Chapter 349: Roaring Dragon Pass Breached

Xue Ren Gui displayed extraordinary command ability on the battlefield, constantly adjusting tactics and strategy, keeping the Cangzhou army in a tight formation at all times.

Whenever the Yellow Turban Army launched a fierce assault, he promptly mobilized forces for defensive counterattacks, sending the enemy back empty-handed.

Tie Shi Wen fully exploited the mobility and striking power of the cavalry, leading Cangzhou's cavalry to weave flexibly across the battlefield, continually tearing apart the Yellow Turban Army's defenses.

Whenever he spotted a weakness in the Yellow Turban Army, he hesitated not to launch a deadly strike, catching the enemy off guard.

In the fierce battle, Xue Ren Gui and Tie Shi Wen remained calm and rational throughout.

Through battle flags, orders, and messengers, they precisely conveyed each tactical command.

"Left wing attack, right wing support, central wing hold steady!"

Xue Ren Gui's orders inspired hearts like war drums.

"Strike the enemy's rear, cut off their retreat!"

Tie Shi Wen then decisively commanded the cavalry.

"The white-robed general on the opposing commander's platform is superb in military tactics, uses troops like a god, and our army already shows signs of fatigue."

Facing Xue Ren Gui and Tie Shi Wen's superb tactics and tight formations, Zhang Liang and Meng Huwang knew well that the Yellow Turban Army was now in dire straits.

"The Sir General's words are absolutely correct."

Zhang Liang took a deep breath, and in a solemn voice said to Meng Huwang.

The battle entered the white-hot stage, smoke filled the battlefield, and shouts of killing shook the heavens.

They tried to adjust tactics, but each counterattack was skillfully defused by Xue Ren Gui and Tie Shi Wen.

Under Xue Ren Gui and Tie Shi Wen's skillful coordination, the Yellow Turban Army gradually fell into a passive state.

Meng Huwang heard this, nodded heavily, and said in a rough voice.

Watching the retreating Yellow Turban Army, ensuring the safety of the Cangzhou army.

Although the Yellow Turban Army soldiers fighting ahead were unwilling, under the Chief Commander's strict order they also began to withdraw in an orderly manner to the rear camp.

Tie Shi Wen then led the cavalry to patrol the battlefield's edge, to prevent a sudden Yellow Turban counterattack; their eyes were like torches,

Xue Ren Gui saw the situation and did not rush to pursue, but calmly observed the Yellow Turban Army's movements.

Although Meng Huwang was no pushover, under Xue Ren Gui's command—now with a Commander-in-Chief value of 104—the Cangzhou army's tight formation and precise strikes left him feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

"All troops hear the order: withdraw in an orderly manner, no panic!"

The two exchanged a glance, and a decision was already made in their hearts.

Seeing that their mainstay Meng Huwang had agreed, Zhang Liang hesitated no longer, raised his bamboo staff, and loudly commanded.

"Today's battle is unfavorable to our army."

"If we fight hard now, we will suffer heavy losses; better to retreat first to the camp and plan later."

"In my view, let us temporarily withdraw troops, fight again another day—how about that?"

Xue Ren Gui and Tie Shi Wen were like the soul of the battlefield; each of their orders could sway the course of the battle.

"Do not pursue a desperate foe; moreover, although the Yellow Turban Army's vanguard is defeated, its main force remains strong, so we must not underestimate them."

As the Yellow Turban Army gradually withdrew, the smoke on the battlefield also slowly dispersed.

Under Xue Ren Gui and Tie Shi Wen's leadership, the Cangzhou army began to clean the battlefield and treat the wounded.

The soldiers' faces beamed with the joy of victory, yet their eyes still retained vigilance and resolve.

At the same time, Zhang Liang and Meng Huwang led the Yellow Turban Army back to the rear camp.

Their faces were written with exhaustion and dejection.

In the camp, the bonfire blazed brightly, illuminating Zhang Liang and Meng Huwang's faces.

The two sat around the bonfire in silence for a long time.

"These two newly arrived dry dogs are indeed extraordinary."

"Although we lost today's battle, we also gained something."

"At least we now know somewhat about the Cangzhou army's strength and tactics."

Finally, Zhang Liang broke the silence, sighing.

"The Sir General's words are absolutely correct."

"This defeat is not due to fault in battle, but because the enemy's military tactics are superb and they struck unexpectedly."

"Nevertheless, our Yellow Turban Army is no ordinary lot; we will surely avenge this defeat in the future."

Meng Huwang nodded, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice.

"Meng General's words are quite right."

"Although we lost one battle, our Yellow Turban Army numbers a million!"

"As long as morale does not drop and we remain united, we will surely not fear the so-called Cangzhou army."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liang's eyes flashed with a glint of determination; he stood up, patted Meng Huwang's shoulder, and encouraged him.

Meanwhile, in the northern frontier of Great Qian, the strategic pass Roaring Dragon Pass is experiencing an unprecedented baptism of fire.

The tens of thousands of Night Fiend Army led by Ye Wuhun surge like a raging sea, continuously assaulting this ancient stronghold.

After more than ten days of fierce fighting, the originally impregnable city walls, under the Night Fiend Army's relentless day-and-night strong attacks, finally showed signs of fatigue.

On Roaring Dragon Pass, battle flags flutter, beacon fires connect to the sky.

Feng Xue and Shan Dian, the two steadfast pillars guarding this land, now show difficult expressions.

They stand side by side, gazing at the enemy masses like ants swarming forth, and a feeling of helplessness inevitably rises in their hearts.

"Feng Xue, it seems we will lose this pass tonight."

Shan Dian's voice carries a hint of helplessness and unwillingness.

"The Yuzhou Iron Cavalry is unrivaled under Heaven in Great Qian; Ye Wuhun's forces are too strong, and we have already exerted our utmost."

Feng Xue remained silent for a moment, drew a deep breath of the cold wind mixed with smoke, and slowly spoke.

Night fell slowly, and outside the pass, the Night Slaughter Army lit torches, the firelight dyeing the dark sky a deep red.

Ye Wuchen rode on a black warhorse, his stern gaze piercing the blazing firelight, staring fixedly at the gate of Crying Dragon Pass.

"Come on, let's see if you can still withstand my attack this time."

He muttered to himself.

The armies of both sides launched a fierce clash before Crying Dragon Pass.

Arrows fell like raindrops, warhorses neighed, and the warriors' shouts shook the heavens.

Feng Xue and Shan Dian led the troops, commanding the elite defense units to hold the wall.

Their figures in the blaze showed such fearless courage, as if they would trample all enemies underfoot.

Ye Wuchen, seeing this, couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

He waved his hand, signaling the archers in the rear to prepare to shoot, while ordering the heavy infantry to advance and meet the enemy.

With the Night Slaughter Army's final charge, the ancient gate slowly collapsed amid the tremendous impact.

Feng Xue and Shan Dian exchanged a glance, a hint of resolve flashing in their eyes.

"Pass the order: the entire army will retreat in an orderly fashion, abandoning Crying Dragon Pass."

Feng Xue's voice was firm and decisive.

As the order was given, the tens of thousands of soldiers defending the pass began an orderly withdrawal.

Their faces showed no fear, only determination and reluctance.

This is the land they swore to defend with their lives, but war is cruel; to preserve more of their fighting strength, they had no choice but to retreat temporarily.

"We will surely return one day."

Shan Dian turned his head, taking a deep look at the already ruined gate behind him, and spoke softly.

The retreat's bugle sounded in the night sky, its voice mournful and lingering.

(End of chapter)