Chapter 533: Northern Counterattack

Just as Chen Wen, Wu Yong, and the others were analyzing the southern undercurrents and actively planning countermeasures.

Within the Northward Aspiration Army's main camp, another storm was brewing.

Commander Lin Chong did not relax his vigilance against the imminent threat despite the changes in the south.

His gaze remained firmly fixed on the north.

"Although the Jin army's main force has temporarily withdrawn, their scout cavalry activities are growing increasingly rampant, continually squeezing our operational space;"

"What is even more concerning is 'Eagle Beak Valley,' located ninety li northeast of Black Cloud Stronghold."

Lin Chong's finger heavily pointed to a perilous mountain valley on the sand table, his tone laced with icy killing intent.

"This is no ordinary outpost; it is a forward logistics base and small supply stockpile of the Jin army!"

"According to scouts, the garrison numbers about two Moke, most of them elite;"

"The terrain is easy to defend but hard to attack, controlling several key routes leading to our rear and flanks;"

"The Jin army has recently been using this site to sporadically transport grain, fodder, and munitions to the front, like a venomous snake's tongue repeatedly licking our defenses!"

"If we can seize this stronghold, we will not only cut off one claw of the Jin army, capture their stockpiled supplies, but also greatly boost our morale, intimidate the surrounding Jin forces, and deter them from acting so recklessly again!"

Hearing this, Chao Gai's eyes flashed with a ferocious light:

"Two Moke? Perfect for this old Chao to stretch his muscles! Razing this den of thieves, let's see if those Jin dogs still dare to be arrogant!"

Lin Chong, however, turned to Chen Wen and said in a low voice:

"Mr. Chen, Eagle Beak Valley's terrain is perilous, its defenders are Jin elite; a forced assault could be taken, but casualties would be heavy, and we must also guard against the main Jin force rushing to reinforce upon hearing the news."

"Therefore, this battle must be like a sudden thunderclap—swift and decisive—destroying the supply depot completely before reinforcements arrive, and withdrawing safely."

"Our newly formed army needs this resounding victory to boost morale and cow the enemy! We must also show the south and all those lurking in the shadows the sharp edge of our Northward Aspiration Army!"

Chen Wen gave a slight nod.

He understood that this battle's significance was extraordinary.

Not only is it a military necessity, but also a demonstration to potential allies (such as Yue Fei) and enemies (the Iron Crow Army) that the Northward Aspiration Army can take the initiative and effectively employ its core strength.

"What the instructor Lin said is absolutely right. This battle should be carried out with earth-shattering momentum to crush the stubborn foe!"

Chen Wen walked up to the sand table, his eyes sharp.

"I can bestow the 'Dawn Initiator' before the battle, aiming for a lethal strike with minimal cost to achieve maximum results!"

The plan was quickly formulated.

Lin Chong personally selected two hundred of the finest, most valiant troops skilled in mountain raids and night combat from each battalion.

Chao Gai, Ruan Xiaoer, Liu Tang, and other fierce generals were all included.

That night, the moon was hidden and stars sparse—perfect weather for killing and arson.

On the training field, the two hundred stalwart soldiers stood at attention.

Like two hundred silent statues, only a thick killing intent permeated the air.

Chen Wen stood before the ranks, making no extra motions. He closed his eyes, sinking his mind into the body's nearly complete "Growth Progress Bar."

At the stir of his will, "Ability Granting" silently activated!

An invisible yet mighty force, centered on him, surged toward the two hundred elites like a tide!

Among them, the eighty shock troops designated for the spearhead assault, as well as Chao Gai, Ruan Xiaoer, and other chief commanders, he conferred fourfold effect!

While the remaining one hundred twenty received twofold effect!

In an instant, the air on the training field seemed to freeze, then was scattered by a scorching breath!

The eighty soldiers who received the fourfold boost felt their bones and muscles resonate, a tremendous power they had never experienced coursing through their limbs!

Their vision and hearing became extraordinarily sharp, details dozens of steps away in the darkness becoming clearly discernible;

Their thoughts flashed like lightning, complex tactical orders instantly clear in their minds;

Their weapons felt weightless in hand, yet seemed capable of cleaving anything!

The one hundred twenty soldiers who received the twofold boost also felt their energy surge, their blood boiling, their fighting spirit soaring to the heavens!

The entire unit's aura instantly condensed into a tangible blade-like edge, like a freshly tempered divine weapon about to taste blood!

Lin Chong felt the surging power within himself and the transformation of his troops akin to a rebirth, and heroic vigor rose in his chest.

He abruptly drew his gleaming sidearm, blade pointing to the northeastern night sky, and growled:

"Target, Eagle Beak Valley!"

"Crush them!"

"March out!"

Two hundred black shadows, like ghosts merging into the night, silently yet with incredible speed lunged at the target, moving faster than ordinary comprehension!

Chen Wen stood in place, and through "Shi Yong" he could clearly "see":

The two hundred "Fortune Momentum" light points, blazing brightly due to the "Ability Granting," were moving at an unprecedented speed.

Like arrows, they shot toward the dark area representing Eagle Beak Valley.

This time, it was no longer defense, no longer struggle.

But rather, after accumulating strength, the Northward Aspiration Army was for the first time revealing the fangs honed by the "Dawn Initiator," seeking to uproot any enemy daring to covet them!

That night, many in Black Cloud Stronghold found no sleep.

Until the moment before dawn was about to break.

Chen Wen's tightly shut eyes snapped open!

He clearly "saw" that the two hundred fiery light points in the north, and the garrison forces of Eagle Beak Valley, like a red-hot branding iron meeting ice and snow, underwent a violent yet brief contact!

A surge of "Fortune Momentum" representing absolute destruction and victory came like a storm from that direction!

The battle, almost from the moment it began, already showed a one-sided crushing momentum!

Almost simultaneously!

Even the qi fortune waist token he kept close to his body, the one used to sense the Shi Dun squad, transmitted an extremely faint tremor that carried a warning.

The south, it seems, something has also happened!

Chen Wen sprang to his feet, his eyes like lightning, gazing respectively at the brightening northern horizon and the still deep darkness of the southern night.

The northern lands' counterattack has already resounded like thunder.

And the southern undercurrents also seem to have reached the brink of eruption.