Chapter 356

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo stood inside the tent, silent before the spread-out map. Jiang Jiang Mingyu wore silver armor, a long blade at his waist, tall and imposing in stature. Tu Tu Kesiluo wore a black jacket, his frame slimmer than Jiang Jiang Mingyu's, yet he too radiated an aura not to be underestimated.

"I say, Tu Tu Kesiluo, how do you plan to lure those 60,000 Southern Border troops into this Yangyin Valley?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu stroked his chin, his tone carrying a hint of probing.

Tu Tu Kesiluo wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking slightly troubled. He glanced at the map and pondered, "Well... I planned to use a feigned defeat."

"What, a feigned defeat?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow. "How many men as bait? 5,000 or 50,000?"

"This..." Tu Tu Kesiluo was momentarily speechless. He coughed lightly, trying to cover his slip. Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not interrupt him, but waited patiently for his answer.

Various thoughts flashed rapidly through Tu Tu Kesiluo's mind. Finally, he slumped his head as if defeated and admitted, "You are right; I did not consider everything thoroughly. If we don't set an ambush, what should we do?"

Seeing him like this, the corner of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mouth curled up slightly, his eyes showing approval. He patted Tu Tu Kesiluo's shoulder and said gently, "Come with me, let's take a walk outside."

The two arrived outside the camp; by then, dusk was near. The sunset's afterglow bathed the layered mountain ranges, dyeing them with magnificent colors. Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and said, "Tu Kes, look at this magnificent scenery; it is as beautiful as the Jiangshan of our One Da Jiang."

Tu Tu Kesiluo followed his gaze and could not help but nod: "Big Brother speaks truly; such magnificent scenery, we must defend with our lives."

"Exactly!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes shone brightly. "I have decided to adopt a tactic of direct head-on collision and fight a brilliant battle against those 60,000 Southern Border troops!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes lit up, and he shouted loudly, "I knew Big Brother would not be content to be trapped in the valley fighting a guerrilla war. Direct head-on collision, this is what befits the glorious name of our Feng Army!"

The two clapped hands and laughed; by then, the sky was completely dark, and blazing bonfires had been lit inside the camp.

On the second day at dawn, Jiang Jiang Mingyu convened a war council; Tu Tu Kesiluo, Goudan, and other core generals were all present.

"How should the formation be arranged? What are everyone's high opinions?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu calmly scanned the crowd.

"Big Brother, I believe the main force must still be placed in the center route; there can be no slacking whatsoever," Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke first.

"I suggest deploying sufficient troops on both the left and right wings to prevent surprise attacks by the Southern Border troops," Goudan added.

The generals spoke one after another, each putting forward their own opinions. Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened unhurriedly, nodding occasionally or raising questions.

After discussing for most of the day, a satisfactory formation was finally confirmed. After the meeting ended, Jiang Jiang Mingyu called Tu Tu Kesiluo aside alone and said seriously, "Tu Tu Kesiluo, for this battle, I need you to serve as the vanguard and lead 50,000 troops to clear the way."

Hearing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo was overjoyed and responded generously, "Big Brother rest assured; I will absolutely not disgrace your trust! Let me crush those 60,000 Southern Border troops into disarray and teach them a lesson!"

The next morning, Jiang Jiang Mingyu rose extremely early; while the sky was still dark, he arrived at the watchtower on the high ground of the camp. In the distance at the horizon, a faint fish-belly white glow emerged, presaging the arrival of dawn.

At this moment, footsteps sounded behind him. Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned to look and saw Tu Tu Kesiluo walking over.

"Big Brother, you are up this early too," Tu Tu Kesiluo said, yawning.

"Mm, couldn't sleep," Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded. "Today's battle is of great importance; I must ensure there is not a single flaw."

Tu Tu Kesiluo walked to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's side, and the two stood shoulder to shoulder, gazing out at the vast land.

"Rest assured, Big Brother. With us fierce generals here, the Southern Border's mere 60,000 men cannot possibly hold out for a single battle," Tu Tu Kesiluo said with full confidence.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: "I am not worried about defeat; it is just that if we can end the battle quickly and avoid unnecessary bloodshed, that would naturally be best."

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded in approval: "Big Brother indeed practices what he preaches and cares for the soldiers. This is the reason the people adore you!"

While the two were talking and laughing, the fish-belly white glow appeared on the distant horizon, gradually illuminating the land. Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, patted Tu Tu Kesiluo's shoulder, and said, "Alright, it is about time to prepare to set out. Let's go wake the others."

"As you command!" Tu Tu Kesiluo replied.

Before long, the 170,000-strong army was fully equipped and ready to depart. Jiang Jiang Mingyu, clad in silver armor and wearing a steel helmet, sat majestically on his horse. His eyes were full of spirit; surveying the entire army, he found all soldiers radiant and their momentum soaring like a rainbow.

"Several heroes, today as we go to battle, we must crush the Southern Border troops into disarray and teach them a lesson!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly, yet his tone was extremely cold.

"Yes!" the 170,000 Feng Army shouted, their voices thunderous, shaking the heavens fiercely. Countless military flags waved in the wind, their momentum magnificent.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at the approaching Southern Border army in the distance, his brows furrowing slightly. Tu Tu Kesiluo, standing nearby, clenched his fists, eager to fight: "Big Brother, let them taste the flavor of our blades!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head and said, "Something is wrong."

"What do you mean?" Tu Tu Kesiluo was completely baffled.

"Yan Hang knows our army is arrayed here, and he could never possibly break through successfully. Yet why does he insist on coming to die?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu said in a deep voice, his words revealing caution.

"Big Brother's words..." Tu Tu Kesiluo was momentarily speechless. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes shone brightly as he looked at the enemy army advancing step by step, signaling Tu Tu Kesiluo to come over.

Tu Tu Kesiluo walked forward quickly. Jiang Jiang Mingyu pointed into the distance and said, "Look at that person sitting on the white horse; the two horizontal slashes on his chest confirm it is the commander Yan Hang."

"He is merely a Vice Commandant; where did he get this 560,000-strong army? Knowing it is a dead end, why does he still come to die?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was serious. "There must be some other mystery here. What do you think?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded, his eyes looking grave. He pondered for a long time before saying, "Big Brother speaks with absolute reason. In my view, the intent of these Southern Border troops is not light. It is even possible they are luring our main force out to fight and setting an ambush."

"Correct." Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly. "Besides that, can you think of any other possibilities?"

"Hmm..." Tu Tu Kesiluo knew the deep meaning behind Jiang Jiang Mingyu's question and frowned in deep thought. At this moment, Feng Xiwu interjected: "Your Majesty, I actually have a bold guess. I do not know if it is acceptable?"

"Please speak," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said in a clear voice.

"I believe this time the Southern Border troops coming to the city walls might have the intention of retaking the Supervision City," Feng Xiwu interjected. "After all, these 560,000 troops are exactly the number Yan Hang needs to garrison."

"Hmph, do they think 560,000 mere men can take my city?" Tu Tu Kesiluo looked down on it.

Feng Xiwu spread his hands: "This also proves there must be some hidden circumstance. Otherwise, given Yan Hang's caution, he would never have gone deep into enemy territory with a lone army."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's gaze shifted slightly as he looked at the enemy formation getting closer and closer in the distance. He could feel that this battle might not be as simple as it appeared on the surface.

At this moment, a majestic voice sounded outside the tent: "Your Majesty, preparations to move out are ready!"

It seemed the guesses would have to wait for later; for now, we can only fight first.

The three of Jiang Jiang Mingyu exchanged glances, seeing firm belief in each other's eyes. Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately left Tu Tu Kesiluo to hold the main formation, led 10,000 Iron Guard troops personally to hold the rear, and made preparations against ambush tactics.

At this time, the two armies were no more than 500 paces apart. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes were like torches, staring at Yan Hang, whose eyes were sinister, and caution arose in his heart.

Soon, the two armies faced each other in a circle.

Looking at the tens of thousands of Southern Border troops before him, Feng Xiwu held his great blade and shouted.

"Which one is Yan Hang? Come out and roll!"

He looked at the Southern Border troops before him with a disdainful gaze, and a smile of contempt hung on his rough mouth.

Seeing this, in the Southern Border battle formation, a man with a yellowish face and a slightly thin build immediately raised his spear and leaped out on his horse.

He shouted loudly.

"Rebel general, do not be arrogant! What mountain wild man dares to speak nonsense before this Commandant?"

This single sentence from this person was equivalent to admitting that he was Yan Hang, who led the troops.

"I am Feng Xiwu, the main general of the Iron Cavalry of One Da Jiang!" Feng Xiwu, with tiger whiskers bristling and eyes turning red, leaped out of the encirclement on his horse with fierce momentum.

Yan Hang sneered and curled his lips: "A mere surrendering rebel dares to bark wildly before this Commandant?"

"You!" Feng Feng Xiwei was greatly shocked, then flew into a rage, "So it's you, Southern Border monkey! Take this!" With that, he slashed his blade once toward Yan Hang.

Yan Hang caught it with his spear and thrust forward in one smooth motion; Feng Feng Xiwei hastily twisted his elbow to parry, then spat viciously, "You think you can take Your Majesty's life with such skill? Dream on!"

Faster than words could describe, Feng Feng Xiwei swept his blade horizontally again. The two immediately exchanged blows frequently, testing each other's martial arts.

At this moment, Feng Feng Xiwei and Yan Hang were fighting fiercely; Feng Feng Xiwei possessed superior lightness skills, delivering several consecutive slashes, while Yan Hang, confused and disoriented, began to show signs of weakening.

Pressing his advantage, Feng Feng Xiwei shouted loudly, "Yan Hang, your day of death has arrived!" He fiercely drew in a breath and thrust his blade straight toward Yan Hang's chest!

Yan Hang turned pale with shock, hastily swinging his long spear to block, but was forced back several steps by Feng Feng Xiwei's blade momentum, making it difficult to determine a winner for the moment.

Hearing this, Feng Feng Xiwei did not panic; instead, he swung his blade to slash at Yan Hang several times in succession, adopting an offensive stance, ready to seize any opening Yan Hang might reveal and launch a rapid attack to end the fight quickly.

Both men shifted rapidly from fury to fear, the situation between enemy and ally changing in an instant. Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought to himself that only by fighting this confrontation to its clear conclusion could matters be settled safely.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu fixed his gaze unwaveringly on Feng Feng Xiwei and Yan Hang in the distant battle circle, his brows tightly knitted.

"Tu Tu Kesiluo, do you think Feng Feng Xiwei can defeat Yan Hang?" he asked in a deep voice.

Tu Tu Kesiluo hesitated for a moment, then chose his words carefully before speaking: "Reporting to Your Majesty, in this humble servant's opinion, although Feng Feng Xiwei possesses high martial arts skill, he ultimately falls one notch short. Within fifty exchanges, I fear he will not be able to overcome Yan Hang."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes dimmed: "Is it truly so? Feng Feng Xiwei is actually no match for him?"

"Yes..." Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded subconsciously, then suddenly felt something was amiss, "No, Big Brother, I..."

"Say no more!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand to interrupt him, his gaze refocusing on Yan Hang, "Since Feng Feng Xiwei is no match, why has Yan Hang not secured victory sooner, yet continues to entangle himself in this prolonged fight?"

This question flashed through Tu Tu Kesiluo's mind, leaving him equally bewildered: "That's true; delaying time like this, could it be..."

"Delaying time?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly seized upon those four words, his expression growing several degrees more grave, "What do you mean? You just said 'delaying time'?" he pressed, his tone subtly revealing anxiety.

"This... I..." Tu Tu Kesiluo was confused by Jiang Jiang Mingyu's reaction, stammering and at a loss for what to do.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, had already fallen into deep thought. After a moment, he raised his head and said, "Right, delaying time! Yan Hang must be trying to delay time; this battle is not simple!"

"But... but he has only a mere sixty thousand enemy troops?" Tu Tu Kesiluo remained completely bewildered.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu had already formed a new judgment: "No, there must be a trick! We must stand ready in strict formation and guard against the unexpected!"

Amidst the chaotic sounds of battle, the fighting before Shangshan Jian City was at its peak, with One Da Jiang's army and Southern Border troops intermingled in deadly combat. Suddenly, a soldier with a panicked expression rode galloping over, heading straight for Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo.

"Report, bad news! Forty thousand Southern Border troops are secretly attacking the East Gate of Shangshan Jian City!" the soldier said, gasping for breath.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu flew into a rage: "What?! How is this possible?!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo's face was also filled with shock; the smug smile that had been there moments before froze on his face.

"Your Highness, this subordinate does not know where these forty thousand Southern Border troops emerged from. The East Gate's defenses are empty, guarded only by a hundred-man squad; we simply cannot withstand the Southern Border people's assault!" the soldier said, extremely anxious.

"If the East Gate is breached, our hundred-plus thousand troops will become trapped beasts, with only death awaiting us!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt deep worry churn within his heart.

"Feng Feng Xiwei, return to formation immediately! Tu Tu Kesiluo, transmit the order to withdraw troops and return to the city at once!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu commanded decisively.

Seeing this scene from afar, Yan Hang revealed a cold sneer at the corner of his mouth: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, you thought yourself clever; you have finally realized the situation is lost, but alas, it is too late!"

He shouted loudly to the Southern Border troops: "Full army, charge! We must entangle Jiang Jiang Mingyu at all costs; once Shangshan Jian City falls, they will become turtles in a jar!"

Before his voice had even faded, wave after wave of dense arrows whistled sharply as they shot toward One Da Jiang's army. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo's faces changed drastically.

"Raise shields quickly to protect Your Majesty and return to the city!" Tu Tu Kesiluo ordered loudly.

However, before the shields could even be raised, Yan Hang had already led the Southern Border troops in a frenzied charge.

"Release four!" Feng Feng Xiwei gritted his teeth, about to act, but was blocked by Tu Tu Kesiluo.

"You and Dog Egg take people and rush to rescue the East Gate immediately; leave this Yan Hang to me!"

Although completely bewildered, Feng Feng Xiwei immediately commanded: "All Iron Cavalry Camp, return to the city and advance toward the East Gate!"

Seeing this scene, Yan Hang sneered once more: "Today, no one shall leave! Brothers, block them; not a single one shall be allowed to escape!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt intense anxiety in his heart; if the hundred-plus thousand troops in Shangshan Jian City were surrounded, the consequences would be unthinkable. He scanned his surroundings, racking his brain for any way to break through and return to the city.

Just as he led everyone and was about to catch up with the rear guard of One Da Jiang's troops, Tu Tu Kesiluo's long blade had already flown over.

"Yan Hang, do not be so arrogant; do you recognize this Prince?"

While speaking, he had already thrust out three slashes toward Yan Hang with speed nearly invisible to the naked eye.

These three slashes were simply too fast; before his voice had even landed, the blade light had already reached before Yan Hang's eyes.

Yan Hang was greatly shocked and hastily raised his spear to meet it, but everything was already too late.

Tu Tu Kesiluo had clearly anticipated his reaction; as the first blade light flashed, Yan Hang's long spear instantly snapped in response to the sound.

Before Yan Hang could even react, Tu Tu Kesiluo's second slash had already pierced through his throat.

Just as Yan Hang's pupils began to gradually dilate, Tu Tu Kesiluo's third slash ground him into a ground full of minced fragments.

Before the minced flesh had even hit the ground, Yan Hang's human head had already been lifted onto the tip of his blade.

Seeing this scene, the Southern Border troops who had been rolling forward immediately all subconsciously halted their steps.

As the Vice Governor of Jiangzhou, Yan Hang was also a famous fierce general within the Southern Border army.

Yet now, in merely a single exchange, he had been chopped by the man before him into a ground full of minced meat.

This, happening to anyone, would likely be difficult to accept for a moment.

Tu Tu Kesiluo paid no heed to the stunned expressions of the Southern Border troops; he flung the head onto the ground and coldly shouted.

"Yan Hang is dead; whichever of you fears not death may come forward; this Prince guarantees you will come but not return."

Seeing this, the Southern Border troops, blocked from their path by Tu Tu Kesiluo alone on his single horse, were all terrified, daring not to move.

What kind of background did this Tu Tu Kesiluo have, that he could easily slay the Southern Border fierce general Yan Hang? They each guessed at this man's identity in their hearts, yet none could figure out any reasonable answer.

Finally, a young soldier could not help but ask: "Who... who is this Tu Tu Kesiluo?"

"Hahaha..." An old Southern Border veteran laughed loudly upon hearing this, "Kid, you still do not recognize the famous 'Black-Faced King of Hell' Tu Tu Kesiluo of One Da Jiang Kingdom!"

"Wh-what? He is that King of Hell who can match an entire country alone?" Everyone gasped, drawing in a cold breath.

The old Southern Border veteran said contemptuously: "Calling him King of Hell is still an embellishment; this fellow kills people like cutting hemp, he is simply a mortal calamity star! Never thought we would encounter his true self today; we are all destined to be buried in this demon's hands..."

Hearing this, everyone felt their hair stand on end, unable to believe they would face such a fate.

At this moment, the city gate opened again, and Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice came through: "Tu Tu Kesiluo, hurry and enter the city!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo sheathed his sword, calmly leaped onto his horseback, and said, "Understood!"

"My lord, will you really let them go just like that!" one subordinate could not help but ask.

Tu Tu Kesiluo gave a cold smile: "Let them go? I have no interest in that, but there is something more important at hand. Once the crisis at the East Gate is resolved, I will certainly make these bandits pay for their blood debts with their own blood!"

Having spoken, he pulled the reins and galloped swiftly into the city.

The Southern Jiang soldiers, watching that lone rider's figure recede and the mutilated corpse of Yan Hang on the ground, all felt a chill rise from the depths of their hearts. This battle would surely be difficult for them to survive unscathed!

Seeing the city gate close tightly once more and Tu Tu Kesiluo return unharmed, Jiang Jiang Mingyu also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Tu Tu Kesiluo, now that Goudan and Feng Feng Xiwei have gone to the East Gate, the Southern Jiang soldiers, to support the East Gate, will surely attack the city with their lives."

"The defense of this South Gate is entrusted to you and He Jing; you must be extremely cautious."

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo and the other two nod solemnly, Jiang Jiang Mingyu said no more and went directly to deploy defenses at the Northwest two gates.

Southern Jiang soldiers have appeared at the East Gate; who can say for certain whether something unexpected will not appear at the West Gate and the North Gate as well?

Watching his figure gradually recede, Tu Tu Kesiluo said in a heavy voice.

"He Jing, immediately order the soldiers to mount the walls and prepare for battle. If the Southern Jiang soldiers dare to attack the city, strike them to death."

Soon, atop the South Gate wall, the glint of blades and the flash of swords, arrows dense and foreboding.

Thousands of One Da Jiang soldiers clad in black armor held long blades, their feet planted on the battlements, arranged in perfect order along the wall of the South Gate tower. They stood straight, eyes fixed directly forward, awaiting only Tu Tu Kesiluo's single command, ready at any moment to surge forth like a violent storm to swallow the invading enemy.

Set against the afterglow of the setting sun, these sturdy armors reflected a cold, chilling light. The crisp clashing sound of armor meeting swords and the low sound of breathing wove together, injecting a thread of tension and ferocity into this silent city. The flags atop the wall fluttered gently in the warm breeze, as if drawing the curtain on the slaughter about to come.

Hundreds of black longbows rose in unison, aimed at those below the wall, their fine bowstrings pulled taut. Should just one archer among them loosen his grip, the sharp arrows would rush toward the enemy like moths to a flame, delivering a fatal blow. The arrowheads lodged in the quivers swayed back and forth in the wind, colliding with one another to produce a faint tinkling sound, like the whisper of the Death God.

The torches atop the wall leaped and flickered in the breeze, gilding the mass of One Da Jiang troops in gold. Under the firelight, the cold, gleaming edges of the blades carried a grim killing intent, causing any enemy daring to approach to tremble with fear. This was the iron-blooded legion led by Tu Tu Kesiluo of One Da Jiang!