Chapter 373

They stood in the Yellow Turban army's camp, seeming somewhat out of place.

Meng Zhang understood clearly; although Zhang Jiao had left, and the south‑going Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan also took away a large portion of the troops.

But at least Lu Prefecture still had several hundred thousand elite Yellow Turban troops.

This is a force that, viewed across the whole world, cannot be underestimated.

The hidden hands behind the Taiping Sect naturally could not leave such a large force entirely to Meng Zhang.

It was merely that Meng Zhang could keep leading the Yellow Turban army to victory, which allowed him to retain command over that elite Yellow Turban force.

Previously, Meng Zhang, with the support of the Cloud Prince's Mansion, had seized nearly a hundred thousand Yellow Turban troops.

Thereafter, during this period of warfare with the Da Qian dynasty, through various means he directly grasped half of the elite strength of the several hundred thousand main Yellow Turban forces of the Taiping Sect.

However, another small half remained firmly in the grasp of those behind the scenes, by various means.

These officers were not his direct lineage, but rather unstable elements in the army, constantly liable to become internal unrest.

"Generals, although our army did not win a great victory today, the bravery of our warriors has already filled us with pride."

"The valor of Red Boy has further greatly boosted our army's morale."

Meng Zhang's voice was steady and powerful, echoing before the ranks.

"However, the war is not yet over; we need more generals to step forward."

"Now, I wish to ask: which general dares to come forward and challenge the enemy, to fight alongside our army?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over those unusual officers, then continued speaking.

Meng Zhang's words conveyed encouragement and challenge; his purpose was obvious—to use this opportunity to challenge and observe the reactions of these officers.

At the same time, it also conveniently created an opportunity for Su Ye and the others opposite to earn merit.

Hmm. Su Ye takes the merit, while I eliminate dissenters.

Everyone has a clear division of labor, and all have a bright future!

It's just that this group of honest officers has suffered.

They pour out their hearts for Meng Zhang and Su Ye—good people!

At this moment, upon hearing the words, the Yellow Turban officers before the ranks showed hesitation or eagerness to try.

Meng Zhang's meaning was clear—he had already sent someone out on his side first.

Red Boy barely escaped death; now it's your turn.

"Commander Meng, this lowly officer wishes to go!"

After a long while, one officer dressed in fine robes stepped forward, clasped his fists, and saluted Meng Zhang.

"Good! Since you have this courage, go!"

"Remember, your performance will affect our army's morale and honor."

Meng Zhang gave a slight smile and nodded in approval.

That officer, upon hearing the command, spurred his horse and rode toward the center of the battlefield.

His silhouette in the sunset appeared especially heroic, and cheers rose from the Yellow Turban camp.

"Gentlemen, who else wishes to earn merit for our army?"

At the same time, Meng Zhang's gaze turned again to the other officers, his words revealing an unquestionable authority.

His gaze swept over those officers one by one, as if he could see through their inner thoughts.

Those officers, under Meng Zhang's stare, felt their hearts tighten; some even lowered their heads, daring not to meet his eyes.

"What? No one dares to answer the challenge?"

Meng Zhang's tone hinted at a touch of disappointment and contempt.

He knew that among these officers there were plenty of brave and skilled fighters, yet at this moment not a single one dared to step forward.

This was not only because the opposing Cangzhou army was strong, but also because they each had their own calculations and were unwilling to wholeheartedly serve the Yellow Turban army.

"This lowly officer wishes to go!"

At that moment, several more voices broke the silence.

A flash of appreciation crossed Meng Zhang's eyes, but it vanished instantly.

"Good! Since you have this courage, I order you to lead a select force and go together to challenge."

He gave those officers a deep look.

"This lowly officer receives the order!"

That officer bowed, saluted, then turned and left, preparing to lead the elite troops to the challenge.

"Generals, today's battle concerns the honor and disgrace of our Yellow Turban army."

"I hope you can work together in unity to resist the external foe."

"If anyone harbors divided loyalties, do not blame me, Meng Zhang, for being unsparing!"

Meng Zhang's gaze swept over the other officers again.

His voice was calm, yet it conveyed a chilling killing intent.

Upon hearing this, the officers felt a chill in their hearts and all bowed in assent.

After fighting side by side for this period, they all knew Meng Zhang's methods and determination were beyond ordinary comparison.

If they do not now declare their support, they will likely find it hard to establish themselves in the Yellow Turban army later.

emmmm Although Meng Zhang also did not intend to let them establish themselves.

At this moment, several Yellow Turban officers rode out, dust flying on the battlefield, the sound of hooves shaking the heavens.

Opposite them, the Cangzhou army's formation stood like a mountain, silently awaiting the impending clash.

Su Ye and Meng Zhang each stood before their respective armies.

Their gazes met, and they shared a tacit, slight smile—everything needed no words.

The time is about right; it's time to let them see our true strength.

Su Ye spoke softly; his voice was low, yet it conveyed an unshakable resolve.

As Su Ye gave the order, the war drums of the Cangzhou Army sounded suddenly, their voice shaking the wilderness, morale like a rainbow.

Immediately afterward, two generals shot forth from the ranks like two meteors—namely Cangzhou's top War Gods, Sun Wukong and Sun Liu Er.

Sun Wukong wore golden armor, wielded the Golden Cudgel, rode a Cloud-Somersault Steed beneath him, his aura golden yellow, shining like the blazing sun.

He let out a long cry, shaking the nine heavens; the Golden Cudgel traced a perfect arc in the air and smashed fiercely at the Yellow Turban commanders.

Ding! Sun Wukong's abilities Equal Heaven and Fighting God activated!

Currently Sun Wukong's base martial power is 108, weapon Golden Cudgel +1, war horse Cloud-Somersault Steed +1; when the Equal Heaven effect activates, martial power +8; when the Fighting God effect activates twice, martial power +8; current martial power rises to 126!

At the same time, Sun Liu Er refused to be outdone; he wielded the Heart-Following Iron Rod, his aura a light cyan, gentle like spring water yet not losing its sharpness.

His form like the wind, he instantly appeared at the flank of the Yellow Turban commanders; the Heart-Following Iron Rod struck like a spitting serpent straight at the enemy's vital point.

Ding! Sun Liu Er's abilities Six Ears and Illusion Transformation activated!

Currently Sun Liu Er's base martial power is 108, weapon Heart-Following Iron Rod +1; when the Six Ears effect activates (first and third), martial power +6 and +2; current martial power rises to 117!

The Yellow Turban commanders were greatly alarmed upon seeing this; they never expected the Cangzhou Army still had such a powerful trump card.

However, at this point they were like an arrow on the bowstring, left with no choice but to release.

A commander roared, raising his broadsword to slash at Sun Wukong, attempting to overcome skill with brute force.

However, Sun Wukong was no ordinary foe.

He lightly sidestepped, dodging this deadly blow; simultaneously the Golden Cudgel swept back, sending that commander and his horse flying several zhang away.

(End of Chapter)