Chapter 356: with translation of chapter title

Kunzhong's eyes were sharp as an eagle; he instantly detected a flaw in that Cultivation, gathered his whole body's strength, and with a fierce palm strike, heavily hit that Cultivation's chest.

The weight of that palm was like a mountain pressing down, causing that Cultivation to feel as if struck by a huge hammer; his whole body, like a kite with its string cut, flew backward and finally crashed hard onto the hard ground.

At the moment he landed, blood spewed from his mouth, obviously suffering severe injury.

However, that Cultivation was a tough nut; despite his grave wounds, he struggled to rise and continue the unfinished battle.

His eyes flashed with a ferocious light, like a lone wolf in the wilderness; even in desperate straits, he would fight to the last moment.

But Li Minan and his four companions did not give him that chance; they tacitly simultaneously mobilized their internal vigorous energy, four strong forces converging in the air like four giant dragons gathering, forming a dazzling energy ball.

That energy ball was like a small sun, carrying the power to destroy heaven and earth, and it smashed fiercely toward the Cultivation.

However, facing this deadly blow, that Cultivation, seeing the situation, felt no fear but delight, revealing a strange smile.

He clasped his hands together, his internal energy surging like a flood and ferocious beast; he not only felt no fear, but instead went forward to meet the five's attack and caught that energy ball.

At that very instant, his internal energy suddenly surged, and his whole body seemed to be reborn.

Where was there any trace of his earlier grave injury and dying appearance!

In their astonishment, the five finally realized that this Cultivation, while fighting Kunzhong, had actually retained his strength.

Or more precisely, he was employing some secret technique, taking advantage of the battle to forcibly restore himself to peak condition.

At this moment, he was like an awakened male lion, his whole body brimming with power.

Leveraging the recoil force of the five's vigorous energy, the Cultivation's figure moved like wind, swiftly darting backward, his shape flickering wildly.

He grabbed Yan Qifeng and Gongsun Yang, who lay nearby, in one sweep; the three became as one, like a great roc spreading its wings and soaring high, breaking through the waves amidst the chaotic troops.

And because he was fighting desperately, the Cultivation's internal energy poured out as if it were free.

At this moment he frantically squeezed his internal energy, like the endless, surging river waters.

His speed was further heightened to the peak of his life, swift as lightning.

His speed was raised to an exaggerated degree, and in the blink of an eye he vanished from the five's sight.

The five of the armor unit exchanged silent glances; after all, they were merely at the divine general level.

Before that Cultivation could react, they suddenly used a killing technique and still managed to inflict heavy damage.

But facing this Cultivation who had restored to peak condition, they were also somewhat at a loss.

That killing blow just now, they had thought would severely wound him, but unexpectedly it instead helped him recover to peak condition.

Moreover, the Cultivation had forcibly restored himself to peak condition and was now single-mindedly intent on escaping.

How could the five of them possibly catch up!

"Indeed, Cultivation experts are not something that can be easily dealt with; they actually managed to recover their injuries using our strength."

Li Minan said in a deep voice, his brows furrowed, obviously shocked by that Cultivation's strength.

"Moreover, his speed has reached an astonishing level."

Kunzhong added, his eyes showing some gravity, "What should we do next?"

"This person's escape technique is indeed superb, but if we five join forces to track him, perhaps we can find his trail."

Wu Dongshan, holding the Wind Hawk Sword beside them, proposed.

"No."

"This person is immensely strong and deep-minded; if we rashly pursue, we likely will gain nothing."

"After all, he is a Cultivation expert; if he is solely intent on fleeing, even we five would hardly be able to catch up."

Li Minan shook his head, saying the urgent matter now is not to pursue those three, but rather this detachment of the Night Assassin Army that Wei Qing lured here by design!

That's the main issue!

Upon hearing this, everyone found they could not object, after all wanting them to directly pursue a Cultivation expert who was intent on fleeing.

This indeed poses some difficulty.

Thus, they could only nod in agreement.

Although not beheading the enemy commander before the battle is somewhat regrettable, the great merit of routing the enemy army is even greater!

Meanwhile, Wei Qing was gazing at the battlefield's ruined walls; that detachment of the Night Assassin Army had already been shattered by his linked brilliant stratagem, with soldiers wounded, dead, captured—only one in ten remained.

At this moment, Wei Qing surveyed the captured Night Assassin Army soldiers around him.

They sat or stood, their faces full of loss and unease; their former vigor had been defeated by reality, leaving only helplessness and confusion.

Wei Qing took a deep breath, understanding that the pacification work at this moment was crucial.

"Comrades, the war has ended; victory and defeat are commonplace in military affairs."

"I know you are all loyal servants, merely serving different masters; now that you have become captives, I hope you will see the times, submit to the court, and jointly guard this land."

Thus, he slowly walked up to the captured soldiers and spoke in a calm yet firm voice.

"General Wei, although we have been defeated, we are not unjust men."

"If the court treats us kindly, we are willing to offer our humble service."

As his words fell, a captured commander stood up, his gaze firm as he looked at Wei Qing and spoke.

"There's nothing we can do; we've been smashed by them."

"If we don't want to die, we have no choice but to obey obediently."

After hearing this, Wei Qing nodded slightly; he knew these soldiers were battle-hardened veterans, and with proper guidance they would surely become capable officers of the court.

"The court has always been magnanimous; as long as you submit, past grudges will not be pursued. Moreover, you will continue to fight for this land, defending the state and the people."

Thus, he continued speaking.

However, although he said that, Wei Qing had no intention whatsoever of relaxing their guard.

In the end, if they were to be used, it would only be after the war with the Night Assassin Army is over.

Or simply be thrown onto the battlefield at Cangzhou or even the Nine Heavens Army to serve as cannon fodder.

Using them to fight the Night Assassin Army is certainly unrealistic.

Otherwise, facing former comrades and fellow villagers.

Not to let water go on the spot is already considered a blessing from heaven.

As Wei Qing's words fell, the captured soldiers began to whisper among themselves, discussing heatedly.

"We are willing to submit to the court and serve the court!"

Soon, that commander stood up again and spoke loudly.

Other soldiers also echoed in agreement, expressing their willingness to submit.

Seeing this, Wei Qing secretly felt relieved in his heart.

"Issue the order: tidy up the troops and join forces with the 30,000-strong Cangzhou army."

Wei Qing's voice was calm and powerful, echoing in every corner of the battlefield.

The soldiers moved at the command, quickly gathering; the iron cavalry like dragons, banners fluttering.

After the troops joined, Wei Qing led the army northward, and the strategic locations and important granaries within Hengzhou were successively recovered.

Straight to the flank of the main force of the Night Slaughter Army led by Night King Ye Wuheng at Minglong Pass!

(End of chapter)