Chapter 434

Outside Tongguan, Beijiang Bright Army camp.

Han Xiao stood on a temporarily built high platform, overlooking the busy soldiers below.

The flags in the Bright Army camp covered the sky and the sun, far exceeding the number that his subordinates should have.

The parts of the huge catapults were assembled by the craftsmen shouting, and the drummers took turns, the drum beats never stopping day and night, knocking the Western Liang army's hearts into trembling.

"General, the scouts on Murong Ke's side report that the defenders in the pass are moving frequently, and the activity of the scouts has also increased several times; it looks like they have really been bluffed by us." The Vice General stepped forward quickly and reported in a low voice.

Han Xiao nodded slightly: "Still not enough! Order down, mobilize another three thousand civilian laborers, tie more straw men and put on spare leather armor, insert flags, and move toward Tongguan after nightfall, making a false appearance of increasing troops.

During the day, let the archers take turns to go forward, pretending to shoot tentatively; there is no need to seek accuracy, but the momentum must be huge.

You must make Murong Ke feel that we may launch a general attack at any time, nailing him firmly on the city wall of Tongguan, and not even one soldier or one pawn is allowed to be transferred!"

"Yes!" The Vice General obeyed and left.

Han Xiao's gaze was very calm, and there was no "tension" before the big battle.

Because he knew that this was not the main battlefield, the bigger the movement he made here, the greater the opportunity for Bai Ting and Zhang Honghong on the other side.

He silently calculated the time; Yingchou Ravine, should be arriving soon, right?

Deep in the Qinling Mountains, rugged mountain road.

The fifteen thousand elites led by Bai Ting were winding and sneaking through the towering mountains and ridges.

The soldiers had removed their heavy armor, wearing only light leather armor or cloth clothes, their faces smeared with mud and ash, carrying ropes, fire oil jars, and special rock-climbing tools on their backs.

Under their feet were slippery moss and exposed rocks, and every step needed to be careful; a slight carelessness would lead to falling into an abyss.

To tell the truth, this work was not easy, but fortunately, the jungle provided them with cover, even if the progress was slow, it didn't matter.

"General, the front is the upper reaches of Yingchou Ravine. Scouts report that there is a small patrol team of Western Liang troops at the ravine mouth, about fifty people." A scout captain soaked all over slipped down from the front and reported to Bai Ting in a low voice.

Bai Ting wiped the rain and sweat from his face, his eyes still sharp: "How is the situation in the ravine? Is there any news about the Western Liang grain transport fleet?"

"The current in the ravine is rapid, the cliffs on both sides are like cuts, and the narrowest part can only allow two ships to pass side by side. The Western Liang fleet usually makes a trip every three days; one team just passed yesterday, and the next team is expected to arrive at the 'One Line Sky' section, the most dangerous part of Yingchou Ravine, tomorrow afternoon."

"One Line Sky..."

Bai Ting chewed on this name, his gaze sweeping over the tired but fighting-spirit-filled faces behind him. "The time is just right!

Order the first battalion and the second battalion, pick three hundred of the best climbers, I will lead the team personally, carry fire oil, gunpowder, and fire-starting materials, and set off immediately to climb to the cliff tops on both sides of 'One Line Sky'!

The third battalion and the fourth battalion, hide and rest on the spot; once the cliff tops succeed and the signal is sent, immediately move down along the mountain road to block the lower reaches of the ravine mouth!

The fifth battalion, commanded by General Zhang, ambush in the open area outside the ravine mouth, preparing to intercept and kill the routed soldiers!"

"Yes!" The thousand-householders of several battalions promised in a low voice and quickly acted separately.

Zhang Honghong leaned to Bai Ting's side: "Big Brother Bai, be careful. That Helian Bobo suffered a big loss, and that fox Si Wushuang might have some precautions."

Bai Ting patted her on the shoulder, a curve appearing at the corner of his mouth: "Rest assured. No matter how much Si Wushuang calculates, he cannot calculate that we can climb this bird-not-shitting cliff in this ghostly weather.

As long as the movements are fast enough and hidden enough, catch him off guard! You also be alert below, don't let the cooked duck fly away."

"Hmph, if he dares to fly out, I will chop off his wings!" A fierce look flashed in Zhang Honghong's eyes.

Luoyang, inside the Western Liang Royal Palace study.

Si Wushuang locked his brows tightly, and several pieces of intelligence from different directions were spread out in front of him.

The momentum of the Beijiang army outside Tongguan was huge, never stopping day and night, having quite a bit of intention to pursue the victory.

Tufa Yan reported from the Lantian direction that Luo Feng's department was moving frequently, seemingly strengthening the outer defense line of Chang'an.

And Helian Bobo reported from the Shangluo direction that everything was as usual, only complaining that the grain transport was slow...

Everything seemed to point to the fact that the Beijiang main attack direction was Tongguan, but the unease in Si Wushuang's heart was getting stronger and stronger.

Too deliberate!

Han Xiao's feint attack was done too much like the real thing, appearing unreal instead.

Jiang Jinshi was not a reckless man; he knew deeply that Tongguan was hard to chew, so how could he attack strongly regardless of the cost?

After playing against Jiang Jinshi many times, Si Wushuang's understanding of Jiang Jinshi's strategy had risen to a much higher level; if he could think of three or four moves, Jiang Jinshi could think of the fifth move.

So this matter must be a fraud!!

It's just that I don't know... what is Jiang Jinshi's real purpose...

His fingers tapped on the table unconsciously, and his gaze finally stayed on the report about "everything as usual" in the Shangluo direction.

Helian Bobo... this person is headstrong and was heavily damaged again; how credible is his report?

Would Beijiang really let go of the relatively weak link of Wuguan?

"Someone!" Si Wushuang called out in a deep voice.

A secret agent appeared in the shadows: "What are the Military Advisor's orders?"

"Immediately add three times the manpower, strictly monitor the Dan River valley, especially the Yingchou Ravine area!

Any wind or grass movement, immediately send a pigeon message!

At the same time, order Helian Bobo to strengthen the city defense of Wuguan, send elite scouts, and patrol the upper and lower reaches of the Dan River valley for fifty miles repeatedly, and there must be no mistakes! Tell him, if there is another leak, bring your head to see me!"

Si Wushuang's voice carried unquestionable authority; he had to make the worst plan. Western Liang had suffered consecutive defeats, and if they continued to lose... this country would really be gone.

At this moment, Yingchou Ravine, inside One Line Sky.

The three hundred rock-climbing experts led by Bai Ting personally were sticking to the slippery cliff, using rock crevices and tough vines to move upward with difficulty.

The ropes swayed in the wind and rain; a slight carelessness would lead to being smashed to pieces.

The soldiers gritted their teeth, sweat, rain, and blood mixed together, but no one let out a groan.

Bai Ting occasionally hummed a few times: "Luo... the Madman can climb, I... can also climb! Who... who is worse than whom?"

Finally, before dawn, Bai Ting was the first to climb to the cliff top.

He lay on the cold rock, panting heavily, the cold rain hitting his face, making him refreshed.

He quickly observed the surroundings, confirmed it was safe, and gave a signal.

One figure after another emerged from the cliff edge and quickly hid in the predetermined positions.

Bai Ting hid behind a giant rock, looking down through the rain and fog.

This was indeed an excellent ambush location!

His heart settled slightly, and he ordered in a low voice: "Check equipment, hide and wait for orders! Listen to my orders after the target appears!"

Time passed second by second, and the rain gradually became smaller.

Until noon, the faint sound of chanting and the sound of oars breaking the water came from the lower reaches.

"Coming!"

The soldier responsible for looking out lowered his voice, carrying a hint of excitement, put down the telescope in his hand, turned his head, and reported.