Chapter 29

Very good, we've also met now; hurry back to rest, make all preparations, and after we've eaten dinner later we'll set out.

Just as the 850 people shouted in unison at the height of their fervor, Shen Tianxing raised his hand to signal them to stop, gave the order, and they immediately responded.

Yes, sir!

The crowd dispersed, but Zhang Yun was held back by Shen Tianxing's hand on his shoulder, so he had to stay and listen to Shen Tianxing's orders.

It seems you are born to lead troops; I was worried you couldn't manage them, so I specially found Zhang Yun for you, but now it looks like I overthought it—still, it's good, having your own ability is better than anything.

Yang Hongyue finished speaking and went to her tent; Shen Tianxing didn't say anything else, turned his head and looked at Zhang Yun.

May I ask, sir, what are your orders?

Zhang Yun was very respectful, but felt a little nervous inside.

You don't need to be so formal; I have a brother—arrange for him to go to the Fire Head Army, and when you have time teach him a few moves.

Upon hearing Shen Tianxing's words, and seeing him point to Shen Erhu, Zhang Yun immediately relaxed, smiling and nodding.

Ah, that's how it is—no problem, sir; I'll take him to make the arrangements right away, and I'll definitely satisfy you.

Shen Tianxing smiled and nodded; then Zhang Yun took Shen Erhu and left.

Shen Tianxing also returned to his tent, began preparations, first checking his character attributes to see if anything could be enhanced.

Host: Shen Tianxing

Martial Strength: 545+ (1500)

Defense: 271+ (1300)

Stamina: 5350/5450

Speed: 273+ (350)

Martial Arts: Basic Blade Technique Proficient, Pojun Blade Technique Skilled, Kill God Three Blades Small Success, Wind Thunder Nine Turns Skilled, Wandering Dragon Nine Spears Proficient.

Special Skills: True Eye of Reality, Three Seconds Invincible.

Martial Arts Linked Skill: Kill God Three Blades Slash.

Item Linked Skill: Disguise

Internal Force: 270 (Nine Yang Divine Skill +10%)

Luck: 59 (max 100, randomly generated each day, can be temporarily boosted by consuming large amounts of Killing Value, up to +20)

Martial Dao Realm: Third-Rank Six Layers (equipment bonus equivalent to Fifth-Rank Four Layers)

Equipment: Intermediate Dragon-Slaying Saber, Black Tortoise Armor, Swallow Wind Boots, White Gold Dragon-Engraved Ring, special item God Slayer Mask (all attributes +10%)

Killing Value: 3905

Money: 1310 silver, 50 gold

The Pojun Blade Technique can be upgraded, we have enough Killing Value, the Basic Blade Technique can be upgraded, but the others lack sufficient Killing Value.

Upgrade Pojun Blade Technique to Proficient, Basic Blade Technique to Small Success.

Congratulations, Host, using 1000 Killing Value upgraded Pojun Blade Technique to Proficient.

Congratulations, Host, using 1000 Killing Value upgraded Basic Blade Technique to Small Success.

Basic Blade Technique itself does not increase attributes, but it can improve proficiency when the blade technique is executed.

This proficiency has little relation to level; it is the extra proficiency added after already reaching that level's proficiency, and currently Small Success proficiency adds a 50% boost.

As for Pojun Blade Technique, being a group attack blade technique, its inherent bonus is not large; reaching Proficient only increases damage by 25%, but with Shen Tianxing's current martial strength backing it, the effect is still quite formidable.

Whether it's Thunder Green, Delightful, Royal Snow Cake, or flower cigarettes, they are sufficient for now, and most importantly there are the Small Watermelon Bombs.

The Small Watermelon Bomb is Shen Tianxing's confidence in holding the North City Gate this time, and also his highest-tech trump card; although its blast radius is only 15 meters, at critical moments it can blast open a clear area and also produce a tremendous deterrent effect.

After the check, Shen Tianxing lay down to sleep, resting his spirit so he can stay up tonight; tomorrow he still has a big battle.

When he was half-asleep, Shen Tianxing heard the voice of Red Clothes from beside his ear.

It's time to get up; your troops are eating, and they'll set out after they finish.

Shen Tianxing sat up, closed his eyes, after a moment opened them, walked to the side, washed his face with cold water and rinsed his mouth, and his mental state returned to peak.

You can help me kill enemies, but you cannot complete the mission nor earn Killing Value; then you stay behind me, and when I break into the encirclement, my back will be entrusted to you—though will you get hurt?

Shen Tianxing picked up the rice soup on the table, ate it with steamed buns, meanwhile gave Red Clothes her mission and asked a question.

This is certain, for know that I am now a physical entity, and I have replicated all your attributes; naturally all the skills, weapons, and armor I use are a 1:1 copy of yours.

Likewise, the special items that temporarily boost attributes have the same effect on me when used; the only flaw is that I can be injured and die, but my death is not a true death.

For this kind of helper who fights and dies for you, you can use Killing Value to reshape a body for me so I can reappear, with attire and appearance adjustable; anyway it won't be the original me.

Shen Tianxing stroked his chin, thought carefully, and with his current strength the replica could still have attribute bonuses; this Red Clothes wanting to die won't be that easy.

Then it's happily decided; time to set out.

Having said that, Shen Tianxing walked out of the tent; outside, Zhang Yun and the others were already waiting, and the second- and third-tier troop types summoned by the system were also in the ranks, led by Zhao Lingfei.

Moreover, the light cavalry's horses are all in their respective horse spaces; this is unique to the light cavalry, and only the horses given by the system can be stored there; others cannot be stored, and even Shen Tianxing cannot use it.

Are you all ready? Any regrets?

We are ready, absolutely no regrets!

The officers and soldiers replied in unison.

Very well, follow me to set out; before dawn, we must reach the North City Gate of Humen Pass, to strengthen our Great Zhou! Exalt our nation's prestige, fight to the death without retreat!

Strengthen our Great Zhou, exalt our nation's prestige, fight to the death without retreat!

The officers and soldiers roared, their blood surging; afterward they all mounted their horses and followed Shen Tianxing to set off at the fastest Suodu.

Watching Shen Tianxing lead his soldiers away, Sun Tiejun, standing on the city tower of An City, curled the corner of his mouth.

I thought he was formidable, but he's just a glory‑seeking rash fool; send a message to Commandant Wang, who is lying in ambush outside the North City Gate of Humen Pass, telling him that we can only launch troops after Shen Tianxing dies.

Moreover, if Shen Tianxing fights while retreating, define him as a deserter, immediately dispatch troops, and, on the condition of holding the North City Gate, execute him on the spot.

Sun Tiejun issued the order, which was meant to cut off Shen Tianxing's retreat, but he did not know that this had long been part of Shen Tianxing's calculation.

"Having received orders, I will certainly make Shen Tianxing never return from this mission!"

Pan Dongpeng also looked very excited; Sun Tiejun still felt a bit uneasy, turning his head and again urging:

"Issue orders to Deputy Commander Chen inside Humen Pass, cut off the middle as much as possible, so that at least half of the Great Martial Soldiers will head toward the North City Gate; in that way, Shen Tianxing is sure to die."