Chapter 642: If You Won't Go Up, I Will

Deep night.

Chen Wuyi leads one thousand central troops, forming ranks in front of the Lìng.

Each soldier held a fire starter, with a pouch at the waist stuffed full of Shocking Heaven Thunder.

Chen Wuji stood in front, repeatedly explaining the matters that needed attention.

The most important thing is that Shocking Heaven Thunder must be kept away from fire sources.

Each soldier carried six Shocking Heaven Thunder; if one carelessly tossed a fire starter into the pouch, the whole squad would be doomed.

After going over it two or three times, once Chen Wuji confirmed the soldiers had heard it, he then ordered the troops to advance.

Actually his idea was to send out all three thousand central troops, each carrying two, rush forward and throw them all out—that would be enough. But Xu Zengyi thought that not leaving three or four thousand soldiers in the Daying would threaten Chen Wuji's safety; he absolutely disagreed, even resorting to his Kneeling Great Method, forcing Chen Wuji to give up.

The night was dark and deep; Zhi Xu Daozhang, leading the Daoists of Fuyun Guan, was still performing the Ritual, the chanting sounding harmonious and tranquil, carrying a kind of profound and mysterious ethereal power, as if truly connecting to some unknown place.

Under the dim, flickering lights, that watchtower appeared menacing and gloomy.

But it also seemed to carry an indescribable meaning.

Chen Wuyi led one thousand central troops, feeling their way in the dark along the edge of the forest and abandoned villages, heading toward the Qiang Ren Da Ying.

Chen Wuji sat on an open space outside the Daying, holding a jug of wine.

The early spring air was very fresh; even at night, the scent of plants was rich.

If there were no war, this place would surely be a very harmonious homeland.

Unfortunately, it's not near a water source; if there were a small river flowing through the village, Chen Wuji would call this place a paradise beyond the world.

The land is level and fertile, with mountains and water—how could it not be called beautiful?

Xu Zengyi walked over, slightly behind Chen Wuji, and sat cross-legged on the grass, saying, 'The sight of all six thousand Shocking Heaven Thunder falling would surely be spectacular; I suspect this battle might end directly in this way.'

"Aren't the Qiang People not that cowardly?" Chen Wuji handed the wine jug to Xu Zengyi, "Can we drink now? Let's have a couple of swigs; today we shall have wine."

"I could have drunk long ago; I always thought I wouldn't last two years, I even made a coffin for myself, but unexpectedly I've actually lasted this long." Xu Zengyi laughed, tilted his head back and gulped a mouthful of wine, "This stuff is still great."

He wiped his mouth with a satisfied look, savoring the wine's flavor, and said, "The Qiang People aren't cowardly, but the power of six thousand Shocking Heaven Thunder is nothing to scoff at."

"Then I'll take your auspicious words as a loan; I've emptied my family's resources, and if we don't achieve any effect, we'd truly be ruined." Chen Wuji said.

Although he lacked confidence, he also hoped that with this battle he would level the Zhong Qiang tribe, crush their spirit into powder, and leave them without the courage to fight a decisive battle.

Boom!

A rumbling sound came from afar.

Without intense fire, it flashed briefly and then vanished.

"It's started!" Chen Wuji's spirit jolted, and his waist reflexively straightened.

In the next instant, rumbling sounds erupted one after another, and flames shot up.

Boom boom boom!

Boom boom boom!

The intense rumbling drowned out all other sounds, and the ground trembled slightly.

"Fighting like this is exhilarating!" Chen Wuji's eyes gleamed, his whole body instantly excited; seeing this trend, he thought his modest goal of leveling the Qiang Ren Da Ying should at least be thirty percent achievable.

"Shocking Heaven Thunder is truly a rare treasure." Xu Zengyi also sighed.

"That Old Master truly shows boundless care for the lord. In the Former Dynasty, the turmoil caused by Shocking Heaven Thunder affected countless people; after too many died, it vanished, and I never expected Zhang Lao to selflessly give the lord its formula."

"After all, he's my master!" Chen Wuji laughed.

Actually, he was also quite surprised.

Zhang Lao's actions usually have deep meaning; so far, Chen Wuji hasn't fully grasped those intentions. This master of his is even more mysterious than the Old Deng of the Snake Staff.

The one thing Chen Wuji is certain of is that Zhang Lao did not harm him.

Those in high positions cannot avoid suspicion; they unconsciously think more and farther about things, but Chen Wuji is willing to set aside principles and trust Zhang Lao.

The intense rumbling ceased.

The six thousand Shocking Heaven Thunder lasted less than two quarters of an hour.

"It's a shame the night is too enchanting; I can't see clearly what's happening over there, and I'm genuinely curious!" Chen Wuji murmured, then turned to Xu Zengyi, "Should we seize the opportunity to attack the camp now? Our army excels at Night Battle, and the Qiang People's cavalry is a weakness at night."

"Yes, General Chen Li and the others should be arriving soon." Xu Zengyi said.

Chen Wuji raised his eyebrows slightly, "Sir, you actually summoned the generals behind my back."

"If the lord weren't set on personally leading the troops into battle, I wouldn't have done this." Xu Zengyi said, "When I swallowed that sip of wine just now, I was worried the lord might suddenly feel inspired, lead the central troops out to fight, and I feared I wouldn't be able to stop him even by kneeling."

Chen Wuji: ……

Can't people have a bit more trust between them?

"Old Xu, you're going too far; I'm actually quite receptive to advice." Chen Wuji shouted.

Xu Zengyi gave Chen Wuji a meaningful glance, "But the lord is also very good at playing chess."

Chen Wuji: ……

Damn it!

He just wanted to personally lead the Bīngmǎ into battle; is it really necessary to be so strictly defensive?

I don't know what's going on, but I suddenly feel weary.

Half a year ago, he was still sitting on horseback, leading the charge as a novice on the battlefield.

That horse was still extorted from Qin Zhanhong's hands.

In the blink of an eye, that half-year has passed, and everything is no longer as it once was.

Behind him came a sound of footsteps.

"Lord!"

"Greetings, Commander!"

Greetings, Commander Chen!

Chen Li, Xie Fengxian, Tang Yu, Chen Ruoshui, Hu Bu Gui — everyone who should come has come.

"You handle the arrangements." Chen Wuji waved at Xu Zengyi.

Because of some irresistible force, he doesn't really want to think right now.

Xu Zengyi smiled and issued orders directly: "The military situation is urgent; make it brief; all commanders, hear the order!"

"Present!"

"Tang Yu, as a guest army, the important task of blocking the Qiang people I entrust to you. Lead your troops to set up defenses below Wuyang Pass, cut off the Qiang's retreat; if the Qiang do not retreat, seize Wuyang Pass and garrison there." Xu Zengyi instructed.

Tang Yu did not directly accept the order, but said: "Mr. Xu, although our forces are guest troops, before we set out, Yang Jinglve specifically instructed that Commander Chen Wuji not treat us as guest troops. Please also choose a more suitable assignment for us, Mr. Xu, and do not give us preferential treatment just because we are guest troops."