Chapter 440

To improve the quality of her troops and determined to forge a career, Ke Li Si Ting devised two strategies.

Translation: "In order to improve the quality of her subordinates and determined to make a career for herself, Ke Li Si Ting devised two strategies."

Check: To improve the quality of her troops and determined to forge a career, Ke Li Si Ting devised two strategies.

Literal: To be able to raise subordinate quality, determined to make a career, Ke Li Si Ting formulated two strategies.

We'll produce: "To raise the quality of her subordinates and determined to make a career, Ke Li Si Ting devised two strategies."

First, she would enhance the existing forces by taking Shuang and her deputy to the barracks near the Royal Capital for high‑intensity training of her soldiers in battle formations.

Translation: "First, improve what she already has, bringing Frost and her deputy to the barracks near the Royal Capital to intensely train her troops in battle formations."

Shuang

deputy

barracks near the Royal Capital

intense training of her troops in battle formations

Thus line: "First, improve what she already has, bringing Shuang and her deputy to the barracks near the Royal Capital to intensely train her troops in battle formations."

Second, she would attract quality recruits by announcing a call for soldiers and horses within a hundred‑mile radius, offering lavish funds to enlist various independent talents and gradually expand the ranks.

Translation: "Second, attract quality talent, issuing a call for recruits within a hundred-mile radius, spending lavishly to enlist various wild talents and gradually expand the force."

Within a hundred-mile radius, spending lavishly to gather various wild talents and gradually expand the troops.

Thus: "Second, to attract quality talent, she issued a call for recruits within a hundred-mile radius, spending lavishly to enlist various wild talents and gradually expand the force."

The effect of these two approaches was undoubtedly significant, as shown in 【I finally managed to return to the Deep Forest, and you dare to bully me! Thirty years on the east bank, thirty years on the west bank, do not bully the middle‑aged poor; I will definitely avenge today's grievance!】

Translation: "The effect of these two measures is undoubtedly significant, because in 【I finally returned to the Deep Forest, how dare you bully me! Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not bully the middle-aged poor; I will surely avenge today's grudge!】"

I finally made it back to the deep forest, and you dare to bully me! Thirty years east, thirty years west—don't mess with a down-on-his-luck middle-aged guy; I'll surely get revenge for this!

Translate: "I finally returned to the Deep Forest, how dare you bully me! Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not bully the middle-aged poor; I will surely avenge today's grudge!"

We need to keep the brackets? The original line includes 【】. We should keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully, never skip, summarise, or merge paragraphs. Keep each translation on a single output line. The brackets are part of the text; we should translate the content but keep the brackets? Usually we would translate the content and keep the brackets as they are punctuation. We'll output: "The effect of these two measures is undoubtedly significant, because in 【I finally returned to the Deep Forest, how dare you bully me! Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not bully the middle-aged poor; I will surely avenge today's grudge!】"

But we need to decide whether to keep the Chinese brackets or replace with English brackets? The rule: translate everything; we should keep the brackets as they are, but the content inside should be translated. So we keep 【】.

Thus line: "The effect of these two measures is undoubtedly significant, because in 【I finally returned to the Deep Forest, how dare you bully me! Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not bully the middle-aged poor; I will surely avenge today's grudge!】"

【My new boss is a monster who can stand a person on his fist and ride a horse on his arm, Gui Gui; if not trained properly, he might be torn apart】

Translation: "【Our new boss is a monster who can stand on fists and run on arms; Gui Gui, if not properly trained, he might be torn apart by hand.】"

Our new boss is a monster who can stand on fists and run on arms—Gui Gui, if not properly trained, could be ripped apart by hand.

Breakdown: "Our new boss is a monster who can stand on fists and run on arms; Gui Gui, if not properly trained, he might be torn apart by hand."

Gui Gui

Thus line: "【Our new boss is a monster who can stand on fists and run on arms; Gui Gui, if not properly trained, he might be torn apart by hand.】"

And under the influence of three major buffs, 【How much money did the former alliance leader actually embezzle? How can the new leader spend so lavishly and still have enough? Doesn't that mean I can keep earning?】

Translation: "And under the influence of the three major buffs from 【How much money did the former alliance leader actually steal? How can the new alliance leader be so extravagant and still have? Then I might as well keep earning.】"

Just how much did the former alliance leader steal? How can the new alliance leader be so extravagant and still have money? That means I might still be able to keep earning!

Translate: "How much money did the former alliance leader actually steal? How can the new alliance leader be so extravagant and still have? Then I might as well keep earning."

Thus line: "And under the influence of the three major buffs from 【How much money did the former alliance leader actually steal? How can the new alliance leader be so extravagant and still have? Then I might as well keep earning.】"

Finally, after three months, this force of about a thousand had cultivated a hint of military aura and was almost ready for real‑combat honing.

Translation: "Finally, after three months, this force of a thousand had somewhat cultivated a military aura, and could now be honed in actual combat."

Finally, after three months, this force of a thousand had somewhat cultivated a military aura and could now be honed in actual combat.

Alright, that's the outward explanation; in truth, Ke Li Si Ting could no longer suppress her inner yearning because she desperately needed a military merit.

Translation: "Well, that's the outward excuse; in reality, Ke Li Si Ting simply couldn't suppress her inner longing, because she desperately needed a military achievement."

Ke Li Si Ting

Thus: "Well, that's the outward excuse; in reality, Ke Li Si Ting simply couldn't suppress her inner longing, because she desperately needed a military achievement."

Although when the Pearl Tribe first fled to the Deep Forest they held a high rank but a tiny territory, only being granted a nearly worthless patch of barren land by the royal court.

Translation: "Although when the Pearl Tribe initially sought refuge in the Deep Forest, they had a high rank but small territory, being granted by the royal court a patch of almost worthless barren land."

The Pearl Tribe in the Deep Forest holds a high rank but has a small territory, having been granted by the royal court only a patch of almost worthless barren land.

Thus: "Although when the Pearl Tribe initially sought refuge in the Deep Forest, they had a high rank but small territory, being granted by the royal court a patch of almost worthless barren land."

Yet that very piece of wasteland was opportunistically divided among the surrounding powers after the Pearl Tribe's downfall.

Translation: "But that very patch of worthless land had already been opportunistically divided up by the surrounding powers after the Pearl Tribe's downfall."

When the Pearl Tribe fell, the surrounding powers opportunistically divided it up.

Thus: "But that very patch of worthless land had already been opportunistically divided up by the surrounding powers after the Pearl Tribe's downfall."

As a result, Ke Li Si Ting's title was restored but she had no land, remaining a wandering noble whose home is the four seas.

Translation: "Consequently, Ke Li Si Ting's title was restored, but she had no land, remaining a wandering noble with no fixed home."

a wandering noble with no fixed home (whose home is the four seas)

Thus: "Consequently, Ke Li Si Ting's title was restored, but she had no land, remaining a wandering noble with no fixed home."

—Otherwise why would they be using the barracks around the Royal Capital as a training site? Because there truly is no other place willing to take them in.

Translation: "——Otherwise, why would they use the barracks around the Royal Capital as a training ground, since there really is nowhere else willing to take them in?"

We need to keep the em dash? We'll keep as "——". Translate: "Otherwise, why would they use the barracks around the Royal Capital as a training ground, since there really is nowhere else willing to take them in?"

Even so, they still spent a large sum on rent and leveraged many connections up and down.

Translation: "Even so, they still spent a large sum on rent and used many connections up and down."

Therefore Ke Li Si Ting must earn a military merit to secure a base of her own—a true land of the rising dragon.

And the designated point for earning military merit in the Shen Lin Wang Guo is naturally the Northern Border Defense Line, where battles are never scarce.

Translation: "Therefore, Ke Li Si Ting must obtain a military achievement in order to gain a base of her own, a true land of rising dragon."

The base is a true land of rising dragon.

Thus: "Therefore, Ke Li Si Ting must obtain a military achievement in order to gain a base of her own, a true land of rising dragon."

It's well known that the popular tournament held at least once a year is the most nurturing, forging countless newcomers here through blood and flesh.

Translation: "And the designated point for earning military merit in the Shen Lin Wang Guo is naturally the Northern Border Defense Line, where there is never a lack of battles."

Ke Li Si Ting thought so and acted accordingly, leading over a thousand soldiers to directly apply for an auxiliary defense mission at Iron Furnace Fortress.

Thus: "And the designated point for earning military merit in the Shen Lin Wang Guo is naturally the Northern Border Defense Line, where there is never a lack of battles."

Little did she know that her assumed proactive grind in the grass valley, easily gaining experience and casually observing her hometown's customs, would turn out differently.

Translation: "As everyone knows, that popular tournament held at least once a year is the most nurturing, and many newcomers are forged here by blood and flesh."

The popular tournament is the most nurturing, where many newcomers are forged by blood and flesh.

Thus: "As everyone knows, that popular tournament held at least once a year is the most nurturing, and many newcomers are forged here by blood and flesh."

When the Third Prince's movements were unexpectedly exposed, the steppe people struck first, turning the defense of the isolated city into a massive headwind.

Translation: "Ke Li Si Ting thought so and acted accordingly, leading over a thousand soldiers to directly apply for the auxiliary defense mission at Iron Furnace Fortress."

Moreover, this year the enemy's offensive is exceptionally fierce, and the rear situation is unusually strange, completely unlike the preparations she had made beforehand.

Thus: "Ke Li Si Ting thought so and acted accordingly, leading over a thousand soldiers to directly apply for the auxiliary defense mission at Iron Furnace Fortress."

Thus the bleak reality made Ke Li Si Ting's first battle in the novice village immediately high‑difficulty, akin to a startup team hit by a major industry upheaval.

Translation: "Who would have thought that her imagined proactive strike to grind experience in the grass valley would be easy, and she would also get to see the local customs of her hometown?"

To grind experience in the grass valley, easily gain experience and incidentally witness the local customs of her hometown.

Thus: "Who would have thought that her imagined proactive strike to grind experience in the grass valley would be easy, and she would also get to see the local customs of her hometown?"

The battle‑horse maiden, already a bit scatterbrained, felt her head was about to burn out, shrouded in mist all day.

Translation: "When the Third Prince's whereabouts were unexpectedly exposed, the steppe people's strategy of striking first turned it into a super headwind for defending an isolated city."

As for good news, the hunted Third Prince retreated to Iron Furnace Fortress with his tens of thousands of elite troops.

Thus: "When the Third Prince's whereabouts were unexpectedly exposed, the steppe people's strategy of striking first turned it into a super headwind for defending an isolated city."

The bad news is that he also brought the fifty‑thousand‑strong steppe army that was following behind.

Translation: "Moreover, this year the enemy's offensive is exceptionally fierce, and the rear situation is also exceptionally strange, completely unlike the preparations she had made beforehand."

Alas, with ten thousand it's boundless, with a hundred thousand it reaches earth and joins heaven.

Clearly, yesterday it was still a pallid wasteland outside the city, but today it has been completely covered by an unsettling darkness; this feeling is too shocking.

Translation: "Thus the bleak reality made Ke Li Si Ting's novice village's first battle immediately high‑difficulty, somewhat like a startup team encountering a major industry upheaval."

Great enemy at hand, everyone quickly gathered and began tallying the forces currently inside the castle.

Thus: "Thus the bleak reality made Ke Li Si Ting's novice village's first battle immediately high‑difficulty, somewhat like a startup team encountering a major industry upheaval."

The conclusion: General Feng En's garrison at Iron Furnace Fortress numbered over three thousand, while Viscountess Ke Li Si Ting's auxiliary defense force had over a thousand.

Translation: "Originally, the battle‑horse maiden already felt a bit lacking in wit, but now she feels her head is about to burn up, and all day long she is shrouded in mist."

As the prince's Third Lion, his troops numbered as many as fourteen thousand, equipped with armored cavalry, mage battalions, dagger‑wielding assassins, and every kind of precious unit imaginable.

Thus: "Originally, the battle‑horse maiden already felt a bit lacking in wit, but now she feels her head is about to burn up, and all day long she is shrouded in mist."

Although they probably couldn't defeat the steppe army outside the city, replacing Feng En as the new commander of Iron Furnace Fortress would be a breeze.

Translation: "As for the good news, the pursued Third Prince retreated with his tens of thousands of elite troops to the Iron Furnace Fortress where she was stationed."

But personal command cannot erase a disparity of over thirty thousand troops, and even if the Third Prince exerts all his strength, he can barely fend off the steppe people's assault.

Thus: "As for the good news, the pursued Third Prince retreated with his tens of thousands of elite troops to the Iron Furnace Fortress where she was stationed."

And this is already the result of the enemy commander deliberately slowing the attack's scale and pace, whether out of pity for his troops or for some other reason.

Translation: "But the bad news is that he also brought along the fifty‑thousand‑strong steppe army that had been right behind him."

fifty‑thousand‑strong steppe army

Thus: "But the bad news is that he also brought along the fifty‑thousand‑strong steppe army that had been right behind him."

In fact, if Ji Ming were here, he would have already found a corresponding case in the five‑thousand‑year war history and guessed the intent behind the Han Kingdom's large army's move.

Translation: "Alas, with ten thousand it's boundless, with a hundred thousand it reaches earth and joins heaven."

—Exactly, it's the 'surround the point and strike the relief' tactic.

Encircle the enemy's crucial segment completely, give the illusion that they can rescue their own, then swallow all the reinforcements that rush in.

Translation: "Clearly, yesterday it was still a pallid wasteland outside the city, but today it has been completely covered by an unsettling darkness; this feeling is too shocking."

Clearly, yesterday it was still a pallid wasteland outside the city, but today it has been completely covered by an unsettling darkness; this feeling is too shocking.

This is a tactic proven good by history; any steppe person who can comprehend it is absolutely a great talent.

Translation: "With the great enemy at hand, everyone quickly gathered and began to tally the forces currently inside the castle."

But he knows warfare, yet completely fails to grasp what Deep Forest is, what social Darwinism is, or what the survival of the fittest of horse‑treading means.

Thus: "With the great enemy at hand, everyone quickly gathered and began to tally the forces currently inside the castle."

Hehe, Ya Ge Luo is indeed the Third Prince, but there are so many princes and princesses; he doesn't even look—Is this nearby Lao San's territory?

Translation: "The conclusion: General Feng En, responsible for defending Iron Furnace Fortress, has over three thousand subordinates, while Viscountess Ke Li Si Ting, responsible for the auxiliary defense, has over one thousand."

General Feng En, Viscountess Ke Li Si Ting, and the Iron Furnace Fortress provided auxiliary defense.

Thus: "The conclusion: General Feng En, responsible for defending Iron Furnace Fortress, has over three thousand subordinates, while Viscountess Ke Li Si Ting, responsible for the auxiliary defense, has over one thousand."

Coincidentally, not only is it not, but the three nearest castles and five corps—including two dukes—are all under Lao Er's control.

Translation: "And as a prince, Third Lion has as many as fourteen thousand troops, complete with armored cavalry, mage battalions, dagger‑wielding assassins, and every kind of precious troop type imaginable."

Alright, let's interview Xiao Er Ge; if the Third Son dies here, what would he do?

Thus: "And as a prince, Third Lion has as many as fourteen thousand troops, complete with armored cavalry, mage battalions, dagger‑wielding assassins, and every kind of precious troop type imaginable."

"Thank you, thank you everyone, I'm planning to go all out."

Translation: "Although they might not be able to defeat the steppe army outside the city, replacing General Feng En as the new commander of Iron Furnace Fortress would be easy."

"No more talk—tonight at eight, the red electronic music polar clash, heaven and earth fully discharged, let's all dance together!"

Thus: "Although they might not be able to defeat the steppe army outside the city, replacing General Feng En as the new commander of Iron Furnace Fortress would be easy."

Although the Second Prince's people were busy finding excuses to avoid rescue, the Third Prince's men still hurriedly led troops to aid upon hearing that their lord had suffered.

Translation: "But this is a fantasy world; personal command cannot erase a disparity of over thirty thousand troops, and even if the Third Prince exerts all his strength, he can barely fend off the steppe people's attack."

It's just that Lao San originally fled in disarray from the steppe, panicking without a clear route and not knowing where to go, making this place far from his headquarters.

Thus: "But this is a fantasy world; personal command cannot erase a disparity of over thirty thousand troops, and even if the Third Prince exerts all his strength, he can barely fend off the steppe people's attack."

Moreover, that damned blizzard blew for several days straight, burying the roads completely between heaven and earth, so even if they held out for seven days, they still couldn't last until reinforcements arrived.

Translation: "And this is already the result of the enemy commander deliberately slowing the attack's scale and pace, whether out of pity for his troops or for some other reason."

—Exactly, it's the 'surround the point and strike the relief' tactic.

In fact, if it were Ji Ming here, he would have already found a comparable case in the five‑thousand‑year war history and guessed the purpose of the Han nation's army's move.

Translation: "Actually, if it were Ji Ming here, he would have already found a corresponding case in the five‑thousand‑year war history and guessed what the Han Kingdom's large army intends by this."

Encircle the enemy's crucial part completely, give the enemy the illusion they can rescue their own, then swallow all the reinforcements that come rushing in.

Thus: "Actually, if it were Ji Ming here, he would have already found a corresponding case in the five‑thousand‑year war history and guessed what the Han Kingdom's large army intends by this."

This is a tactic proven good by history; any steppe person who can comprehend it is absolutely a great talent.

Translation: "——Exactly, it's surround the point and strike the relief."

surround the point and strike the relief

Thus: "——Exactly, it's surround the point and strike the relief."

But he knows warfare, yet completely fails to understand what Deep Forest is, what social Darwinism is, or what the survival of the fittest of horse‑treading means.

Translation: "Encircle the enemy's important part completely, give the enemy the illusion that they can rescue their own, and then swallow all the reinforcements that come rushing in."

Hehe, Ya Ge Luo is indeed the Third Prince, but there are so many princes and princesses; he doesn't even look—Is this nearby Lao San's territory?

Thus: "Encircle the enemy's important part completely, give the enemy the illusion that they can rescue their own, and then swallow all the reinforcements that come rushing in."

Coincidentally, not only is it not, but the three nearest castles and five corps—including two dukes—are all under Lao Er's control.

Translation: "This is a tactic proven good by history; any steppe person who can comprehend it is absolutely a great talent."

Alright, let's interview Xiao Er Ge; if the Third Son dies here, what would he do?

Thus: "This is a tactic proven good by history; any steppe person who can comprehend it is absolutely a great talent."

"Thank you, thank you everyone, I'm planning to go all out."

Translation: "But he understands warfare, yet completely fails to grasp what Deep Forest is, what social Darwinism is, or what the survival of the fittest of horse‑treading means."

"No more talk—tonight at eight, the red electronic music polar clash, heaven and earth fully discharged, let's all dance together!"

Although the Second Prince's people were busy finding excuses to avoid rescue, the Third Prince's men still hurriedly led troops to aid upon hearing that their lord had suffered.

Thus: "But he understands warfare, yet completely fails to grasp what Deep Forest is, what social Darwinism is, or what the survival of the fittest of horse‑treading means."

Their lord had suffered.

Translation: "Hehe, that Ya Ge Luo is indeed the Third Prince, but there are so many princes and princesses; he doesn't even look—is this area the territory of Lao San?"

And Lao San originally fled in disarray from the steppe, panicking without a clear route and not knowing where to go, making this place far from his headquarters.

Thus: "Hehe, that Ya Ge Luo is indeed the Third Prince, but there are so many princes and princesses; he doesn't even look—is this area the territory of Lao San?"

Moreover, that damned blizzard blew for several days straight, burying the roads completely between heaven and earth, so even if they held out for seven days, they still couldn't last until reinforcements arrived.

Translation: "Coincidentally, not only is it not, but the three nearest castles and the five corps—including the two dukes—are all under Lao Er's command."

But as one of the strongest contenders for the throne, the Third Prince's will to survive is extremely vigorous—how could he possibly give up resistance just because of this?

Thus: "Coincidentally, not only is it not, but the three nearest castles and the five corps—including the two dukes—are all under Lao Er's command."

So, after summoning Ke Li Si Ting, his second sentence was:

Translation: "Well, let's interview Xiao Er Ge; if the Third Son dies here, what would he do?"

"Everyone, we have exhausted all our efforts, yet we still couldn't hold out for reinforcements to arrive; defeat is probably already a foregone conclusion."

Thank you, thank you everyone, I'm planning to hold a grand celebration.

Translation: ""Thank you, thank you everyone, I'm planning to go all out.""

Therefore, Feng En, who still had his hometown, wife, and children, and was waiting to earn several more years of military merit to exchange for a wealthy viscount's life, spoke first.

Thus: ""Thank you, thank you everyone, I'm planning to go all out.""

"Your Highness, you are a prince of immeasurable value, but you absolutely cannot give up like this!"

Translation: ""No more talk—tonight at eight, the red electronic music polar clash, heaven and earth fully discharged, let's all dance together!""

Ke Li Si Ting, who harbors the ambition to revive the Pearl family's glory nearby and the desire to be the divine choice of the frenzied erudite Ji Ming far away, also quickly expressed her stance.

Thus: ""No more talk—tonight at eight, the red electronic music polar clash, heaven and earth fully discharged, let's all dance together!""

"Your Highness, although our numbers are inferior to theirs, we still have some fighting strength; perhaps there is still a chance to turn things around!"

Translation: "Although the Second Prince's people were busy finding excuses to avoid rescue, the Third Prince's men still hurriedly led troops to aid upon hearing that their lord had suffered."

With a sigh, the Third Prince's face showed a bitter smile.

—Nonsense! I'm the one who least wants to die; how could you not know that?

Thus: "Although the Second Prince's people were busy finding excuses to avoid rescue, the Third Prince's men still hurriedly led troops to aid upon hearing that their lord had suffered."

But he could only curse silently in his heart, while his face continued to wear a regretful, long‑drawn sigh.

Translation: "But Lao San had originally fled in disarray from the steppe, panicking and not choosing a route, so he basically didn't know where to go, making this place really far from his headquarters."

"Don't worry, you two; I, the prince, haven't given up hope either—it's just that reality is grim, and a way to break the situation… well, it's really hard to find……"

Thus: "But Lao San had originally fled in disarray from the steppe, panicking and not choosing a route, so he basically didn't know where to go, making this place really far from his headquarters."

Ke Li Si Ting didn't dare to speak, because she was desperately restraining herself from uttering, "If that won't work, let's sit down and think together?"

Translation: "Moreover, that damned blizzard blew for several days straight, burying the roads completely between heaven and earth, so that even if they held out for seven days, they still couldn't last until reinforcements arrived."

But Feng En, who had been rolling around in the circles for many years, had already sensed a hint of it from within.

—Otherwise why would they be using the barracks around the Royal Capital as a training site? Because there truly is no other place willing to take them in.

Translation: "But as one of the strongest contenders for the throne, the Third Prince's will to survive is extremely vigorous—how could he possibly give up resistance just because of this?"

Even so, they still spent a large sum on rent and leveraged many connections up and down.

So, after summoning Ke Li Si Ting, his second sentence was:

Translation: "So, after summoning Ke Li Si Ting, his second sentence was:"

"Everyone, we have exhausted all our efforts, yet we still couldn't hold out for reinforcements to arrive; defeat is probably already a foregone conclusion."

Upon hearing this, both Ke Li Si Ting and Feng En changed expression, after all, who could not care for their own lives given the conscience of heaven and earth?

Translation: ""Everyone, we have exhausted all our efforts, yet we still couldn't hold out for reinforcements to arrive; defeat is probably already a foregone conclusion.""

Therefore, Feng En, who still had his hometown, wife, and children, and was waiting to earn several more years of military merit to exchange for a wealthy viscount's life, spoke first.

Thus: ""Everyone, we have exhausted all our efforts, yet we still couldn't hold out for reinforcements to arrive; defeat is probably already a foregone conclusion.""

"Your Highness, you are a prince of immeasurable value, but you absolutely cannot give up like this!"

Translation: "Upon hearing this, both Ke Li Si Ting and General Feng En changed expression, after all, who could not care for their own lives given conscience of heaven and earth?"

Ke Li Si Ting, who harbors the ambition to revive the Pearl family's glory nearby and the desire to be the divine choice of the frenzied erudite Ji Ming far away, also quickly expressed her stance.

"Your Highness, although our numbers are inferior to theirs, we still have some fighting strength; perhaps there is still a chance to turn things around!"

Translation: "Therefore, Feng En, who still had his hometown and wife and children, and was waiting to earn several more years of military merit to exchange for a wealthy viscount's life, spoke first."

With a sigh, the Third Prince's face showed a bitter smile.

Feng En

Thus: "Therefore, Feng En, who still had his hometown and wife and children, and was waiting to earn several more years of military merit to exchange for a wealthy viscount's life, spoke first."

—Nonsense! I'm the one who least wants to die; how could you not know that?

Translation: ""Your Highness, you are a prince of immeasurable value, but you absolutely cannot give up like this!""

But he could only curse silently in his heart, while his face continued to wear a regretful, long‑drawn sigh.

Thus: ""Your Highness, you are a prince of immeasurable value, but you absolutely cannot give up like this！""

"Don't worry, you two; I, the prince, haven't given up hope either—it's just that reality is grim, and a way to break the situation… well, it's really hard to find……"

Translation: "Ke Li Si Ting, who harbors the ambition to revive the Pearl family's glory nearby and the desire to be the divine choice of the frenzied erudite Ji Ming far away, also quickly expressed her stance."

Ke Li Si Ting didn't dare to speak, because she was desperately restraining herself from uttering, "If that won't work, let's sit down and think together?"

But Feng En, who had been rolling around in the circles for many years, had already sensed a hint of it from within.

Thus: "Ke Li Si Ting, who harbors the ambition to revive the Pearl family's glory nearby and the desire to be the divine choice of the frenzied erudite Ji Ming far away, also quickly expressed her stance."

—Otherwise why would they be using the barracks around the Royal Capital as a training site? Because there truly is no other place willing to take them in.

Translation: ""Your Highness, although our numbers are inferior to theirs, we still have some fighting strength; perhaps there is still a chance to turn things around!""

Even so, they still spent a large sum on rent and leveraged many connections up and down.

Thus: ""Your Highness, although our numbers are inferior to theirs, we still have some fighting strength; perhaps there is still a chance to turn things around！""

So, Ke Li Si Ting must obtain a military merit to secure a base—a true land of the rising dragon.

Translation: "With a sigh, the Third Prince's face showed a bitter smile."

And the designated point for earning military merit in the Shen Lin Wang Guo is naturally the Northern Border Defense Line, where battles are never scarce.

Nonsense! I'm the one who least wants to die—how could I not know what you're saying?

Translation: "——Nonsense! I'm the one who least wants to die; how could you not know that?"

It's well known that the popular tournament held at least once a year is the most nurturing, forging countless newcomers here through blood and flesh.

Ke Li Si Ting thought so and acted accordingly, leading over a thousand soldiers to directly apply for an auxiliary defense mission at Iron Furnace Fortress.

Translation: "But he could only curse silently in his heart, while his face continued to wear a regretful, long‑drawn sigh."

Little did she know that her assumed proactive grind in the grass valley, easily gaining experience and casually observing her hometown's customs, would turn out differently.

When the Third Prince's movements were unexpectedly exposed, the steppe people struck first, turning the defense of the isolated city into a massive headwind.

Translation: ""Don't worry, you two; I, the prince, haven't given up hope either—it's just that the reality is grim, and a way to break the situation… well, it's really hard to find……""

Moreover, this year the enemy's offensive is exceptionally fierce, and the rear situation is unusually strange, completely unlike the preparations she had made beforehand.

Thus the bleak reality made Ke Li Si Ting's first battle in the novice village immediately high‑difficulty, akin to a startup team hit by a major industry upheaval.

Translation: "Ke Li Si Ting didn't dare to speak, because she was desperately restraining herself from uttering, "If that won't work, let's sit down and think together?""

The battle‑horse maiden, already a bit scatterbrained, felt her head was about to burn out, shrouded in mist all day.

We need to keep the inner quotes. So: "Ke Li Si Ting didn't dare to speak, because she was desperately restraining herself from uttering, "If that won't work, let's sit down and think together？」"

As for good news, the hunted Third Prince retreated to Iron Furnace Fortress with his tens of thousands of elite troops.

Translation: "But Feng En, who had been rolling around in the circles for many years, had already sensed a hint of it from within."

The bad news is that he also brought the fifty‑thousand‑strong steppe army that was following behind.

Suddenly enlightened, he hurriedly said.

Your Highness, no matter what method, it's still a method after all; if you have any ideas, please speak up!

Ah, this...

The Third Prince feigned hesitation, but ultimately gestured for the two to come closer.

A moment.

???

Feng En and Ke Li Si Ting changed color again, for this plan was simply too crazy!

When the wind and snow rose again at dusk, over ten thousand troops launched an all-out attack, striking at the enemy's weak point; how many would survive was anyone's guess.

This...

Though in theory it could work, after all this is a fantasy world; people, with a little disguise, who knows who is who.

Even if the Third Prince's personal guard fought desperately, let alone just escorting a few, even ten or dozens, escaping from the chaotic army would pose no difficulty.

The problem is.

Ke Li Si Ting: "What about me?"

This flesh-and-blood Gundam-like physique indeed exudes boundless domineering aura, but correspondingly, the tale of Iron Furnace Fortress's monster woman has spread far and wide, over a thousand eight hundred li.

Even if she wrapped herself like a sunshine rainbow little black horse, the grassland folk could spot a moving coal pile and chase after her; there was simply no chance of escaping in disguise.

Of course, she didn't foolishly ask that; instead, she asked indirectly.

Your Highness the Prince, may I ask what I should do in this plan?

You...

Old Three was surely trying to be tactful, but he found it hard to pull off, and a pure lie has no persuasive power at all.

So he could only change his approach, took a breath, fixed his gaze, and spoke with a trembling voice.

Pearl Viscount, did you come here just to shrink in the castle and blow cold wind?

Although Ke Li Si Ting would still be taller than this human man even if she shrank, she was still shaken by this sudden domineering aura.

He hesitated.

Uh... no... isn't it?

Of course not!

The Third Prince spoke decisively.

Listen, you should be a centaur with some heavenly horse bloodline; such talent shouldn't be buried! I believe you chose to risk your life and come here to carve a path because of that.

And as a prince, I am actually willing to help those with ambition to achieve something, giving them a chance to showcase themselves, for it's a win-win, just like now.

Saying this, he unfurled a magic painting scroll and displayed it before the two.

Look, this is the situation map of Iron Furnace Fortress I had someone draw, precious information bought at the cost of at least three lives.

Pay attention, here, here, and here's the enemy deployment; see what you can make out?

Feng En's fingers waved a few times above the scroll, and he drew a sharp breath.

Besides besieging us, they are actually guarding against something... they are guarding against our reinforcements!

Exactly!

Leaders love subordinates who grasp things instantly and can harmonize with them; thus the Third Prince even got excited enough to smirk sideways.

If our reinforcements are about to arrive, this is absolutely vital information we must send out at all costs, even in the face of magical interference!

But now, since only ourselves can save us, this is a piece of news entirely to our advantage.

One must understand that no fool would dare to engage in such high-stakes play; anyone daring to come rescue the Third Prince certainly has the confidence to face a fifty-thousand-strong army.

Even the sturdiest shield and sharpest spear can only face one direction at a time.

Thus this defensive position must have its spearhead pointing outward, and necessarily there is a relatively weak spot behind the entire encirclement.

This is the Deep Forest people's chance to break through!

Your Excellency Viscount, you are a mighty centaur, naturally skilled at horse archery and charging; it's only because your troops are too weak that you can't show your true strength.

Now my command has over ten thousand elite soldiers, of which the cavalry alone numbers close to half, over five thousand, each a battle-hardened warrior forged in blood and combat.

If you take the lead as vanguard, under cover of night leading the pickiest three thousand, with mage squads providing cover, you will surely break the grassland army's defenses in one fell swoop, carving a path of survival for the following troops.

After quickly laying out his battle plan, the Third Prince didn't forget to display the oratory skills every leader must master.

Rest assured, once we escape successfully, I will personally petition the father king for merit on your behalf; remember, our Deep Forest Kingdom holds heroes in highest esteem, and a warrior like you will surely be richly rewarded.

Gui Gui, if Ji Ming heard this he'd have run off already, but Ke Li Si Ting has never seen such brazen leadership pie-in-the-sky tactics.

To her, this is simply...

Your Highness the Prince, is this really true!?

Ding~

Password correct!

First, just as saber-toothed tigers differ from Sumatran tigers, Ke Li Si Ting's heavenly horse bloodline is certainly not the same as Ji Ming's high-grade mount.

In fact, this is also the name of an early golden race of the Holy Tree Kingdom, a formidable presence recorded in history.

It's a pity that, having harbored treacherous intentions, they never got to raise an army before the early elves, brimming with martial virtue, caught wind of it and wiped them out on the spot.

Only a few remnants of bloodline remain, one branch of which gradually evolved into today's demonic heavenly horse.

【Don't think that way! It's not that disgusting; it's extracted and altered in the lab using magical technology!】

Thus, as a scion of a self-important family, Ke Li Si Ting's desire for bloodline continuation and fame and fortune is easy to imagine.

Therefore, the Third Prince's seemingly reasonable tactical arrangement and the task rewards piled high with sweetness are practically a tap dance on Ke Li Si Ting's thirst for progress.

Moreover, this pie is not entirely a pie in the sky; at least the final distribution of rewards can indeed be real.

——Since Ke Li Si Ting can even scrape by in such a near-suicidal situation, what harm is there in me petitioning for her a merit?

Furthermore, according to Deep Forest's customs, presenting a valiant general to His Majesty counts as a great deed; I might even get to share in the spoils!