Chapter 1214: First Volume, Chapter 1214: War Is More Than War

First Volume, Chapter 1214: War Is More Than War

"That Wu Heli is truly a talent—cutting ties with such ease and finality."

"Despite having numerical superiority, he still kept his head clear and chose to avoid battle immediately. Dealing with such a capable bandit is truly troublesome."

Though Qin Feng complained aloud, a smile crept across his face.

Entering En Mountain to hunt down Wu Heli was merely a convenient pretext; the real goal was naturally to map the terrain of En Mountain and Qilian Mountain.

Zhao Yuxiong crouched down, pressed his palm into the ashes of the campfire, and felt the residual heat.

"Still warm—this group of bandits left less than one Envoy ago."

"They probably left scouts below the mountain. Knowing we were coming, they withdrew in orderly fashion."

"There are no Horses in the mountains; to pursue the bandits, we must rely on the Terrain. But Wu Heli clearly knows En Mountain's Terrain better than we do—catching up to them is likely impossible."

Zhao Zhenhai crossed his arms and snorted coldly: "This cowardly scoundrel—when facing civilians, he was ruthless. Now that he faces the Qin King, he runs faster than a rabbit."

Qin Feng gestured with his hand, signaling Zhao Yuxiong and Zhao Zhenhai not to rush.

He made no move to chase, instead pacing with his hands behind his back, studying the crude campsite and teasing lightly.

"Of the four Wu brothers, the reckless and mad ones are already dead. Wu Heli and Wu Cheng are remarkably calm."

"It's not cowardice—it's deliberate avoidance."

"Issue orders: let the Comrades stay alert. We're not dealing with ordinary bandits."

Zhao Zhenhai remained dismissive: "Even if he grew three heads and six arms, I wouldn't fear him!"

In Zhao Zhenhai's view, bandits were bandits—no matter how fierce, they could never match the Regular Army.

After all, bandits were either fleeing or raiding homes—they had no time for systematic training.

In contrast, Qin Feng's Elite Troops trained constantly, aside from fighting. All possessed the ferocity of tigers and wolves. Even two hundred of them? Zhao Zhenhai had confidence he could crush Wu Heli with just one hundred.

"Qin King, when do we pursue?"

Facing Zhao Zhenhai's impatience, Qin Feng smiled and shook his head: "Pursue what?"

"Wu Heli wants to avoid battle. The harder we chase, the deeper they retreat."

"Just guard against ambushes by Scattered Soldiers and Wanderers. First, map En Mountain's terrain—remember, draw detailed maps."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhenhai finally understood: Qin Feng's true intent in entering the mountains had nothing to do with Wu Heli.

With that, Zhao Zhenhai no longer rushed. He immediately split his men, sending them out to carefully survey En Mountain's terrain and landscape.

Qin Feng and Zhao Yuxiong remained at the camp.

Zhao Yuxiong gazed into the dark forest and asked casually: "Qin Brother, what's the connection between En Mountain and Gusu City?"

"This place is far from Gusu City. Even if Gusu City fell, fleeing soldiers wouldn't come this way."

Qin Feng had no intention of telling Zhao Yuxiong about the Secret Stronghold—after all, Zhao Yuxiong came from a Military Clan, utterly loyal to Shedynasty.

If he learned Qin Feng harbored isolationist intentions, he'd inevitably suspect Qin Feng planned to wage war against the Northern Border and Shedynasty in the future.

At that point, Zhao Yuxiong would be caught in the middle—and that would be extremely difficult for him.

Moreover, Qin Feng and Zhao Yuxiong have never been master and subordinate—they are allies.

That's why everyone else calls Qin Feng "Qin King," but Zhao Yuxiong has never changed his address—he still calls him "Qin Brother."

Qin Feng feigned nonchalance: "Mapping En Mountain and Qilian Mountain has nothing to do with Gusu City—it concerns the entire Nan Jing."

"If we ever take Nan Jing, the remaining remnants will certainly make a last stand—and Qilian Mountain will naturally be their best choice."

"Though we lack the strength to hold Qilian Mountain, knowing its terrain in advance will give us preparation for future confrontations with remnants, won't it?"

Zhao Yuxiong accepted this without suspicion. Though loyal to Shedynasty, he treated Qin Feng with sincerity.

Though this Southern Campaign saw Qin Feng abandon his usual aggressive, decisive tactics—slowing progress to minimize civilian casualties—Zhao Yuxiong and Qin Feng had disagreed on strategy.

But this didn't hinder their cooperation. After all, disagreements in military operations were only natural.

As long as their broad strategy didn't violate the most basic principles, Zhao Yuxiong wouldn't dwell on it.

"Qilian Mountain is indeed a threat—mapping it early is wise."

"Still, I'd like to ask: are there any follow-up plans for the deployment against Gusu City?"

"The encirclement is already complete. Even if Powerful Clans in Nan Jing keep sending raiders to attack villages, strict defense can reduce losses to a minimum."

"Moreover, through continuous propaganda, local civilians now understand that the attackers are Nan Jing soldiers in disguise, deliberately trying to smear us."

"Future attacks will surely yield little effect."

"Therefore, in my view, we should begin Offensive Action and accelerate our assault on Gusu City."

Zhao Yuxiong had always urged Qin Feng to attack Gusu City swiftly—not out of impatience or ambition, but because he feared the war would drag on too long.

As long as the Southern Campaign remained unfinished, Shedynasty could never escape its "internal troubles."

Only when both internal and external threats were resolved could Shedynasty truly begin to recuperate and restore its National Strength.

Qin Feng understood Zhao Yuxiong's thoughts perfectly—he knew Zhao Yuxiong cared only for the nation, harboring no personal ambition.

But Zhao Yuxiong was ultimately just a general, not a court official—he excelled in tactics and strategy, yet knew little of the scheming and deceit within the Imperial Court.

Once the Southern Campaign ended and Shedynasty fully escaped its internal and external crises, what awaited the nation next—recovery and revitalization, or… another war?

Qin Feng understood the stakes all too well: whether the Liang Emperor or ministers like Chen Zheng tolerated him was only because they needed him to counter the Southern Campaign.

Once Nan Jing fell, Qin Feng's current power and status would become far too conspicuous.

For a short time, all might seem calm, bathed in flowers and glory.

But over time, suspicion would inevitably arise—that is human nature.

Zhao Yuxiong had never considered the threat from the Imperial Court, which is why he saw this war as so simple.

As for these hidden truths, Qin Feng could not mention them to Zhao Yuxiong—he was certain Zhao Yuxiong wouldn't think deeply, but would instead believe Qin Feng intended to betray Shedynasty.

Since the two Comrades could still cooperate, let this sincere bond continue as it is.

As for other matters, they are not Zhao Yuxiong's concern.

"Don't worry, once I've reconnoitered Qilian Mountain, I will naturally launch a military siege against Gusu City."

"During this time, building more Military Equipment is the right path."

"Stacking lives to advance is too great a cost."