[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut":3,"chapter-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-162":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting from the Battlefield: Gathering Attributes to Build the All-Heavens Ming Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2341969,4577,"Chapter 162: Unrelated to the Shen Family","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-162",162,"\u003Cp>As Lin Fu gave the order: “Attack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice echoed before the Zhu residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of Zhu household guards immediately moved, each with murderous intent, raising their clubs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They swung violently at the Shen family servants and Shen Rong before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, cries of pain from the Shen servants filled the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounding civilians gathered to watch, murmuring among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shen Yuer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by the sudden assault, Shen Rong panicked, stumbling in disarray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he fled backward in disgrace, his face flushed red, he spat out: “You ungrateful, traitorous bitch! You’ll regret this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fury looked as if he meant to devour Shen Yuer alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This ordeal had pushed Shen Rong’s rage to its peak, nearly consuming his reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of Shen Wansan’s warnings before he left were forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beat them to death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beat them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhu household guards showed no mercy, striking relentlessly with their clubs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under this onslaught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shen family group gathered before the Zhu residence was utterly overwhelmed, too terrified to fight back—only fleeing in panic, and within moments, they vanished like stray dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Mistress,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu turned, smiling with satisfaction and approval toward Shen Yuer, then said slowly: “You did right. The entire Shen family are treacherous, profit-driven scoundrels!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Shen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They wanted us dead—if I still showed them mercy, I’d be betraying my husband.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no ties to the Shen family anymore!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer’s gaze was cold, her face set with resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in Danning, when the Shen family sent assassins to kill her, all bonds were severed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never felt affection from the Shen family since childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shen family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That bitch Shen Yuer beat us back with clubs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at these wounds—she should’ve been killed long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Shen Rong returned, he clutched his face and angrily told Shen Wansan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without explicit words, Shen Wansan understood: Shen Yuer rejected his family’s overture—she would never accept them again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can no longer reconcile with Zhu Ying.” Shen Wansan’s eyes hardened with coldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Northern Frontier, Northern Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Northern Yuan imperial pasture stretched boundlessly, merging with the horizon, endless to the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Report!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great General! Ming troops spotted ten li away—they’re advancing toward us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scout galloped up, hooves kicking up dust, then reined in sharply before Guili Chi and shouted his report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Report! Ming troops are now less than five li from us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another scout arrived swiftly, likewise reporting the military situation to Guili Chi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Northern Yuan cavalry’s central command, scouts raced across the pasture, galloping to deliver reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this command center,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As far as the eye could see, the land was covered with Northern Yuan cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each cavalryman wore heavy armor, gripping long swords and spears, radiating a chilling aura of slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Northern Yuan’s elite force: the Northern Yuan Iron Cavalry!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From their demeanor alone, it was clear they were a formidable unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ming finally came to die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi sat astride his warhorse, a cold sneer on his face—contempt for the Ming, confidence in his troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great General,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Yuan general’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he asked urgently: “The Ming are coming—should we launch a full assault and crush them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just him—all the Yuan officers around Guili Chi clenched fists, eager to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This battle,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each Yuan officer’s eyes burned with certainty of victory—as if defeating the Ming was as easy as reaching into a pouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After assembling his hundred thousand cavalry, Guili Chi immediately petitioned the Yuan Emperor, advocating an offensive strike to annihilate the Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial pasture lay closest to the Yuan capital, with dozens of li of flat plains—perfect for cavalry warfare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Guili Chi’s view, no matter how strong the Ming army, facing his hundred thousand iron cavalry, they had no chance—only annihilation awaited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To him, this plain was the Ming’s grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi had no fear the Ming would bypass his cavalry to attack the Yuan capital directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because over three hundred thousand troops guarded the cities surrounding the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should the Ming engage those defenders, his cavalry could rush to reinforce and crush them from both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This battle,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had laid a net so vast the Ming could only walk into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his plan, the Ming had no choice but to face his great Yuan iron cavalry head-on—or retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since the Ming came, they clearly intend to fight us head-on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi’s face remained confident, calm: “Once they enter this pasture, they’ll be trapped—no need to rush!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Guili Chi, this battle was a rare opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Yuan Emperor had promised!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he won, crushed the Ming, he would be granted a princely title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Northern Yuan, a princely title carried immense weight—once enfeoffed, his tribe would gain greater power, nearly autonomous, even able to expand outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a prince, he need only pay tribute to the Northern Yuan court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A prince!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi’s mind already painted a grand vision: his tribe’s growth, his rising power—all within reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Guili Chi’s heart, his ambition stretched far beyond a princely title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If his tribe’s strength ever surpassed the court’s, would he still bow and pay tribute?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought flashed through his mind, then buried deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, all his focus was on the coming battle—only victory could grant him the chance to become a prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Great General is right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This battle—the Ming dare face our great Yuan iron cavalry? They seek death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When the Ming arrive, I volunteer as vanguard—I’ll slaughter them to the last man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly! Let the Ming see the true might of our Yuan iron cavalry—wipe them out completely!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yuan officers chorused in agreement, brimming with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their eyes, once the Ming stepped onto this vast plain, victory was assured by cavalry superiority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To them, this battle was pure glory to be claimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who wouldn’t long for it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Report!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another scout rider galloped up at full speed before Guili Chi and shouted: “The Ming vanguard cavalry is less than two li away—but for some reason, they’ve suddenly halted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout’s face held confusion—he clearly found the Ming’s sudden stop inexplicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as a scout, reporting the information is enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many troops does the Ming army have? Can you confirm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi frowned, a flicker of caution in his eyes, and asked in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ming army numbers no less than one hundred fifty thousand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout cavalry did not hesitate for a moment and quickly replied: “But most are infantry; cavalry numbers are few.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ming army’s strongest forces are their infantry and artillery.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi lowered his head, pondered for a moment, rapidly analyzed the battlefield, then said firmly: \"Today, this land is the Great Yuan's domain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve stopped advancing only to test the strength of our Great Yuan iron cavalry, hoping to lure us into attacking by adopting a defensive stance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi’s smile grew even broader—he was certain he had seen through the Ming army’s tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand General,” one Yuan general looked at Guili Chi and cautiously asked: “The Ming army is only two li away. Should we attack or continue waiting here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This royal pasture is the grave I’ve chosen for the Ming army.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since they’ve come, let our Great Yuan iron cavalry bury them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi sneered, a flash of resolve in his eyes—he had made his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand General.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another Yuan general, his expression cautious, spoke slowly: “The Ming army suddenly halted. Could there be a trick?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the general’s face showed clear concern—he was deeply suspicious of the Ming army’s actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi threw back his head and laughed loudly, his laughter brimming with confidence: “I have one hundred thousand iron cavalry, and this is an open plain. Even if the Ming artillery is powerful, how can it stand against my cavalry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if the Ming infantry numbers in the tens of thousands, I will crush them into pulp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi spoke coldly, revealing a cruel smile—as if he already saw the Ming army trampled into dust by his Great Yuan iron cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi no longer hesitated. He drew his curved sword from his waist, raised it high, and roared: “Meng Ha! Na Li! Where are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice spread instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servants are here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two burly Yuan generals, faces lined with thick muscle, immediately spurred their horses forward and shouted in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My one hundred thousand iron cavalry will now employ an encirclement and flanking tactic to surround and annihilate the Ming army!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi’s eyes glowed with cruel intent as he stared at the two generals and roared: “I order you two, each to lead thirty thousand cavalry, to flank left and right and encircle the Ming army!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once you’ve opened the flanking attacks, I will personally lead forty thousand iron cavalry to strike the Ming army’s main formation head-on and crush them in one blow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servants obey!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two generals clasped their fists and shouted in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they turned and swiftly rode back to their respective troops, preparing to lead the iron cavalry into battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today’s battle—if we crush the Ming army—it is a great achievement!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Emperor will reward us handsomely!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My sons, kill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guili Chi swung his curved sword and roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice, fierce and stirring, instantly ignited the Yuan army’s fighting spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great Yuan warriors, glory awaits today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Charge with me! Slay the Ming!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Ha and Na Li also raised their battle swords and screamed with all their might. Their faces glowed with excitement and fervor—they believed victory in this battle would be effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, each led thirty thousand iron cavalry, like two black torrents, splitting left and right, charging toward the Ming army’s position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their warhorses neighed, hooves thundering as if they would shatter the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one hundred thousand Northern Yuan cavalry, previously standing still, moved instantly at this command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iron cavalry surged forward; the earth shook violently, as if a minor earthquake had struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noise from sixty thousand Northern Yuan cavalry charging was deafening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dust from the grasslands rose high, blotting out the sun, like a vast dark cloud covering the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And two li away, this was not the entire Ming army—only a cavalry force of fewer than ten thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Report!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Ming scout cavalryman galloped up at full speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he reached the Ming general Liu Zhen, he shouted at once: “General Liu! The Yuan cavalry has moved—they’re charging toward us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhen nodded firmly, his eyes fixed on the direction of the distant Yuan cavalry, a gleam of excitement flashing in them—he had been waiting for this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Yuan army has taken the bait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, it’s time for the General’s Dragon Gate Array to shine,” Liu Zhen thought silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth began to tremble violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, countless Yuan cavalry surged forward like a tidal wave; their battle banners snapped loudly in the wind, now clearly visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brothers, retreat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhen did not hesitate—he instantly turned his horse and shouted the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten thousand Ming cavalry moved in perfect unison, without a moment’s delay, swiftly turning their horses and retreating backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, they were merely bait—intended to draw close to the Yuan army and lure them into pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to engage them head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ming army is fleeing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cowardly barbarians!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My sons! The Ming are right ahead! Our Great Yuan iron cavalry is invincible—catch them and slaughter every last Han barbarian!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wretched Han barbarians deserve only to be slaves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Destroy this Ming force that dares invade our Great Yuan! Kill them! Then our Great Yuan warriors will storm the Central Plains and reclaim the empire! Kill, my sons...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the retreating Ming cavalry, many Yuan generals grew even more frenzied, waving their weapons and screaming hoarsely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Yuan iron cavalry was number one in the world!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This belief was deeply etched into every Northern Yuan heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ming cavalry’s retreat did not surprise them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they suspected a trick, with their absolute cavalry advantage on the open plain, they dismissed any such tricks as meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They firmly believed that before absolute strength, all schemes and deceptions would crumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill! Kill! Slaughter every Han barbarian!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill them all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fueled by the incitement of the Yuan generals, the cavalry’s morale soared to its peak—they furiously chased the Ming army, their eyes filled only with slaughter and conquest, as if determined to annihilate every last Ming soldier before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sixty thousand cavalry charged at full speed, hooves thundering like rolling thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by boundless killing intent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several li beyond the pursuing Yuan army, a massive formation of one hundred thousand troops had already taken shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This grand military array loomed majestically, unified as one, dominating half the vast plain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers within stood ready, gripping weapons and shields tightly, every warrior’s face set with determination—as if awaiting a life-or-death battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The formation took the shape of the Eight Trigrams and Eight Gates—but it was no ordinary Eight Trigrams Array. It was the unpredictable Dragon Gate Array.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the enemy entered, they would be split and surrounded, trapped in endless slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every corner of the Dragon Gate Array concealed hidden mechanisms, like a vast labyrinth designed to disorient and confuse the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the outermost edge of the Dragon Gate Array, shield troops stood ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Numerous shield-bearers stood tightly packed, their shields interlocked, forming an unbreakable wall of defense, like an impregnable city gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very center of the Dragon Gate Array, a towering platform rose from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying, clad in battle armor, stood atop the platform, holding a set of array flags in different colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the platform, a group of generals stood in neat formation—all were Commandants, holding command over tens of thousands of troops, awaiting Zhu Ying’s orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luo Hua!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying swept his gaze across the ranks, hurled a green array flag downward toward one general, and roared: “I command you to hold the Xi Men! Exercise absolute life-or-death authority over the Xi Men! Any enemy who enters the Xi Men—kill without mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying’s voice rang like thunder, filled with authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant obeys!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Hua caught the flag firmly with both hands and replied loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he swiftly mounted his horse and led his personal guards racing toward the Xi Men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhuang Wei!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhu Ying had finished speaking, he hurled another flag downward: “I command you to hold the Sheng Men! Exercise absolute life-or-death authority over the Sheng Men! Any enemy who enters the Sheng Men—kill on sight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant obeys!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuang Wei raised his formation flag high, leapt onto his horse, and swiftly rode toward the Life Gate under his command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying handed out formation flags one by one to the remaining six generals and issued orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With each flag lowered, the movements were swift and decisive; at this moment, Zhu Ying was weaving an invisible net of formation, assigning each general to control a small array while he himself held the great array, ready to face the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Gate Formation, with its eight gates each concealing profound mysteries, embodies the principles of the Eight Trigrams and the Dao of Heaven and Earth, shifting unpredictably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire formation’s operation was controlled by Zhu Ying alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a thousand years, the Dragon Gate Formation has reappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within this Dragon Gate Formation, even though the Northern Yuan cavalry excelled at charging across open plains, once the great array was fully deployed, every side became a wall of bronze and iron, every gate hiding endless deadly traps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once anyone stepped inside, death was nearly certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When all the generals reached their assigned gates, Zhu Ying stood atop the high platform, holding one flag in each hand, gazing northward, waiting silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The great array is set. Now we wait for the Northern Yuan cavalry to enter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon Gate Formation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A trap to encircle and annihilate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the essence of our Han Chinese military formations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, let me, Zhu Ying, restore the might of the Dragon Gate Formation,” Zhu Ying thought inwardly, brimming with lethal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the Dragon Gate Formation, thirty thousand cavalry stood in orderly silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with Liu Zhen’s ten thousand cavalry used as bait, the total reached forty thousand cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of these, thirty thousand were from Danning, and ten thousand from the Beiping Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the cavalry waited quietly, ready to serve as the final fresh force to finish off the battle once the Dragon Gate Formation had destroyed most of the Northern Yuan cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, they obeyed Zhu Ying’s orders, waiting for the optimal moment to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the rear army’s encampment, a tall watchtower stood solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Ying, Zhu Di, and Li Jinglong stood side by side atop the tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes converged on the vast Dragon Gate Formation, its immense military array clearly visible before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think this Dragon Gate Formation can truly stand up to the Northern Yuan cavalry head-on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Ying frowned, his eyes locked on the formation, revealing unmistakable unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This battle was of critical importance; the entire fifteen-thousand-strong force of both armies had staked everything on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we engaged the Northern Yuan cavalry directly, this fifteen-thousand-strong force would be no match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, all hope rested on Zhu Ying’s meticulously arranged Dragon Gate Formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we lost,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only would Zhu Ying be punished—neither would I, as Grand General, escape blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Ying was gambling now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gambling that Zhu Ying would win!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he would defeat the Northern Yuan cavalry head-on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Ying’s expression was complex: “But aside from relying on Zhu Ying, I truly cannot think of another way to counter the Northern Yuan cavalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand General,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jinglong, however, was supremely confident; his eyes were fixed on the Dragon Gate Formation, as if utterly captivated, filled with awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I do not understand the secrets of this Dragon Gate Formation, merely observing its formation and layout is breathtakingly magnificent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It matches exactly the descriptions of the Dragon Gate Formation in ancient texts!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jinglong spoke with evident admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di remained silent beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di’s expression mirrored Li Jinglong’s—his eyes filled with awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a military commander, Zhu Di had studied numerous formations in depth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this Dragon Gate Formation, compared to the long-snake formation or offensive arrays he knew, was like a giant dwarfing a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were not even on the same level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dragon Gate Formation: eight gates as dragon gates, all eight gates are death gates; once inside, there is no escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This lost military formation, vanished for a thousand years, has been mastered by Zhu Ying!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di marveled inwardly, his heart filled with awe for the Dragon Gate Formation, yet tangled with complex emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From this formation alone, it is indeed unpredictable and boundless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Ying sighed deeply, his voice tinged with worry: “I truly hope General Zhu can use this formation to crush the Northern Yuan cavalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Otherwise, we will have no recourse in this northern campaign.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he trusted Zhu Ying, Guo Ying still feared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“General Zhu will not let us down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jinglong declared firmly, brimming with unwavering faith in Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di remained silent, offering no opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within him, his thoughts were conflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, he longed to crush the Northern Yuan and defend the Great Ming’s borders, ending the threat from the northern frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet on the other, he did not wish for Zhu Ying to gain another great victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhu Ying truly annihilates ten thousand Northern Yuan cavalry, this would be an immense achievement—he would very likely be promoted again, rising to an even higher rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Zhu Di’s heart not be complicated?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a period of waiting, thunderous hoofbeats drew near from afar, as countless cavalry surged across the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhen led the way, riding at the front, guiding his ten thousand cavalry toward the formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the Dragon Gate Formation, the cavalry swiftly split apart, orderly and disciplined, circling around the great array and converging toward the rear army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re finally here! The Yuan troops!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the central high platform, Zhu Ying gazed northward, using his elevated position to overlook the entire land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, the Yuan cavalry split into two wings, surging forward with overwhelming murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth trembled beneath the hooves of the Yuan cavalry; the air itself was thick with a heavy, deadly aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Formation—activate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying roared, his voice echoing across the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clutching both formation flags tightly, he swung them violently, issuing the formation command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3478,"2026-06-20T23:30:09.614Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","17334df5de4f637cd731302b7af74bb70dcd54a0503b71e23bb486964c964910","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-163","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-161",204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-cover.jpg"]