Chapter 1079

First Volume, Chapter 1079: Yuping Four Brothers

At the southern foot of Yuping Mountain, in an unremarkable forest, a large number of bandits were scattered in military garrison, with more bandits continuously arriving from all directions.

At this moment, the number of bandits had already exceeded four hundred, and they could be fully assembled by tomorrow morning at the latest.

Wu Heli, atop the MountainTop, was surveying the distant County City of Yuping.

The three men beside him were not only Wu Heli's Deputy Generals, but also sworn brothers.

"Have the comrades sent to scout Yuping County returned?"

In response to Wu Heli's question, all three Deputy Generals appeared extremely relaxed, for they had shared over a decade of life-and-death camaraderie; in their hearts, there was only one elder brother—Wu Heli before them.

The fair-skinned man named Chang Cheng, the second among the four brothers, was also Wu Heli's Military Advisor.

"Elder brother, we've confirmed the intelligence: Qin Feng entered Yuping County solely to treat a young child."

"He has only fifty Black Riders with him; he will depart Yuping County the day after tomorrow at dusk, heading back to Beijing—this is our final chance."

Upon hearing this, Wu Heli's expression did not change at all.

At one meter eighty-five tall, he stood out wherever he went; his massive frame carried not a trace of ferocity.

On the contrary, Wu Heli's aura was extremely restrained, his eyes sharp and unyielding like those of a hawk.

"Since the intelligence indicates Qin Feng departs the day after tomorrow, we will act only on that day, no matter what."

"We still have one day to let our comrades infiltrate Yuping County and continue surveillance."

Hearing this, Chang Cheng couldn't help but smile lightly: "Elder brother, are you worried Qin Feng is deliberately spreading false information to deceive us?"

Wu Heli shook his head: "Whether or not it's a feint, caution never leads to error."

"Qin Feng possesses the talent of a general and minister, is extremely shrewd and calculating, and excels in military intelligence—wherever he goes, Jin Yi Wei agents are always active around him."

Since the elder brother had said so, Chang Cheng did not hesitate and immediately ordered the returning Imperial Spy to return and keep watch on Yuping County.

Elder Third Lei Meng and Elder Fourth Chen Yanzong exchanged glances and began teasing each other.

"Elder brother, aren't you being overly cautious?"

"Qin Feng has only fifty Black Riders, while we have eight hundred—eight hundred against fifty, with intent against surprise. Even if those Black Riders were heavenly soldiers descended from heaven, they couldn't escape our Five Finger Mountain."

Chen Yanzong crossed his arms, his eyes filled with disdain for Qin Feng: "Rumors say Qin Feng has won every battle, even defeating the Grand General of the North Di, Chen Si."

"I can't wait to face him."

"Elder brother, don't worry—when we meet Qin Feng, you don't need to lift a finger; I'll cut off his head first."

Before Wu Heli could speak, Chang Cheng snapped at them impatiently.

"Elder Third and Elder Fourth, tone it down—don't be overconfident. A major battle is coming; the greatest danger is complacency and underestimating the enemy."

"We must hold Qin Feng in true reverence."

Although Chang Cheng was a frail scholar, he was the second brother and the first to have followed Wu Heli, so even though Lei Meng and Chen Yanzong were fierce and arrogant, they felt no resentment at Chang Cheng's reprimand.

Chen Yanzong inwardly looked down on Qin Feng; seeing his elder brother and second brother so cautious, he felt it was boosting the enemy's prestige and diminishing their own.

"I understand the principle of Jiaobin Bizheng, but as a major battle looms, morale is most critical."

"If even our leaders are timid and hesitant, how can our comrades dare to charge and fight?"

"Even if Qin Feng grew three heads and six arms, it wouldn't matter—I'd just cut him more times."

Chang Cheng was about to rebuke him, but Wu Heli raised a hand to stop him.

Though Wu Heli's eyes remained expressionless, he gave a slight nod: "Elder Fourth's words have merit—precisely because Qin Feng is strong enough, we must despise him to boost military morale."

"When we finally face Qin Feng, our comrades will fight boldly and fearlessly."

Since Wu Heli had said so, Chang Cheng no longer pressed the matter.

Yet Wu Heli still turned his gaze away and looked at Lei Meng and Chen Yanzong, speaking with solemn gravity: "You two have violent and reckless temperaments—once battle begins, do not let your heads heat up and attempt some heroic stunt like charging into enemy ranks to seize the general's head."

"We hold the advantage; we need only advance steadily, gradually wearing down Qin Feng's forces—there is no need to take risks."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yanzong immediately bristled with resentment.

"Elder brother's caution for stability will only increase our casualties! If there's an opportunity, I will charge forward and behead Qin Feng!"

"What's so great about Qin Feng and his Black Riders?"

Seeing this, Wu Heli grew tired of further words, shook his head, and turned to walk down the mountain.

Lei Meng and Chen Yanzong moved to follow, but Chang Cheng blocked them.

Chang Cheng, with his hands behind his back, scolded impatiently: "You two behave yourselves—your elder brother ignores you not because he condones you; don't misunderstand his silence."

"On the day after tomorrow, you two must remain in camp to hold the line—if either of you dares to desert the main force, you'll face military law!"

With Wu Heli gone, Chen Yanzong's head was practically in the clouds.

He was deeply resentful of Chang Cheng's reprimand.

"Second brother, do you doubt my strength too?"

Chang Cheng frowned, exasperated: "I don't doubt your strength—I doubt Qin Feng's power."

"Compared to Qin Feng, every opponent we've ever faced before is on an entirely different level."

"Don't be resentful—I ask you: which is the most elite force we've ever fought?"

Without hesitation, Chen Yanzong blurted out: "The Longhu Army!"

Two months ago, Chen Yanzong followed Wu Heli northward to link up with allied troops, but their location was leaked, and they were ambushed by the Longhu Army.

The two brothers had fewer than one hundred men, yet they broke through the encirclement of over a thousand Longhu Army troops and escaped alive.

Such an achievement was unprecedented.

Every time he recalled it, Chen Yanzong felt immense pride.

Chang Cheng nodded: "The Longhu Army is one of the Jingji Garrison's elite units, unquestionably formidable—but compared to Qin Feng's Black Riders, they are several tiers inferior."

Lei Meng, who had remained silent until now, couldn't help muttering: "How could they be that far apart? Second brother, you're overestimating Qin Feng."

Chang Cheng lowered his hand, signaling Lei Meng to calm down, then patiently explained.

Among all the Regular Army of Shedynasty, the most renowned force is the Beixi Expeditionary Brigade under Qin Feng's command.

This unit marched from Zhuozhou all the way to the Di Royal Capital!