding dragons and phoenixes,' this skill can be instantly fully activated.

Effect Four: The Twelve Celestial Godly Slaughters can combine with the other twelve Ancestral Witches to form the combined skill 'Celestial Godly Slaughter'!

Currently Xuanming's base martial power is 108, the divine weapon Xuanming Lingfrost Spike +1, the warhorse Xuanfrost Ice Steed +1, activating the Ancestral Witch skill Effect One once adds +5 martial power, raising Xuanming's current martial power to 115!

(End of chapter)