Chapter 961

Scattered tents formed a continuous expanse within the Xiutu Marsh, surrounded on all sides by sand dunes, stretching out until they were lost to sight.

The clamorous noise made the bright stars hanging in the sky flicker in and out of view.

Beside the ignited bonfires, Western Qiang soldiers dressed in foreign attire gathered around the flames to warm themselves.

Over a dozen Western Qiang tribes, including the Xiutu, Huangzhong Yi Cong, Rile, Wulan, Xianmei, and Fanhe, had formed a massive coalition army.

Besides them, in the area closest to the center, a small number of Han people could also be seen.

Inside the central command tent.

Over a dozen Western Qiang tribal leaders, along with the chieftains of various nomadic clans, were gathered within the massive dome.

Each person held a small knife, carving off pieces of freshly boiled mutton placed on wooden platters upon the low tables before them.

The ceramic bowls beside them were filled to the brim with milky-white mare's milk wine.

Beigong Boyu sat in the seat of honor, and seated to his lower left were two Han men, both around thirty years of age.

Beigong Boyu cast his gaze toward the two men, then said with a smile, "Brother Han, Brother Bian, Duan Yu's troops are now within Wuwei City."

"It appears that our plan has already succeeded."

"After finishing this meal, let the soldiers set out to surround Wuwei City."

"There are fewer than two thousand men inside the city, while we have fifty or sixty thousand; this time, we will surely be able to trap Duan Yu here to his death."

Han Sui and Bian Zhang, whom Beigong Boyu addressed as 'Brother', exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with wariness.

Beigong Boyu took in the expressions on their faces and laughed magnanimously, saying, "Brother Han and Brother Bian need not be like this."

"We have all gathered together for a common goal."

"I represent the Western Qiang and the various nomadic tribes who wish to survive, while you represent the interests of Liangzhou."

"We are merely taking what each of us needs."

"Once Duan Yu is dead, we shall each go our own way; according to our previous agreement, Jincheng, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang will fall under my jurisdiction, while the remaining lands will continue to be the territory of you Han people."

"We can refrain from encroaching upon one another."

"Without Duan Yu, we can settle down and live in peace in the five commanderies of Liangzhou, and you will no longer need to worry about Duan Yu swallowing up your family assets, property, and foundations."

"Therefore, we are the best of partners."

"We need only wait until tomorrow to kill Duan Yu, and then we can each return home."

Beigong Boyu looked at Han Sui and Bian Zhang with a smile.

"Good."

Han Sui raised the wine bowl in his hand and said to Beigong Boyu, "Since that is the case, then let us toast to our great victory tomorrow—happy cooperation!"

The next morning.

When the morning sunlight spilled over the golden sea of sand, Wuwei City, isolated and surrounded by the desert, looked like a lone island.

And all around this lone island, the vast majority of the foreign coalition army, clad in sheepskin coats, surged toward the island like white waves crashing against it.

Woo—

Woo—

Woo—

The dull sound of horns rang out from within Wuwei City.

Outside the city, tens of thousands of the foreign coalition army came from all directions, riding horses, clutching various weapons, and trampling the yellow sand.

On the city walls.

Duan Yu was clad in black armor, holding the Heavenly Dragon Halberd in one hand.

"They're here!"

Duan Yu narrowed his eyes, scanning the tens of thousands of foreign coalition troops outside the city: "This is the killing blow Beigong Boyu prepared for me."

"Now this looks like something." ===== CHAPTER 963 =====