Chapter 729

First Volume, Chapter 729: Piles of Corpses Heap Like Mountains Beneath the City Wall!

Seeing Li Zhang finally understand, Qin Feng felt deeply relieved; after all, he could not be constantly present in Beixi County, and the overall situation there naturally rested in Li Zhang's hands.

Thus, Li Zhang's growth and improvement were truly a blessing for Qin Feng and all the people of Beixi County.

Qin Feng deliberately slowed his horse's pace and reached out to pat Li Zhang on the shoulder.

"Prince, to forge an era of peace and prosperity, someone must become a beast."

"We are on the battlefield not to reason with the enemy or speak of benevolence and righteousness—we are here to… kill them!"

Li Zhang nodded firmly: "I understand, Brother Qin, thank you!"

Qin Feng exhaled heavily, relieved, and silently sighed: with Li Zhang's intelligence, capturing Xiongying Ridge should not be difficult.

But…

He was born into the imperial clan, raised since childhood with the most orthodox teachings, his mind and heart filled with "etiquette, benevolence, and righteousness." Such virtues were admirable toward his own people, but they bound his feet when facing enemies.

When Qin Feng passed through Beixi County, he did not enter the city to visit his mother and sister; he merely gazed from afar, then joined the main force and headed for the front line at Xiongying Ridge.

Meanwhile, the City Wall was already crowded with people—all waiting to welcome Qin Feng's family.

Lin Quqi watched the retreating army, his hopeful gaze gradually replaced by confusion.

"Why didn't Brother Qin stop?"

"We've reached the County City—even if the Beidi War Intelligence is urgent, a little extra time wouldn't hurt, would it?"

Lin Quqi understood Qin Feng's nature well, but he voiced this remark only to comfort Qin Cheng Clan, who stood beside him.

Though Qin Cheng Clan's eyes held a trace of disappointment, she quickly calmed herself and smiled faintly: "This is exactly how Feng'er is."

"Go—do not let trivial family matters delay the Great Plan."

Standing beside them, Jing Qianying bit her thin lips, hesitated repeatedly, then turned and dashed down.

Far away, Qin Feng could not see the throng of faces on the City Wall, but he seemed to feel the gaze of his loved ones, and his heart grew heavy.

"Prince, tell me—between loyalty and filial piety, which is more important?"

Li Zhang, knowing Qin Feng's dilemma, answered without hesitation: "Both are important—but without the greater family, how can there be the smaller one?"

Qin Feng's melancholy gaze suddenly hardened: "You're right."

"Order the troops: rapid march—target Xiongying Ridge!"

…

Night drew to a close; dawn had arrived, yet the sky remained pitch black.

In the Xiongying Ridge Commander's Hall, Ma Tingyun, the overall Garrison Commander stationed at Xiongying Ridge, listened to his subordinate's report, his expression growing darker.

"Has Qin Feng reached the Northern Border?"

The kneeling messenger replied urgently: "The Night Owls embedded within Liang Kingdom delivered the intelligence themselves—this is absolutely certain."

"Moreover… Qin Feng passed through Beixi County without stopping, and led his troops straight toward our Xiongying Ridge."

"He has already set up camp at the foot of the mountain."

Upon hearing this, Ma Tingyun's right eyelid twitched.

In all of Shedynasty, Ma Tingyun feared no one—not even Li Zhang of Beixi County.

But the moment he heard Qin Feng was coming, his heart began to race.

"Heading straight for our Fortress… It seems Qin Feng intends to launch a direct assault on our stronghold."

At these words, the officers present burst into cold laughter.

Deputy General Lü Ci sneered immediately: "Assault Xiongying Ridge? Unless Qin Feng has lost his mind!"

"General, I say we need not take Qin Feng seriously at all."

"Since our Great Di began war with Liang Kingdom, we have always been the attackers, while Liang has always been the defenders."

"Even if Qin Feng has vast experience in Siege Warfare, he has always been on the defensive side."

"Moreover, our Xiongying Ridge is impregnable; our grain stores are sufficient for our comrades to last two years. Though water is scarce and we can hold only three months, that is more than enough time for Reinforcements to arrive."

"If I were the Beixi Commander, the wisest decision now would be to retreat immediately—to preserve strength and minimize casualties."

"Otherwise, attacking means death, and staying to defend means death too!"

Ma Tingyun knew well that Lü Ci's reasoning held merit.

With the strength of Xiongying Ridge, any commander who launched a direct assault would meet certain death.

Moreover, according to the messenger's report, Qin Feng appeared poised to launch an attack soon—this was, in fact, the most foolish decision possible.

But…

Ma Tingyun simply could not underestimate Qin Feng.

After all… even Chen Si had fallen before Qin Feng. How could such a Legendary General make such a blunder?

After much deliberation, Ma Tingyun issued his order: "Continue reconnaissance—be extra cautious, keep your vigilance at its peak."

"Qin Feng is beyond ordinary comprehension."

The messenger departed immediately, but the other officers present remained unconvinced.

Some even thought Ma Tingyun was overreacting.

Lü Ci sneered and spat: "General, at a time like this, nothing is more dangerous than boosting the enemy's morale and diminishing our own."

"Even if Qin Feng is capable, we must not treat him as a true threat—otherwise, how will our troops perceive us?"

"They'll think we're already trembling before battle even begins."

Several other officers nodded in agreement.

"Exactly! Qin Feng's record is indeed outstanding, but we've all crawled out of piles of corpses—why fear one man?"

"Hmph, if Qin Feng dares show his face, I'll ride out alone and take his head!"

Facing the officers' skepticism, Ma Tingyun showed no irritation—after all, these commanders had all been gathered from across the realm.

They were never Ma Tingyun's subordinates to begin with, and after years of bitter warfare with the Liang Kingdom, each one was arrogant and proud; they called Ma Tingyun "General" to his face, but inwardly held him in utter contempt.

Many secretly called Ma Tingyun a coward.

Yet Ma Tingyun's mission was to hold Xiongying Ridge; everything else, he didn't care about.

His reputation was ruined, but he suffered no real loss—if Xiongying Ridge fell, that would be a capital crime.

Several external commanders, faces full of resentment, all proposed that they should strike out immediately while Qin Feng was still unsteady, surely achieving unexpected results.

Ma Tingyun did not hesitate and flatly rejected: "Impossible!"

"Qin Feng is surrounded by Elite Soldiers and capable generals; launching an Offensive Action would be far too risky."

"As long as your troops hold the City firm, Xiongying Ridge will remain invincible. Do not stir up unnecessary trouble."

Upon hearing this, Lü Ci's gaze toward Ma Tingyun grew even more contemptuous.

"Heh, General, you're not… afraid of Qin Feng, are you?"

Before Ma Tingyun could retort, a messenger rushed into the mansion, frantic and pale.

"General! Disaster! The ground below the City is piled high with corpses!"

Ma Tingyun froze: "What?! Are you seeing ghosts? Where in the world did corpses come from?"

The messenger's face was ashen: "It's absolutely true, General! If you don't believe me, step outside and see for yourself!"