Chapter 397: with translation of chapter title

As time passed, the smoke on the battlefield grew thicker and thicker, and the situation became even more tangled and complex.

The elite units of the Taiping Sect arrived one after another.

These forces were not comparable to ordinary Yellow Turban troops; their armor gleamed, their weapons flashed with a cold light, and at a glance they were clearly well-trained, well-equipped elite soldiers.

First to arrive were the Crimson Flame Cavalry, clad in fiery red armor inlaid with scorching flame patterns that seemed able to burn everything.

They wielded long spears, rode steeds entirely crimson red, and charged forward like a torrent of flame, unstoppable.

Next came the Profound Heavy Army, wearing black heavy armor etched with eerie sigils, skilled in using giant shields and long halberds; in defense they were like an iron wall and bronze wall, in offense they were unstoppable.

There was also a unit called the Frost Blade Guard, dressed in silver-white light armor with snowflake patterns etched on the plates, moving swiftly and agilely.

Their weapon was a specially made short sword, its blade faintly glowing blue, as if it could freeze anything.

The arrival of these elite units made the battlefield atmosphere even more tense.

Qiao Shefei stood on high ground overlooking the scene, and couldn't help but secretly marvel.

He had originally thought he had already done his best not to underestimate the Taiping Sect, let alone knowing their strength like the back of his hand.

But it wouldn't be far off; he hadn't expected he was still too young.

Who would have thought that the skeletal forces hidden behind the Taiping Sect actually commanded such powerful elite strength.

"General Qiao, these elite units are the treasures of our Taiping Sect."

"Although they are few in number, each one is a warrior selected from a hundred miles."

Zhao Shikui walked up beside Qiao Shefei and spoke softly.

"Deputy Hall Master Zhao, today I finally understand the profound foundation of the Taiping Sect."

"These elite units, whether in equipment or training, have reached an extremely high standard."

"They are almost on par with the Azure Dragon Regiment personally trained by the Supreme Commander."

Qiao Shefei took a deep breath and sighed.

This is not surprising, after all, Meng Zhang's Azure Dragon Regiment was only recently established.

Even though during this time they have plundered resources from the Yellow Turban Rebellion and gained extensive combat experience.

It has allowed Meng Zhang's Azure Dragon Regiment to grow rapidly.

Reaching the level of contemporary elite forces.

But the forces that the hidden skeletal powers behind the Taiping Sect have brought out now.

Are all the trump cards we have kept hidden.

At this moment, Qiao Shefei stood on high ground, looking down at the gradually approaching elite units of the various hidden forces behind the Taiping Sect, secretly feeling anxious.

He well knows the strength of these elites; if they truly engage in battle.

It would definitely be an earth-shaking force.

Even if our side could win, it would inevitably be a pyrrhic victory.

Therefore, transmitting the news to Supreme Commander Meng Zhang to request support or instructions is especially important.

"Balu, you need to find a way to send the news from here to the Supreme Commander."

He turned to look at his deputy captain Balu beside him and spoke softly.

In Qiao Shefei's view, although this deputy captain's strength is not great, when it comes to wit and stratagem he is quite the expert.

Balu heard this, and a glint of brilliance flashed in his eyes.

He pondered for a moment, then a plan formed in his mind.

"Captain, rest assured; I have a plan that will surely get the message back."

Balu said confidently.

Qiao Shefei raised his eyebrows slightly, signaling Balu to speak quickly.

"We can make use of the communication between these elite units."

Balu explained softly, "Although the Taiping Sect's elite forces are strong, they must have a way to communicate among themselves."

"We only need to intercept those messages, then mix in our own information, and we can transmit the intelligence back without anyone noticing."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Shefei's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration.

This is indeed a clever scheme; it avoids direct confrontation while ensuring the message gets through.

"Good, this matter is left to you to handle."

"Be sure to act carefully."

Qiao Shefei patted Balu on the shoulder.

Balu nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

He changed into Taiping Sect attire and silently blended into a group of messengers who were transmitting information.

These messengers were busy transmitting battle reports and orders between the units, and Balu seized the opportunity to intercept a piece of intelligence.

He quickly skimmed it, and a plan formed in his mind.

He took out the pen and ink he carried, and cleverly added his own message onto the intercepted intelligence.

The handwriting matched the Taiping Sect's document style exactly, making it hard to detect any anomaly.

After doing all this, Balu placed the intelligence back where it belonged, waiting for it to be transmitted onward.

He fully understood the importance of this intelligence, so every step he took was cautious, fearing any mistake.

Not long after, this altered intelligence reached the hands of the hidden masters behind the Taiping Sect.

They did not notice the anomaly; they simply screened the intelligence as usual and then passed it on to the rear Supreme Commander Meng Zhang.

As the nominal Supreme Commander of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Meng Zhang naturally had the privilege to enjoy the Taiping Sect's, or rather these hidden masters' subordinate intelligence system.

Therefore, as long as it is not overly sensitive information.

These hidden masters, upon receiving the intelligence, would also forward a copy to Meng Zhang.

Ensure Meng Zhang won't be plotted against by the Da Qian dynasty because of an intelligence issue.

At the same time, Qiao Shefei and Balu at the other end of the battlefield also let out a sigh of relief.

Knowing the message had been successfully transmitted, all that remains is to await the Commander-in-Chief's orders.

"General, the message has been sent out."

Balu returned to Qiao Shefei's side and spoke softly.

"Good!"

"Balu, you have rendered great merit this time."

Qiao Shefei nodded, a hint of relief appearing on his face.

"It's all thanks to the captain's proper guidance."

Balu laughed modestly.

The two exchanged smiles, and the anxiety in their hearts lessened considerably.

Qiao Shefei actually always knew Meng Zhang was not truly wholeheartedly devoted to the Yellow Turban Army.

Although he was in the Yellow Turban Army, he deeply knew Meng Zhang was not inferior to any side of the Taiping Sect or the Yellow Turban Army.

However, what of it?

His loyalty to the Purple Abyss Unit has never wavered because of Meng Zhang's identity.

"We are loyal to Meng Zhang, the brave and fearless, wise and courageous Dragon Soaring Commander-in-Chief on the battlefield."

Qiao Shefei silently recited it in his heart, his eyes flashing with determined light.

The soldiers of the Purple Abyss Unit, whose identities had been implanted earlier, were all drifters within the Yellow Turban Army.

Each one was an elite handpicked by Meng Zhang from the million-strong Yellow Turban Army.

They, like Qiao Shefei, were filled with admiration and trust for Meng Zhang.

In their eyes, Meng Zhang was not only a Commander-in-Chief, but also a goal worthy of their pursuit and struggle.

Meng Zhang—this name had long surpassed a mere identity marker in their hearts.

He is their soul, their faith.

No matter whom Meng Zhang serves, they will follow him without hesitation.

Qiao Shefei raised his head to gaze at the sky, seeing only the clouds roiling, as if foreshadowing the impending turmoil.

He drew a deep breath, casting aside the fatigue of battle.

No matter how perilous the road ahead, he will fight shoulder to shoulder with the Purple Abyss Unit for the Commander-in-Chief!

(End of chapter)