Chapter 195

Black Pine Ridge.

Translation: "Black Pine Ridge." (Black Pine Ridge is a place name; translate meaning: Black Pine Ridge). Keep as single line: 【1】 Black Pine Ridge.

The mountains are steep, the forest deep and secluded.

Translation: "The terrain is steep and the forest is deep and secluded." Need to keep meaning. Could be: "The mountains are steep, the woods deep and dark." Let's produce: 【2】 The mountains are steep, the forest deep and secluded.

A narrow, winding trail barely wide enough for horses and carts snakes between two mountain cliffs; it is a shortcut to the rear of the Hukou Pass, and Chen Wen judges it a likely route for the enemy to detour and transport troops or supplies.

The main force of the Jing'an Army lies hidden in the shadow of this mountain ridge.

Translation: "The main force of the Jing'an Army now lies hidden in the shadows of this mountain ridge." Let's produce: 【4】 The main force of the Jing'an Army now lies hidden in the shadows of this mountain ridge.

Men and horses bite the plume, hooves wrapped in thick cloth.

Men and horses bite the plume, hooves wrapped in thick cloth.

Apart from the wind moaning through the treetops and the occasional birdcall, the whole forest is deathly silent.

Translation: "Apart from the wind's wail through the treetops and occasional bird calls, the whole forest is deathly silent." Let's produce: 【6】 Apart from the wind's wail through the treetops and occasional bird calls, the whole forest is deathly silent.

Chen Wen stood behind a large boulder on the ridge, his gaze sweeping the valley below like a hawk.

Translation: "Chen Wen stands behind a huge boulder on the ridge, his gaze sweeping the valley below like a hawk." Let's produce: 【7】 Chen Wen stands behind a huge boulder on the ridge, his gaze sweeping the valley below like a hawk.

His standard iron armor was specked with dust, indistinguishable from that of ordinary soldiers, save for the calm and confident look in his eyes that revealed his rank as commander.

Translation: "His standard iron armor is dusted with some soil, no different from that of ordinary soldiers, but the calm and confident control in his eyes reveal his identity as commander." Let's produce: 【8】 His standard iron armor is dusted with some soil, no different from that of ordinary soldiers, but the calm and confident control in his eyes reveal his identity as commander.

Shi Dun stood like an iron tower at his side, constantly fingering his newly issued infantry breastplate, appearing somewhat restless.

Translation: "Shi Dun stands like an iron tower at his side, constantly rubbing the newly issued infantry armor's breastplate, appearing somewhat restless." Let's produce: 【9】 Shi Dun stands like an iron tower at his side, constantly rubbing the newly issued infantry armor's breastplate, appearing somewhat restless.

"My lord, the scouts report that a Northern Han supply convoy of about a thousand men, with three hundred guards, is heading this way and will arrive within half an hour."

Translation: "\"Sir, the scouts report: a Northern Han supply convoy of about a thousand, with three hundred escorts, is heading this way and will arrive within half an hour. \"" Let's produce: 【10】 "Sir, the scouts report: a Northern Han supply convoy of about a thousand, with three hundred escorts, is heading this way and will arrive within half an hour."

He lowered his voice, excited.

Translation: "He lowered his voice, excited." Let's produce: 【11】 He lowered his voice, excited.

"What the hell, this job?"

Translation: "What the hell, this haul?" Actually "What the hell, this job?" is colloquial: "What the hell, this job?" Could be "What the hell, this score?" Let's translate as: "What the hell, this job?" Let's produce: 【12】 "What the hell, this job?"

Chen Wen did not turn his head, still gazing at the valley.

Translation: "Chen Wen did not turn back, still gazing at the valley." Let's produce: 【13】 Chen Wen did not turn back, still gazing at the valley.

"The enemy's vanguard has assaulted Hukou Pass for three days without success; their morale is low, and they are now irritable and anxious."

Translation: "\"The enemy vanguard has assaulted Hukou Pass for three days without success, their morale is low—now is the time they are vexed and impatient. \"" Let's produce: 【14】 "The enemy vanguard has assaulted Hukou Pass for three days without success, their morale is low—now is the time they are vexed and impatient."

"This supply convoy is a morale booster for the front line, and also a bait."

Translation: "\"This supply convoy is a morale booster for the front line, and also bait. \"" Let's produce: 【15】 "This supply convoy is a morale booster for the front line, and also bait."

"Fight, we must fight."

Translation: "\"Fight, we must fight. \"" Let's produce: 【16】 "Fight, we must fight."

"But we must fight cleanly, fight fiercely, and erase their thought of using this road for a detour."

Translation: "\"But we must fight cleanly, fight fiercely, and erase their thought of using this route for a detour. \"" Let's produce: 【17】 "But we must fight cleanly, fight fiercely, and erase their thought of using this route for a detour."

He slightly closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into the pale blue system interface.

Translation: "He slightly closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into the pale blue system interface." Let's produce: 【18】 He slightly closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into the pale blue system interface.

【Personal Multiplier: Lv. 5 (32x)】

Translation: "【Personal Multiplier: Lv. 5 (32x)】" Let's produce: 【19】 【Personal Multiplier: Lv. 5 (32x)】

【Grantable: Massive 2x / Ultra-wide 4x / Wide 8x / Focused 16x】

Translation: "【Grantable: Massive 2x/Ultra-wide 4x/Wide 8x/Focused 16x】" Let's produce: 【20】 【Grantable: Massive 2x/Ultra-wide 4x/Wide 8x/Focused 16x】

It's time to test the power of the new tier of 'Ability Grant' in actual combat.

Translation: "It's time to test the power of the new tier of 'Ability Granting' in actual combat." Let's produce: 【21】 It's time to test the power of the new tier of Ability Granting in actual combat.

"Pass the order."

Translation: "\"Pass the order. \"" Let's produce: 【22】 "Pass the order."

He opened his eyes, his voice calm yet undeniably forceful.

Translation: "He opened his eyes, his voice steady yet carrying undeniable authority." Let's produce: 【23】 He opened his eyes, his voice steady yet carrying undeniable authority.

"The Divine Crossbow Battalion, advance to the preset positions on the cliff walls, with 'Wide Grant 8x'."

Translation: "\"Godly Arm Crossbow unit, advance to the preset positions on the cliff walls, 'Wide Grant 8x'. \"" Let's produce: 【24】 "Godly Arm Crossbow unit, advance to the preset positions on the cliff walls, Wide Grant 8x."

"Target the enemy guards and pack horses; three rounds of rapid fire, aiming for maximum casualties."

Translation: "\"Target the enemy escorts and pack horses, three rounds of rapid fire, aiming for maximum casualties. \"" Let's produce: 【25】 "Target the enemy escorts and pack horses, three rounds of rapid fire, aiming for maximum casualties."

"Shi Dun."

Translation: "\"Shi Dun. \"" Let's produce: 【26】 "Shi Dun."

"The subordinate is here!"

Translation: "\"Your subordinate is here! \"" Let's produce: 【27】 "Your subordinate is here!"

"Take your unit's finest company, I grant you 'Focused Grant 16x', and ambush in the rocks beyond the valley outlet."

Translation: "\"Take your unit's most elite company, I grant you Focused Grant 16x, and ambush behind the rocks at the valley exit. \"" Let's produce: 【28】 "Take your unit's most elite company, I grant you Focused Grant 16x, and ambush behind the rocks at the valley exit."

"After the crossbow bolts pass, amidst the enemy's confusion, cut off their retreat, slaughter the remnants, and let no one escape."

Translation: "\"After the crossbow bolts pass, in the enemy's confusion, cut off their retreat, annihilate the remnants, letting none escape. \"" Let's produce: 【29】 "After the crossbow bolts pass, in the enemy's confusion, cut off their retreat, annihilate the remnants, letting none escape."

"Order received!"

Translation: "\"Order received! \"" Let's produce: 【30】 "Order received!"

Shi Dun's eyes flashed with a terrifying light, his muscles tensing as if excited. With sixteenfold focused grant, he felt he could tear a tiger or leopard apart with his bare hands.

Translation: "Shi Dun's eyes instantly flashed with a terrifying light, his muscles tensing as if excited. Focused Grant 16x! He felt he could tear apart a tiger or leopard bare-handed!" Let's produce: 【31】 Shi Dun's eyes instantly flashed with a terrifying light, his muscles tensing as if excited. Focused Grant 16x! He felt he could tear apart a tiger or leopard bare-handed!

The orders were swiftly and silently passed down.

Translation: "The orders were swiftly and silently passed down." Let's produce: 【32】 The orders were swiftly and silently passed down.

On both sides of the cliffs, hundreds of crossbowmen quietly took position, adjusting their mighty divine crossbows, their eyes cold.

Translation: "On both sides of the cliffs, hundreds of crossbowmen quietly took position, adjusting their mighty Godly Arm Crossbows, their eyes cold." Let's produce: 【33】 On both sides of the cliffs, hundreds of crossbowmen quietly took position, adjusting their mighty Godly Arm Crossbows, their eyes cold.

Under the silent effect of 'Wide Grant 8x', they felt their crossbow mechanisms become weightless, the distant valley scenery seeming to be drawn near, becoming extraordinarily clear, even their judgment of wind speed and distance becoming instinctively precise.

Translation: "Under the silent effect of Wide Grant 8x, they felt the crossbow mechanism in their hands become weightless, the distant valley scenery seeming to draw near, becoming unusually clear, even their instinctive judgment of wind speed and distance becoming precise." Let's produce: 【34】 Under the silent effect of Wide Grant 8x, they felt the crossbow mechanism in their hands become weightless, the distant valley scenery seeming to draw near, becoming unusually clear, even their instinctive judgment of wind speed and distance becoming precise.

Behind the rubble at the valley outlet, the hundred elite soldiers hand‑picked by Shi Dun held their breath and focused.

Translation: "Behind the rock pile at the valley exit, the hundred elite soldiers handpicked by Shi Dun held their breath and focused." Let's produce: 【35】 Behind the rock pile at the valley exit, the hundred elite soldiers handpicked by Shi Dun held their breath and focused.

When the 'Focused Grant 16x' took effect, a violent surge of power instantly filled their bodies.

Translation: "When Focused Grant 16x took effect, a violent surge of power instantly filled their bodies." Let's produce: 【36】 When Focused Grant 16x took effect, a violent surge of power instantly filled their bodies.

Muscles bulged, blood surged, sight and hearing grew extraordinarily sharp, the blades they gripped feeling like extensions of their arms, and a craving for slaughter and destruction churned in their chests.

Translation: "Muscles bulged, blood surged, sight and hearing became extraordinarily sharp, the blades they gripped felt like extensions of their arms, and a craving for slaughter and destruction churned in their chests." Let's produce: 【37】 Muscles bulged, blood surged, sight and hearing became extraordinarily sharp, the blades they gripped felt like extensions of their arms, and a craving for slaughter and destruction churned in their chests.

They repressed this urge, like a volcano poised to erupt.

Translation: "They desperately suppressed this urge, like a volcano poised to erupt." Let's produce: 【38】 They desperately suppressed this urge, like a volcano poised to erupt.

Time trickled by.

Translation: "Time trickled by." Let's produce: 【39】 Time trickled by.

Finally, a dull rumble of wheels and confused footsteps came from the far end of the valley.

Translation: "Finally, a dull wheel sound and chaotic footsteps came from the other end of the valley." Let's produce: 【40】 Finally, a dull wheel sound and chaotic footsteps came from the other end of the valley.

The Northern Han supply convoy appeared.

Translation: "The Northern Han supply convoy appeared." Let's produce: 【41】 The Northern Han supply convoy appeared.

A long line of creaking wagons laden with heavy grain sacks rolled along, the guards' iron armor glinting with sporadic cold light where sunlight filtered through the trees.

Translation: "A long line of wagons loaded with heavy grain sacks creaked, the escorts' iron armor glinting with sporadic cold light where sunlight filtered through the trees." Let's produce: 【42】 A long line of wagons loaded with heavy grain sacks creaked, the escorts' iron armor glinting with sporadic cold light where sunlight filtered through the trees.

They looked somewhat fatigued, but not overly vigilant.

Translation: "They seemed somewhat fatigued, but not overly vigilant." Let's produce: 【43】 They seemed somewhat fatigued, but not overly vigilant.

This hidden trail, with fierce fighting ahead, they did not expect to encounter an ambush here.

Translation: "This path is secret, the fighting ahead is intense, and they did not expect an ambush here." Let's produce: 【44】 This path is secret, the fighting ahead is intense, and they did not expect an ambush here.

When more than half of the column had entered the valley and the vanguard was about to reach the outlet,

Translation: "When more than half of the convoy had entered the valley and the vanguard was about to reach the exit." Let's produce: 【45】 When more than half of the convoy had entered the valley and the vanguard was about to reach the exit.

Chen Wen lightly lowered his arm.

Translation: "Chen Wen lightly lowered his arm." Let's produce: 【46】 Chen Wen lightly lowered his arm.

"Fire!"

Translation: "\"Fire! \"" Let's produce: 【47】 "Fire!"

No roar, only a short, sharp command.

Translation: "No roar, only a short command." Let's produce: 【48】 No roar, only a short command.

The next moment.

Translation: "The next moment." Let's produce: 【49】 The next moment.

"Whoooom—!"

Translation: "\"Hum—! \"" Let's produce: 【50】 "Hum—!"

A scalp‑tingling twang of bowstrings exploded suddenly from both cliff walls!

Translation: "A scalp‑tingling twang of bowstrings suddenly exploded from both cliff walls!" Let's produce: 【51】 A scalp‑tingling twang of bowstrings suddenly exploded from both cliff walls!

This was not sporadic shooting, but a death storm as hundreds of divine crossbows discharged simultaneously!

Translation: "This was not sporadic shooting, but a death storm as hundreds of Godly Arm Crossbows erupted simultaneously!" Let's produce: 【52】 This was not sporadic shooting, but a death storm as hundreds of Godly Arm Crossbows erupted simultaneously!

The whistling of crossbow bolts tearing through the air shattered the valley's silence!

Translation: "The piercing whistle of crossbow bolts tearing through the air shattered the valley's silence!" Let's produce: 【53】 The piercing whistle of crossbow bolts tearing through the air shattered the valley's silence!

Under the effect of 'Wide Grant 8x', the speed, accuracy, and power of these bolts reached a terrifying level.

Translation: "Under the boost of Wide Grant 8x, these crossbow bolts' speed, accuracy, and power reached a terrifying level." Let's produce: 【54】 Under the boost of Wide Grant 8x, these crossbow bolts' speed, accuracy, and power reached a terrifying level.

"Thud‑thud‑thud‑thud—!"

Translation: "\"Thud thud thud thud—! \"" Let's produce: 【55】 "Thud thud thud thud—!"

The muffled thuds of arrows hitting flesh fell like sudden rain on banana leaves, instantly merging into a continuous roar!

Translation: "The muffled thuds of arrows hitting flesh were like sudden rain on banana leaves, instantly merging into a continuous sound!" Let's produce: 【56】 The muffled thuds of arrows hitting flesh were like sudden rain on banana leaves, instantly merging into a continuous sound!

Below, the Northern Han supply convoy hadn't even realized what was happening.

Translation: "Below, the Northern Han supply convoy hadn't even reacted to what was happening." Let's produce: 【57】 Below, the Northern Han supply convoy hadn't even reacted to what was happening.

The guards were mowed down like wheat before an invisible scythe, collapsing in swaths; their leather and even iron armor proved as flimsy as paper against the close‑range, powerful crossbow bolts!

Translation: "The escorts fell in swaths as if swept by an invisible scythe, their leather and even iron armor crumbling like paper before the close‑range, powerful crossbow bolts." Let's produce: 【58】 The escorts fell in swaths as if swept by an invisible scythe, their leather and even iron armor crumbling like paper before the close‑range, powerful crossbow bolts.

The pack horses screamed in agony as those struck by bolts collapsed, overturning the grain wagons and plunging the scene into greater chaos.

Translation: "The pack horses' anguished cries rang out; struck horses collapsed, overturning the grain wagons and causing greater chaos." Let's produce: 【59】 The pack horses' anguished cries rang out; struck horses collapsed, overturning the grain wagons and causing greater chaos.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

Form ranks! Quickly form ranks!

The surviving Northern Han officers, hoarse from shouting, tried to organize an effective defense.

But the second and third volleys of crossbow bolts came down again with almost no interval!

The merciless arrow rain washed over the gorge, shooting down any figure attempting to stand.

After only three rounds of fire, the once orderly supply convoy was a mess, dead and wounded piled up, the surviving soldiers cowering in terror beneath the wagons or behind corpses, morale completely collapsed.

Now!

Shi Dun bellowed, like a tiger bursting from its cage, and was the first to leap out from behind the rocks!

Kill——!

The hundred braves behind him roared in unison, their voices shaking the valley!

Under the terrifying effect of 'Conferred 16-fold,' their charge was so fast it left afterimages, and the momentum of a hundred men seemed like that of tens of thousands!

The surviving Northern Han soldiers saw only a group of black demons, lunging at inhuman speed.

Blade light flashed, bringing up showers of blood.

The axe blade chopped down, cleaving man and armor in two.

This was hardly a battle; it was a one-sided massacre.

Under the sixteenfold effect, the Jun Ying elite's strength, speed, and reflexes completely overwhelmed these already shaken Northern Han troops.

Shi Dun was even more like a war god descended, brandishing his long blade; each chop inevitably cut both man and weapon, leaving no opponent able to parry.

The battle began suddenly and ended even faster.

In the time it takes to burn an incense stick, there were no standing Northern Han soldiers left in the gorge.

A thick stench of blood spread, nauseating.

Clear the battlefield, tally the spoils, and treat our wounded immediately.

Chen Wen walked down from the ridge, stepping over the corpse-strewn valley, and gave the order with a calm expression.

All Northern Han heads, pile them at the gorge entrance.

Erect a wooden plaque, inscribed: 'Those who invade our borders, this is the example.'

His voice was not loud, yet it carried an iron-blooded chill that echoed in the valley.

……

Several days later.

Guangkou Xinguan Pass City.

The defending commander Wang Rao, wounded and his armor stained with blood, was gazing at the Northern Han army surging forth like a locust swarm once more beyond the pass, his brows furrowed tightly.

Supplies within the pass were less than ten days, arrow consumption enormous, soldiers exhausted to the point of collapse.

He did not know how much longer he could hold out.

Just then, a personal guard scrambled up onto the battlements, his face filled with incredulous joy.

General! General! Good news! tremendous good news!

Black Pine Ridge! Jun Ying's Defense Commissioner Chen, at Black Pine Ridge annihilated a Northern Han elite supply unit, beheading over eight hundred! Captured supplies immeasurable!

The Northern Han army's morale shook, and the momentum of their assault eased!

Wang Rao suddenly turned and seized the personal guard.

What did you say? Chen Wen Zhong? He's arrived? And he won a victory at Black Pine Ridge?

Absolutely certain! The heads have been piled into a memorial mound, and the plaques have been erected!

Wang Rao stared blankly for a moment, then slammed the battlement; the movement tugged at his wound, making him grit his teeth in pain, yet his eyes blazed with the light of finding hope in desperation.

Good! A fine Chen Wen Zhong! A fine Jun Ying!

Pass the order down! Tell this news to all the brothers! Reinforcements have arrived! The Northern barbarians' logistics are cut! Hold fast, old man! Let the Defense Commissioner see that our troops at Guangkou Xinguan are no weaklings!

Upon the city walls, the previously low morale was lifted!

……

Almost simultaneously.

Chan Prefecture, Zhao Kuangyin's residence.

He also received the battle report from the northern front.

Upon hearing the words 'Chen Wen,' 'Black Pine Ridge,' 'annihilated,' 'memorial mound,' etc.

Crack!

The porcelain cup in his hand was crushed outright, shards piercing his palm, blood flowing freely.

Yet he seemed oblivious, merely staring fixedly at the report, bloodshot eyes filled, jealousy and an indescribable sense of helplessness nearly consuming his reason.

He won again!

And he won so cleanly and decisively, so shockingly!

His might shook Hebei...

These four words, like a poisoned needle, pierced his heart.

Yet he himself remained trapped in Chan Prefecture City, unable to act!

He suddenly lifted his head, gazing northward, his eyes growing deeper and more dangerous.

He could wait no longer.

He must do something.

He must, as soon as possible!