Chapter 248: One Step Ahead

The enemies, seeing this, turned pale with shock. They never expected to fall into such a predicament. They wanted to flee, but found themselves completely surrounded by the troops of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu, with no escape route.

They could only resist desperately, but it was of no avail. Their cavalry, before the troops of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu, was as fragile as tofu, and was cut down one by one.

The troops of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu grew bolder and closer with every kill. They gave the enemy no chance to catch their breath, offering them only a death sentence.

In a short while, the enemy cavalry was completely annihilated, leaving only a field of corpses and bloodstains. The troops of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu also paid a heavy price, with less than half their men remaining.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu exchanged a smile and embraced. They both felt immense relief and pride. They had traded their own lives for this victory.

The soldiers behind them also shouted in unison: "We have won! We have won!"

Their voices shook the mountains and forests, spreading throughout Lin'an City.

The garrison inside Lin'an City heard these sounds and looked at the outside in terror. They saw the troops of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu cheering in the mountains and forests, and saw the enemy cavalry lying dead in heaps across the woods.

Hu Han Na's heart sank. He had originally believed he possessed an elite cavalry force capable of dealing with the troops of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu.

He had originally believed he could use this cavalry force to wear down the forces of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu, and then use the city walls to resist their assault.

A little over half an hour later, below the walls of Lin'an City, the formations were complete.

After a moment of standoff between the two armies, Tian Jiu raised his blade and let out a long roar, shouting up at Hu Han Na on the ramparts: "Hu Han Na, come down from the city immediately to meet your death!"

Hu Han Na on the ramparts flew into a rage, instantly drawing his sword and cursing: "Tian Jiu, you traitor who betrayed your master, how dare you show your face!"

Tian Jiu sneered in reply: "Those who aid the wicked have only one fate: to be utterly destroyed! My lord will surely unify the world; you who cannot keep up with the tide have only one path: death!"

Hearing this, Hu Han Na flew into a rage and immediately led his troops out of the city: "You rebel, how dare you speak falsely of the mandate of heaven! Watch me take your head!"

The two armies then engaged in a great battle below the city. Hu Han Na rode out alone first, heading straight for Tian Jiu.

"Rebel, meet your death!" He raised his long blade high and struck down with tremendous force. Tian Jiu met him with his blade held horizontally; their weapons clashed, and the fierce battle was about to begin.

"Excellent!" Tian Jiu laughed loudly, his eyes bloodshot, his strength growing even more fierce. Hu Han Na could not match him and already felt the strain.

Taking advantage of Hu Han Na's retreat, Tian Jiu suddenly turned his horse and launched a backhand thrust, his long blade aiming straight for Hu Han Na's heart!

Hu Han Na hurriedly turned to block, but was caught off guard; both man and horse fell. Tian Jiu pursued the victory, severed Hu Han Na's long blade with a single strike, and thrust straight into his chest!

"Die!" With a thunderous shout, Tian Jiu's blade pierced through Hu Han Na's chest. Hu Han Na let out a heart-wrenching scream and died.

"Good! Good! Good!" From a distance, Jiang Jiang Mingyu saw Tian Jiu slay the enemy leader and could not help but laugh heartily; the great news greatly boosted the morale.

Tian Jiu raised his blade and let out a long roar, his voice booming: "Everyone, our campaign begins now! Today we must take Lin'an; not one shall be spared!"

The vanguard troops, their morale high, roared as they charged into the enemy formation, their battle cries shaking heaven and earth. Tian Jiu led the way, sweeping aside all opposition.

"Die!" He slashed a nearby enemy soldier with a single strike; blood instantly sprayed, and the soldier fell dead at the sound.

"Kill!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu, from a distance, also raised his tiger tally and sharp blade, leading the main army into the city. Zhang Zhang Jiaqi brought up the rear, commanding the central army and holding firm against any enemy counterattack.

"For my lord, charge with me!" Zhang Zhang Jiaqi took the lead, his long sword like a rainbow, causing all enemies before him to retreat.

Within Lin'an City, wails filled the land, and they were surrounded by enemies on three sides. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's great army moved as if through an empty land, quickly capturing and dismantling the enemy forces.

By evening, the city of Lin'an had completely fallen.

Tian Jiu, having just slain Hu Han Na, immediately led the great army into the city to join Jiang Jiang Mingyu. The two met, embraced, and smiled, celebrating the victory together.

"Brother Tian, you are truly majestic; with one stroke you severed the enemy leader's head, establishing an immortal merit for our great army!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu praised.

"Where, where. This is all due to my lord's wisdom and divine might, which gave us an opportunity." Tian Jiu replied humbly.

"Enough, enough, stop being modest. In today's battle, you are the number one merit-maker, unmatched by anyone. Come, come, let us enter the city together to celebrate!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu said with a smile, pulling Tian Jiu by the hand.

"Good, good. Today is truly a day that brings joy to the people!" Tian Jiu replied with a smile.

The two led the great army into the city, where they were welcomed and thanked by the common people along the way. Lin'an City had originally been Fei Hou's stronghold, but he was cruel and greedy, and the people suffered greatly. Now that Jiang Jiang Mingyu's great army had broken through, the people were naturally overjoyed.

"Lord Jiang, General Tian, you are our great benefactors!"

"Lord Jiang, General Tian, you are our saviors!"

"Lord Jiang, General Tian, you are our heroes!"

The common people rushed forward one after another, presenting flowers and fruits to the two generals to express their gratitude.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu both felt very warm and relieved. They did not forget to instruct the soldiers to protect the safety and property of the people, forbidding any bullying or tyranny.

"These people are our compatriots! We must protect them, not harm them!"

"These people are our foundation! We must respect them, not oppress them!"

"These people are our strength! We must cherish them, not let them down!"

The soldiers all nodded in agreement upon hearing this. They also knew they fought for the people, not for personal gain. They also saw the trust and hope the people held for them, rather than hatred and fear.

Thus, under the leadership of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu, the great army entered the city without any atrocities or looting. Instead, they helped the people repair houses and roads, restoring order and peace.

Such actions made the people even more respectful and devoted to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu. They felt these two generals were truly rare men of benevolence and righteousness, truly worthy rulers to follow.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu were also very happy to receive the support and backing of the people. They felt this was the only way to embody their original intention and ideals of serving the country and the people.

That night, in the largest restaurant in the city, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu held a grand victory banquet. They invited all the officers and soldiers and representatives of the people to share the joy of victory together.

The restaurant was brightly lit with music and dance. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tian Jiu sat on the main platform, toasting and conversing with everyone in a lively atmosphere.

"In today's battle, although we were victorious, we also paid a heavy price in sacrifice. Here, I wish to offer my highest respect and gratitude to all the officers and soldiers who gave their lives for the country!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood up and raised his cup, shouting.

"To the officers and soldiers who gave their lives for the country!" Everyone also stood up and raised their cups in response.

"They are our heroes, they are our examples, they are our pride! Their spirit will forever inspire us to move forward! Let us observe three minutes of silence for them!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.

"Three minutes of silence for them!" Everyone also said.

The restaurant instantly fell into a solemn silence. Everyone lowered their heads, closed their eyes, and silently prayed and mourned.

After three minutes, Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke again: "Enough, enough. Let us not let their sacrifice be in vain. We must continue to strive for peace! Let us drink to the future!"

"To the future!" Everyone responded loudly.

The restaurant returned to joy and noise. Everyone excitedly raised their cups to drink freely, congratulating and encouraging one another.